Washingtonian article about how Spring Valley is giving it's residents cancer

[Anonymous]

While DC maybe transient in places and ages, upper NW (especially Spring Valley, Foxhall and Wesley Heights) is anything but transient.

The links should also be accessible from the Army Corps website, on the left under "Project something-or-other."

Frankly, I don't care why someone (or someones) resurrect this defeated line of inquiry periodically, and then pepper it with over-the-top comments that undermine any attempt to take their screeds seriously. If someone actually wants to know about the topic, it only takes a few hours to read and inform oneself. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

[Anonymous]

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/60/386723.page

Here it is - obviously the same poster hating on the neighborhood and real estate agents. You can totally tell by the writing style. I he/she think secretly wants to live there but cannot, and would like to be a real estate agent but cannot pass the exam or some such other hangup with the neighborhood and agents. I feel sorry for the guy/woman. So he/she has done four transactions himself/herself and brags about it here and tries to come off like an expert. Oh yes, and the market is tanking here in DC? Not likely. Keep wishing for it. Would it not be nice to have a positive outlook on life?

[Anonymous]

OP is a troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While DC maybe transient in places and ages, upper NW (especially Spring Valley, Foxhall and Wesley Heights) is anything but transient.

The links should also be accessible from the Army Corps website, on the left under "Project something-or-other."

Frankly, I don't care why someone (or someones) resurrect this defeated line of inquiry periodically, and then pepper it with over-the-top comments that undermine any attempt to take their screeds seriously. If someone actually wants to know about the topic, it only takes a few hours to read and inform oneself. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

I am not the op but did post a question on here recently because I have a very good reason ie: either I live in the neighborhood, have family that do, or I would like to buy a house in the neighborhood. Real estate agents don't give candid answers which is why I am posting on here. I honk it is a beautiful neighborhood and would like to buy there some day but I want to be sure I have accurate info as I have heard various accounts. Primarily I am wondering which streets have had arsenic issues it been part if the dumping site? I see in the maps that there are certain streets that have a few houses with high arsenic readings but not the others? Does that mean that the others were tested ok? Confused. Of there was arsenic then it must be the area where munitions were buried? What streets are mostly affected? Can tap water be affected? I have inquired around and I have had very vague answers. I don't mean to offend anyone. Mostly want to know which streets were part of the buried pits?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While DC maybe transient in places and ages, upper NW (especially Spring Valley, Foxhall and Wesley Heights) is anything but transient.

The links should also be accessible from the Army Corps website, on the left under "Project something-or-other."

Frankly, I don't care why someone (or someones) resurrect this defeated line of inquiry periodically, and then pepper it with over-the-top comments that undermine any attempt to take their screeds seriously. If someone actually wants to know about the topic, it only takes a few hours to read and inform oneself. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

I am not the op but did post a question on here recently because I have a very good reason ie: either I live in the neighborhood, have family that do, or I would like to buy a house in the neighborhood. Real estate agents don't give candid answers which is why I am posting on here. I honk it is a beautiful neighborhood and would like to buy there some day but I want to be sure I have accurate info as I have heard various accounts. Primarily I am wondering which streets have had arsenic issues it been part if the dumping site? I see in the maps that there are certain streets that have a few houses with high arsenic readings but not the others? Does that mean that the others were tested ok? Confused. Of there was arsenic then it must be the area where munitions were buried? What streets are mostly affected? Can tap water be affected? I have inquired around and I have had very vague answers. I don't mean to offend anyone. Mostly want to know which streets were part of the buried pits?

I'm the person who posted the links. I appreciate the sincerity of your questions, so I'll reply to them (to the best of my knowledge).

All houses have been tested for arsenic in Spring Valley. Houses with high readings have been remediated. The other houses do not exhibit signs of arsenic (i.e., the readings were normal). Remediation consists of removing the top layers of soil -- perhaps two feet -- and replacing it with new soil. The Army Corps pays for this and then gives you a fat check to re-landscape your yard. Frankly, I would love to receive such a check. If your house has been remediated (and, if it tests positive for anything), you are required by law to disclose this. My home came with a letter saying the tests were negative.

Arsenic comes from many sources. It almost definitely has no connection to munitions. (Again, you can see plenty of arsenic in AU Park. The munitions are not there either.)

Tap water does not come from the ground. It is piped in by DC Water. There is zero concern about arsenic in tap water.

The concern -- throughout DC -- is about lead in tap water. This comes from old pipes. Regardless of where you buy, you'll want to see the material of the pipes in your house. You'll also need to call DC Water and ask about the material of the pipes leading into your house. The preferred materials are brass and PVC. From the city side, entire neighborhoods have lead in their water regardless of the home's pipes. This is because DC hasn't replaced the material for the pipes for which they're responsible. I can speak about my home in Spring Valley: the DC side of pipes does not contain lead and my house has brass. So, I have no lead in my water.

The buried pit ("Hades") is almost certainly beneath the house on Glenbrook next to the SK Embassy. Almost certainly.

The next potential trouble spot is Sibley hospital.

The third area of interest is on the disconnected part of Sedgewick St. I believe -- though don't know -- that the thinking is that the ordances were pointed in this direction for target practice. I could be wrong.

These things are very localized.

[Anonymous]

There is a definite chemical smell or never ending digging and remediation construction smell to that area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a definite chemical smell or never ending digging and remediation construction smell to that area.

This is complete and utter nonsense. You do everyone a disservice by saying such patently false statements.

I can only guess about the quality of your life and marriage such that you experience fulfillment in posting such purposefully inflammatory comments. Take up knitting next time.

Please go away: the adults are having a conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a definite chemical smell or never ending digging and remediation construction smell to that area.

Just drove by, the roads are terrible as well

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While DC maybe transient in places and ages, upper NW (especially Spring Valley, Foxhall and Wesley Heights) is anything but transient.

The links should also be accessible from the Army Corps website, on the left under "Project something-or-other."

Frankly, I don't care why someone (or someones) resurrect this defeated line of inquiry periodically, and then pepper it with over-the-top comments that undermine any attempt to take their screeds seriously. If someone actually wants to know about the topic, it only takes a few hours to read and inform oneself. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

I am not the op but did post a question on here recently because I have a very good reason ie: either I live in the neighborhood, have family that do, or I would like to buy a house in the neighborhood. Real estate agents don't give candid answers which is why I am posting on here. I honk it is a beautiful neighborhood and would like to buy there some day but I want to be sure I have accurate info as I have heard various accounts. Primarily I am wondering which streets have had arsenic issues it been part if the dumping site? I see in the maps that there are certain streets that have a few houses with high arsenic readings but not the others? Does that mean that the others were tested ok? Confused. Of there was arsenic then it must be the area where munitions were buried? What streets are mostly affected? Can tap water be affected? I have inquired around and I have had very vague answers. I don't mean to offend anyone. Mostly want to know which streets were part of the buried pits?

I'm the person who posted the links. I appreciate the sincerity of your questions, so I'll reply to them (to the best of my knowledge).

Thank you so very much for your very thoughtful reply. It is very helpful and the most helpful information I have yet to receive!

All houses have been tested for arsenic in Spring Valley. Houses with high readings have been remediated. The other houses do not exhibit signs of arsenic (i.e., the readings were normal). Remediation consists of removing the top layers of soil -- perhaps two feet -- and replacing it with new soil. The Army Corps pays for this and then gives you a fat check to re-landscape your yard. Frankly, I would love to receive such a check. If your house has been remediated (and, if it tests positive for anything), you are required by law to disclose this. My home came with a letter saying the tests were negative.

Arsenic comes from many sources. It almost definitely has no connection to munitions. (Again, you can see plenty of arsenic in AU Park. The munitions are not there either.)

Tap water does not come from the ground. It is piped in by DC Water. There is zero concern about arsenic in tap water.

The concern -- throughout DC -- is about lead in tap water. This comes from old pipes. Regardless of where you buy, you'll want to see the material of the pipes in your house. You'll also need to call DC Water and ask about the material of the pipes leading into your house. The preferred materials are brass and PVC. From the city side, entire neighborhoods have lead in their water regardless of the home's pipes. This is because DC hasn't replaced the material for the pipes for which they're responsible. I can speak about my home in Spring Valley: the DC side of pipes does not contain lead and my house has brass. So, I have no lead in my water.

The buried pit ("Hades") is almost certainly beneath the house on Glenbrook next to the SK Embassy. Almost certainly.

The next potential trouble spot is Sibley hospital.

The third area of interest is on the disconnected part of Sedgewick St. I believe -- though don't know -- that the thinking is that the ordances were pointed in this direction for target practice. I could be wrong.

These things are very localized.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While DC maybe transient in places and ages, upper NW (especially Spring Valley, Foxhall and Wesley Heights) is anything but transient.

The links should also be accessible from the Army Corps website, on the left under "Project something-or-other."

Frankly, I don't care why someone (or someones) resurrect this defeated line of inquiry periodically, and then pepper it with over-the-top comments that undermine any attempt to take their screeds seriously. If someone actually wants to know about the topic, it only takes a few hours to read and inform oneself. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

I am not the op but did post a question on here recently because I have a very good reason ie: either I live in the neighborhood, have family that do, or I would like to buy a house in the neighborhood. Real estate agents don't give candid answers which is why I am posting on here. I honk it is a beautiful neighborhood and would like to buy there some day but I want to be sure I have accurate info as I have heard various accounts. Primarily I am wondering which streets have had arsenic issues it been part if the dumping site? I see in the maps that there are certain streets that have a few houses with high arsenic readings but not the others? Does that mean that the others were tested ok? Confused. Of there was arsenic then it must be the area where munitions were buried? What streets are mostly affected? Can tap water be affected? I have inquired around and I have had very vague answers. I don't mean to offend anyone. Mostly want to know which streets were part of the buried pits?

I'm the person who posted the links. I appreciate the sincerity of your questions, so I'll reply to them (to the best of my knowledge).

All houses have been tested for arsenic in Spring Valley. Houses with high readings have been remediated. The other houses do not exhibit signs of arsenic (i.e., the readings were normal). Remediation consists of removing the top layers of soil -- perhaps two feet -- and replacing it with new soil. The Army Corps pays for this and then gives you a fat check to re-landscape your yard. Frankly, I would love to receive such a check. If your house has been remediated (and, if it tests positive for anything), you are required by law to disclose this. My home came with a letter saying the tests were negative.

Arsenic comes from many sources. It almost definitely has no connection to munitions. (Again, you can see plenty of arsenic in AU Park. The munitions are not there either.)

Tap water does not come from the ground. It is piped in by DC Water. There is zero concern about arsenic in tap water.

The concern -- throughout DC -- is about lead in tap water. This comes from old pipes. Regardless of where you buy, you'll want to see the material of the pipes in your house. You'll also need to call DC Water and ask about the material of the pipes leading into your house. The preferred materials are brass and PVC. From the city side, entire neighborhoods have lead in their water regardless of the home's pipes. This is because DC hasn't replaced the material for the pipes for which they're responsible. I can speak about my home in Spring Valley: the DC side of pipes does not contain lead and my house has brass. So, I have no lead in my water.

The buried pit ("Hades") is almost certainly beneath the house on Glenbrook next to the SK Embassy. Almost certainly.

The next potential trouble spot is Sibley hospital.

The third area of interest is on the disconnected part of Sedgewick St. I believe -- though don't know -- that the thinking is that the ordances were pointed in this direction for target practice. I could be wrong.

These things are very localized.

Thank you so much for your reply! It is the most helpful information I have received as of yet!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a definite chemical smell or never ending digging and remediation construction smell to that area.

Just drove by, the roads are terrible as well

Welcome to the District of Columbia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a definite chemical smell or never ending digging and remediation construction smell to that area.

Is there a way to look up the address of a home and see whether it has been tested etc…? Is this public information or held privately?

[Anonymous]

Well, you can probably tell from the maps linked to previously.

Otherwise, the sales documents for a house you're considering will include these disclosures. Your realtor should ask the listing agent for any disclosures. You can get a verbal confirmation while you're awaiting the official documents (if there's any delay). This is true for all homes.

[Anonymous]

By the way, the locations of found munitions is on one of the maps (http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Portals/63/docs/SpringValley/Overview%20Map%20Geophys%20-%20Public.pdf). They're little brown dots. They're all either near the SK Embassy, on the disconnected part of Sedgwick, or past Dalecarlia Blvd.

There's a clear test-fire path from AU to the woods north of Sibley. It is outlined in blue.

(I would wager quite heavily that the homes just past the DC line on the west side of Massachusetts have plenty of currently-undiscovered ordnance nearby. That's a nice neighborhood and it wouldn't hold me back from moving there, but it's good to know.)