The Schwinns have long observed vapors from sewer drains and heavy penicillin odors emanating from the nearby Consolidated Pharmaceuticals Group Inc. warehouse in Brooklyn Park.
Residents want the chemicals removed from the Robinwood Road facility, now that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is forcing the company to rid the building of acid and alcohol that fire officials deemed a fire hazard.
“There are a lot of children in this neighborhood [who] will suffer, because that stuff is toxic,” said Jackie Schwinn, 69.
The EPA approved federal money for the cleanup, but the agency wants the company, whose owner lives in Turkey, to remove the more than 100 drums of chemicals.
“We?re still trying to work with the company,” EPA spokesman Roy Seneca said.
County officials Tuesday said the EPA has set a one-year deadline.
But EPA officials said Tuesday that no date has been set and that the cleanup would be completed sooner than October 2008.
“The EPA needs to do something about this ? now,” said Michael Wandelear, 41, of Robinwood Road. “But that?s the government for you.”
Charles Schaller, an Annapolis lawyer representing the company, did not return calls for comment.
If some of the chemicals mix together, a toxic fume could occur, EPA officials said. Battalion Chief Michael Cox said the fire department has a plan to evacuate the area and fight the fire if one occurs.
No county, state or federal officials have been to the neighborhood to talk about the issue, residents say.
Other residents believe Consolidated Pharmaceuticals will clean up its site.
“There are wrong-doers out there, but I personally believe they are not out to destroy the neighborhood,” said David Bastien, president of the Arundel Village Improvement Association.
STORY SO FAR
» May 10: Maryland Department of the Environment finds the property abandoned with no one managing the chemicals; Anne Arundel fire officials find several violations.
» June 15: Environmental Protection Agency visits the site.
» July 11: MDE issues $100,000 fine. Consolidated Pharmaceuticals Group Inc. appeals, with hearing set Dec. 12.
» Oct. 12: Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold issues letter to EPA to take action.
» Oct. 17: EPA issues memo allowing federal dollars to be used in cleanup if necessary.
