FEBRUARY 23, 2015
SPRINGBORO, OHIO (WDTN)
For the first time, we’re hearing from the lawyer of a
Springboro man whose home is now an EPA cleanup site.
He says he wants the public to know how sorry he is that the
situation has escalated to this point.
Forklifts and clean up crews can be seen on Jacamar Court in
Springboro. The aftermath of a home destroyed by a fire.
It’s what was found inside the home that has raised concerns
for neighbors and brought out the Environmental Protection Agency.
“Its very unusual to see the EPA come in and declare a
homestead to be a super fund sight” said Anthony Cicero, homeowner’s attorney.
A sentiment echoed by the EPA on-scene coordinator 2 NEWS
spoke with. Crews found acids, solvents and mercury inside the house.
Chemicals the homeowner’s lawyer believes were used for
hobbies.
“He’s a man of many interests. His interests include
dentistry, chemistry, electronics. He did not have anything in his home that
was of any significant quantity. They were in a controlled environment and now
their not” said Cicero.
The cleanup is why the the homeowner hired an attorney, his
insurance isn’t paying.
“We’re disappointed that his insurance didn’t pay for the
cleanup and we will continue to pursue that remedy so taxpayers don’t have to
foot the bill on this” said Cicero.
It’s estimated the cleanup process will cost 100,000
dollars. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“We want to continue to monitor the situation and make sure
the investigation is being done properly. He is sincerely apologetic to his
neighbors, his friends, these people his lived with in this neighborhood for 25
years with. He never expected anything like this could happen” said Cicero.
The homeowner isn’t being charged with anything.
The EPA spokesperson says they are a quarter of the way done
with cleanup. It should take several more weeks. They are monitoring the
air for volatile organic compounds.
The neighborhood is in no danger according to the EPA. For
updated information, the organization has created a website, click
here.