&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Solid Waste And
Emergency Response
(5201 G)
SUPERFUND:
EPA/540/R-95/095
PB95-962927
9200.5-725 C
May 1995
Progress at
National
Priority
List Sites
3\X
Printed on Recycled Paper
MISSISSIPPI
1995 UPDATE
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How to Use the NPL Book
The site fact sheets presented in this book
are comprehensive summaries that cover a
broad range of information. The fact sheets
describe hazardous waste sites on the NPL and
their locations, as well as the conditions
leading to their listing ("Site Description").
The summaries list the types of contaminants
that have been discovered and related threats
to public and ecological health ("Threats and
Contaminants"). "Cleanup Approach" pres-
ents an overview of the cleanup activities
completed, underway, or planned. The fact
sheets conclude with a brief synopsis of how
much progress has been made in protecting
public health and the environment. The
summaries also pinpoint other actions, such as
legal efforts to involve polluters responsible
for site contamination and community con-
cerns.
The fact sheets are arranged in alphabetical
order by site name. Because site cleanup is a
dynamic and gradual process, all site informa-
tion is accurate as of the date shown on the
bottom of each page. Progress is always being
made at NPL sites, and the EPA periodically
will update the site fact sheets to reflect recent
actions. The following two pages show a
generic fact sheet and briefly describe the
information under each section.
How Can You Use
This State Book?
You can use this book to keep informed
about the sites that concern you, particu-
larly ones close to home. The EPA is commit-
ted to involving the public in the decision
making process associated with hazardous
waste cleanup. The Agency solicits input from
area residents in communities affected by
Superfund sites. Citizens are likely to be
affected not only by hazardous site conditions,
but also by the remedies that combat them.
Site cleanups take many forms and can affect
communities in different ways. Local traffic
may be rerouted, residents may be relocated,
temporary water supplies may be necessary.
Definitive information on a site can help
citizens sift through alternatives and make
decisions. To make good choices, you must
know what the threats are and how the EPA
intends to clean up the site. You must under-
stand the cleanup alternatives being proposed
for site cleanup and how residents may be
affected by each one. You also need to have
some idea of how your community intends to
use the site in the future, and you need to know
what the community can realistically expect
once the cleanup is complete.
The EPA wants to develop cleanup methods
that meet community needs, but the Agency
only can take local concerns into account if it
understands what they are. Information must
travel both ways in order for cleanups to be
effective and satisfactory. Please take this
opportunity to learn more, become involved,
and assure that hazardous waste cleanup at
"your" site considers your community's
concerns.
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NPL LISTING HISTORY
Provides the dates when the
site was Proposed, made Final,
and Deleted from the NPL.
SITE RESPONSIBILITY
Identifies the Federal, State,
and/or potentially responsible
parties taking responsibility
for cleanup actions at the site.
ENVIRONMENTAL
PROGRESS
Summarizes the actions to
reduce the threats to nearby
residents and the surrounding
environment and the progress
towards cleaning up the site.
SITE NAME
STATE
EPAID# ABCOOOOOOO
Site Description
EPA REGION XX
COUNTY NAME
LOCATION
Other Names:
: XXX xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx
: XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX xxxxxxxx \
: xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx x xxx .
XXXXXXX XXX XXXXfeta^lXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX xxxxxxxxx">SIK$X XXX XX XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX xxxx XXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX xxxxfcmKXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX xxxxx xxx xxx XXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXX xjBOlK^XXX XXXXXX XX XXXX xxx xxxxx XXX XXXXX xxx XXXXX
Site Responsibility:
xxxxxx xxx xxxxx :
XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX
NPL Listing History
Proposed XX/XX/XX
Final XX/XX/XX
Threats and Contaminants
XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX
XXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX
XXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX X
XXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX
Cleanup Approach
XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X XXX XXXXXXXX
Response Action Status
xxxxxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX
XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX X XXX XX XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXX
XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXX
xxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx/xx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxx
Site Facts:
XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX
XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X XXX
xxx xxxxxx
Environmental Progress
XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X XXX XXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
Site Repository
XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX ;
: xxxxxxxxx
\
SITE REPOSITORY
Lists the location of the primary site repository. The site
repository may include community relations plans, public
meeting announcements and minutes, fact sheets, press
releases, and other site-related documents.
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SITE DESCRIPTION
This section describes the location and history of the site. It includes descrip-
tions of the most recent activities and past actions at the site that have con-
tributed to the contamination. Population estimates, land usages, and nearby
resources give readers background on the local setting surrounding the site.
THREATS AND CONTAMINANTS
The major chemical categories of site contamination are noted, as well as
which environmental resources are affected. Icons representing each of the
affected resources (may include air, groundwater, surface water, soil, and
contamination to environmentally sensitive areas) are included in the margins
of this section. Potential threats to residents and the surrounding environ-
ments arising from the site contamination also are described.
CLEANUP APPROACH
This section contains a brief overview of how the site is being cleaned up.
RESPONSE ACTION STATUS
Specific actions that have been accomplished or will be undertaken to clean
up the site are described here. Cleanup activities at NPL sites are divided
into separate phases, depending on the complexity and required actions at the
site. Two major types of cleanup activities often are described: initial,
immediate, or emergency actions to quickly remove or reduce imminent
threats to the community and surrounding areas; and long-term remedial
phases directed at final cleanup at the site. Each stage of the cleanup strategy
is presented in this section of the summary. Icons representing the stage of
the cleanup process (initial actions, site investigations, EPA selection of the
cleanup remedy, engineering design phase, cleanup activities underway, and
completed cleanup) are located in the margin next to each activity descrip-
tion.
SITE FACTS
Additional information on activities and events at the site are included in this
section. Often details on legal or administrative actions taken by the EPA to
achieve site cleanup or other facts pertaining to community involvement with
the site cleanup process are reported here.
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Guide to the NPL Book Icons
The "icons," or symbols, accompanying the text allow the reader to see at a glance which envi-
ronmental resources are affected and the status of cleanup activities at the site.
Icons in the Threats
and Contaminants
Section
Icons in the Response
Action Status Section
Contaminated Groundwater re-
sources in the vicinity or underlying
the site. (Groundwater is often used
as a drinking water source.)
Contaminated Surface Water and
Sediments on or near the site.
(These include lakes, ponds,
streams, and rivers.)
Contaminated Air in the vicinity of
the site. (Air pollution usually is
periodic and involves contaminated
dust particles or hazardous gas
emissions.)
Contaminated Soil and Sludges on
or near the site. (This contamination
category may include bulk or other
surface hazardous wastes found on
the site.)
Threatened or contaminated Envi-
ronmentally Sensitive Areas in the
vicinity of the site. (Examples
include wetlands and coastal areas
or critical habitats.)
Initial, Immediate, or Emergency
Actions have been taken or are
underway to eliminate immediate
threats at the site.
Site Studies at the site to determine
the nature and extent of contamina-
tion are planned or underway.
Remedy Selected indicates that site
investigations have been concluded,
and the EPA has selected a final
cleanup remedy for the site or part
of the site.
Remedy Design means that engi-
neers are preparing specifications
and drawings for the selected
cleanup technologies.
Cleanup Ongoing indicates that the
selected cleanup remedies for the
contaminated site, or part of the site,
currently are underway.
Cleanup Complete shows that all
cleanup goals have been achieved
for the contaminated site or part of
the site.
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EPA ID
NUMBER SITE NAME
MSD0081 54486 CHEMFAX, INC.
MSD980710941 FLOWOOD SITE
MSD980840045 NEWSOM BROTHERS/OLD REICHHOLD CHEMICALS
MSD056029648 POTTER CO.
MSD981931298 TEXAS EASTERN KOSCIUSKO COMPRESSOR
MSD980601736 WALCOTTE CHEMICAL CO. WAREHOUSES
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CHEMFAX, INC.
MISSISSIPPI
EPA ID# MSD008154486
Site Description
EPA REGION 4
Harrison County
Gulfport
Chemfax, Inc. is an 11-acre chemical manufacturing site that began operations in 1955. It is
located in an industrial section of Harrison County, near Gulfport, Mississippi. Chemfax
currently produces petroleum hydrocarbon resins, but the primary operation is a paraffin wax
blending process. Condensed cooling water used in this process is stored in an on-site cooling
pond with an overflow drain that leads to a drainage ditch. An additional holding pond that was
owned by the Alpine Masonite Co. is located adjacent to the Chemfax site. Alpine Masonite
used the pond to store excess cooling water discharged from its phenolic resin operation. This
pond was reportedly not used by Chemfax to store wastes, but it was covered by a layer of
paraffin wax that had melted during a fire and flowed into the pond. This wax, along with wax
that periodically appeared in the drainage ditch, can be attributed to several fires that have
occurred at Chemfax. The EPA conducted air sampling activities in 1990, which detected high
levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene, toluene, xylenes, ethyl benzene,
and styrene. The concentrations of benzene detected in the air were over 180 times the EPA's
health-based benchmarks. Other contaminants also were found in air samples in significantly
greater concentrations than upwind samples. Chemfax employs 57 people and Alpine Meadows
employs two individuals, all of whom are exposed to air contaminants from the Chemfax site.
There are approximately 45,000 people living within 4 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility:
The site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/23/93
Threats and Contaminants
Air sampling indicated the presence of VOCs, including benzene, toluene, xylenes,
ethyl benzene, and stryene. Breathing this air could be harmful to human health.
September 1994
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: The EPA has conducted preliminary air sampling activities at the
Chemfax, Inc. site. Additional studies to determine the nature and extent of
contamination are being planned.
Environmental Progress
The EPA has determined that the public and the environment are not at immediate risk while
additional studies at the Chemfax, Inc. site are being planned.
Site Repository
Not yet established.
September 1 994
CHEMFAX, INC.
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FLOWOOD SIT
MISSISSIPPI
EPA ID# MSD980710941
EPA REGION 4
Rankin County
Flowood
Site Description
The Flowood Site covers approximately 225 acres and consists of wetlands and lowlands of the
alluvial plain of the Pearl River. It is separated from the river by levees. Two manufacturing
facilities have existed at the site since the 1940s. The northernmost facility has been operating as
a corrugated box company since the 1950s. From 1956 to 1983, it was owned by the Continental
Can Company and then was purchased by the current owner, the Stone Container Corporation.
The second manufacturing facility is owned by the Rival Manufacturing Company and has been
used to manufacture stoneware cooking pots since the 1970s. The past owner, the Marmon
Group, used the facility from the 1950s until the 1970s to manufacture ceramic tiles. The site
consisted of wastewater discharge areas and downstream areas adjacent to the two manufacturing
facilities. The immediate area of the site included a borrow pit, a canal used as a discharge area,
and other undeveloped land areas adjacent to the plant sites. State officials first became aware of
the presence of hazardous substances in the canal during a routine industrial wastewater
inspection in 1982. At that time, wastewater that was being discharged by a manufacturing
facility directly into the canal contained elevated levels of lead. The State issued an emergency
permit for wastewater treatment and subsequently removed the wastewater from the canal later
that year. The EPA was notified about the site by the State in 1983. Approximately 940 people
live in the Town of Flowood. The site is located in an area of mixed industrial, agricultural,
commercial, and residential uses, as well as undeveloped swamp and forest areas.
Site Responsibility:
This site has been addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 09/08/83
Final Date: 09/21/84
March 1995
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Threats and Contaminants
The soils and sediments located in the lagoon and canal, the soil around the levee, and
surface water in nearby Lake Marie and Neely Creek were contaminated with lead
from former manufacturing wastes. Groundwater in the immediate vicinity of the
waste disposal areas contains low levels of contamination. The potential for exposure
at the site included accidental ingestion of, or direct contact with, contaminated soil
and ground water.
Cleanup Approach
Response Action Status
Entire Site: Based on the results of the site investigation completed in 1988, EPA
chose the following remedy for site cleanup: groundwater monitoring and the
excavation and stabilization/solidification of contaminated soils from the site. The
treated soil was placed in the canal and capped as necessary. As the cleanup effort proceeded,
EPA found a greater amount of contaminated soil to be solidified, thus requiring more space for
disposal. EPA approved a revised design in 1991 that accommodated this larger amount of soil.
Cleanup began in 1992 and was completed in 1993. Deed restrictions are in place to keep the
solidified contaminants from being disturbed. EPA will continue monitoring the groundwater for
several years to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup actions.
Site Facts: In 1984, EPA sent a Special Notice to the parties potentially responsible for site
contamination to conduct the investigation and to identify possible cleanup alternatives. EPA and
the Marmon Group signed an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) in 1986 and, in 1989, the
Marmon Group entered into a Consent Decree and completed the design and cleanup under EPA
direction. The Marmon Group continues to be responsible for monitoring of the groundwater.
Environmental Progress
All cleanup at the site is complete. The excavation and treatment of contaminated soils has
reduced threats to the public and the environment from the Flowood Site. Additional monitoring
will be undertaken to ensure that the remedy remains protective. EPA expects to propose the site
for deletion from the NPL in 1995.
March 1995 2 FLOWOOD SITE
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Site Repository
Pearl Public Library, 3470 Highway 80, East Pearl, MS 39208
FLOWOOD SITE
March 1995
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NEWSOM BROT
OLD REICHHOL
CHEMICALS, I
MISSISSIPPI
EPA ID# MSD980840045
EPA REGION 4
Marion County
Columbia
Site Description
The 81-acre Newsom Brothers/Old Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. site presently includes several
storage tanks, three holding ponds, a concrete drainage system, and several buildings in the
former processing areas. The site was used by several owners from the 1930s through 1974 as a
sawmill and for the production of turpentine, resins, and other wood derivatives. From 1975 to
1977, Reichhold Chemicals, Inc. manufactured, among other things, wood preserving compounds
made from pentachlorophenol (PCP) mixed with diesel oil. In 1976, the Mississippi Air and
Water Pollution Control Commission found that Reichhold was discharging wastewater containing
phenols, oil, and grease into a nearby stream. Reichhold continued operations on the property
until 1977, when an explosion and fire destroyed much of the processing facility. The company
subsequently abandoned the site. Reichhold reportedly buried many drums containing waste
materials in five separate areas of the site. In 1980 and 1981, ownership of the site was
transferred, but Reichhold Chemicals regained ownership of the property in 1988. The site
borders the southern end of the heavily urbanized area of Columbia. This urban residential area
has a population of approximately 12,000. The primary land use in the surrounding area is for
agriculture. Public water supply wells are within 1/4 mile of the site and less than 100 feet deep.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 06/10/86
Threats and Contaminants
The sediments are contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), poly cyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from former
process wastes. The soil is contaminated with VOCs and PAHs. Accidental ingestion
or direct contact with contaminated soil, pond sediments, and creeks are potential
health hazards. Runoff from the site may endanger aquatic life in the nearby Pearl
River.
March 1995
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: initial actions and a long-term remedial phase focusing
on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1984, the EPA removed 600 drums from the site. Two on-site
ponds were drained, and the water was treated and discharged through a local
treatment facility. One pond was filled with soil. Additional removal activities
occurred between 1987 and 1988, when approximately 3,900 buried drums and 1,900 tons of
contaminated soil were excavated and removed from the site. During this period, 775 individuals
were temporarily relocated.
Entire Site: The cleanup methods selected by the EPA for this site include: removing
the black, tar-like waste material to the off-site area and treating it through thermal
destruction; excavating and removing the contaminated soils and sediments from the
site for disposal at a federally approved facility; and filling and capping the on-site ponds and
recontouring the land to prevent the runoff and collection of surface water. No action was
planned for groundwater cleanup; however, monitoring will continue both on and off site for five
years. Designs of the final portions of the selected remedy were completed in mid-1993. Some
cleanup actions began in 1991, led by the potentially responsible parties. In late 1994, during the
final stages of cleanup, EPA discovered about 100 drums of contaminated wastes in the area of
the North Pond. EPA is currently investigating this area to determine if the underlying
groundwater is contaminated. Additional cleanup efforts may be required, based on the results of
this investigation.
Environmental Progress
The initial drum and contaminated soil removal actions described above have reduced the
potential for exposure to hazardous substances. The initial portion of the cleanup involved
cleaning the on-site drainage areas and removing materials contaminated with asbestos. While the
potentially responsible parties continue removing contaminated soils and tar-like material from the
site, EPA is investigating possible groundwater contamination in the North Pond area.
Site Repository
South Mississippi Regional Library, 900 Broad Street, Columbia, MS 39429
March 1995 2 NEWSOM BROTHERS/OLD REICHHOLD
CHEMICALS, INC.
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POTTER COMPA
MISSISSIPPI
EPA ID# MSD056029648
EPA REGION 4
Copiah County
Wesson
Site Description
The Potter Co. site is a 12-acre property located in Wesson, about 43 miles southwest of
Jackson. Beginning in 1953, Potter Co. manufactured electrical components, including
electromagnetic interference filters and capacitors, at the plant. In 1986, Varian Associates, Inc.
purchased Potter Co.'s parent company, Pulse Engineering, Inc. At the time of the purchase,
plant employees expressed concern over past waste-handling practices at the facility. When the
facility was in operation, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) oils used in capacitors were cleaned
from process equipment with solvents. The solvents and oils were dumped onto the ground
outside the manufacturing buildings. In response to the employees' concerns, Potter initiated soil
sampling on site in early 1986. In the on-site soils, Potter found volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), primarily trichloroethene (TCE) and other process-equipment cleaning solvents, and
PCBs. Potter took additional samples later in 1986 and found PCBs in soils in drainage ditches
and on adjacent residential property. Potter also found VOCs and PCBs in several monitoring
wells. In response to this finding, the Mississippi Bureau of Pollution Control sampled municipal
wells southeast of the site and found VOCs present. The City of Wesson closed the contaminated
wells and, in June 1989, installed new wells about 1 mile southeast of the original wells. About
1,500 people obtain drinking water from municipal wells within 4 miles of the site. The site is
located in an area that is both residential and agricultural.
Site Responsibility:
The site is being addressed through
Federal, State,and potentially responsible
parry actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 05/10/93
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with TCE and PCBs. On-site soil, particularly in the
drainage ditches, and soil at an adjacent property are contaminated with PCBs. Soil
also is contaminated with TCE and other VOCs.
July 1993
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: initial actions and a long-term remedial phase focusing
on the cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In mid-1989, the City of Wesson closed two municipal wells
located about 1,000 feet southeast of the site. The City also installed new municipal
wells at that time. In late 1987, Potter installed a synthetic liner to contain
contaminated soil in one of the plant drainage ditches, and placed soil from the most heavily
contaminated areas of the adjacent property on a roll-off container and covered the soil with a
tarp. In 1988 and 1989, Potter conducted additional studies to characterize the extent of PCB
contamination in surface soils and to determine the extent of the TCE plume in the groundwater.
Entire Site: The EPA is planning to initiate a full-scale investigation of the nature
and extent of contamination at the site.
Site Facts: In May 1986, the State of Missouri ordered Potter to determine the extent of PCB
contamination in soils, develop a plan to remove the contaminated soils, and install a monitoring
well.
Environmental Progress
By opening additional municipal wells, the City of Wesson reduced the immediate threats posed
by contaminants at the Potter Co. site. Furthermore, the response to soil contamination at the
adjacent property has been an important first step in controlling that threat. Once a full-scale
investigation of the nature and extent of the contamination is completed, remedies will be selected
for final site cleanup.
Site Repository
July 1993 2 POTTER COMPANY
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TEXAS EASTERN
KOSCIUSKO
COMPRESSOR
STATION
MISSISSIPPI
EPA ID# MSD981931298
Site Description
EPA REGION 4
Attala County
5 miles south of Kosciusko
The Texas Eastern Kosciusko Compressor Station site covers about 98 acres and is located
approximately five miles southeast of Kosciusko. Little Conehoma Creek borders the site to the
north and east. Approximately 20 acres of the site are developed with roads, buildings, and
mechanical structures related to the operation of the compressor station. The remainder of the
property is undeveloped forest and open field areas. The site is one of a number of compressor
stations located along the Texas Eastern Pipeline System, which runs from Texas to New Jersey.
High-speed, high-pressure turbines were installed at compressor stations along this pipeline
system in the late 1950s. Oil containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was used as a
lubricant and coolant in the gas-fired turbines. During routine operation, occasional bearing or
seal failures allowed oil to leak into the pipeline. The pipeline was cleared occasionally,
removing liquids and condensate. This residue from the pipeline was deposited in a pit
approximately 600 feet west of the compressor buildings. PCB lubricating and cooling oil use
was discontinued at the site in 1979. Since then, vented oil, liquids, and condensate have been
collected at the compressor station and disposed of off site. No drinking water is obtained from
surface waters downstream from the Texas Eastern Kosciusko site. Drinking water from the area
is drawn from private wells and the City of Kosciusko water system. Runoff from the site is
directed northward into a detention ditch adjacent to the Little Conehoma Creek. This ditch
flows for about 100 feet into the Little Conehoma Creek, which flows west into Conehoma
Creek, and then enters the Yockanookany River, which is sometimes called Old River Lake.
Little Conehoma Creek, Conehoma Creek, and Yockanookany River are used for recreational
fishing. Primary species of fish harvested include largemouth bass, yellow bullhead, and channel
catfish. Forested wetlands are located along the entire length of surface water, throughout the
floodplain for this river system.
Site Responsibility:
The site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 08/23/94
October 1994
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Threats and Contaminants
HAJ
In 1987, the EPA collected soil samples from the pit area that revealed PCB
contamination. Sediment samples taken from surface waters downstream from the site
also indicated PCB contamination. Subsequent sampling in these surface waters has
confirmed PCB contamination of fish tissue. Touching or ingesting contaminated soils,
surface water, or fish could have adverse health effects. The creeks and rivers
adjacent to the site are used for recreational fishing. Forested wetlands are located
throughout the floodplain of the adjacent river system.
Cleanup Approach
This site will be addressed through a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleaning up the entire
site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: The EPA is planning site-wide investigations of the nature and extent of
contamination at the site. Upon completion of these studies, final cleanup remedies
will be selected.
Environmental Progress
The EPA has determined that the site poses no immediate threats to human health or the
environment as it plans site-wide studies.
Site Repository
Not yet established.
October 1994
TEXAS EASTERN KOSCIUSKO
COMPRESSOR STATION
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WALCOTTE
CHEMICAL
MISSISSIPPI
EPA ID# MSD980601736
EPA REGION 4
Washington County
Greenville
Other Names:
Walcotte Chemical
Community Warehouse
Site Description
The 1-acre Walcotte Chemical site is a former warehouse that operated from 1953 to the early
1960s. Chemicals used in producing fertilizer were stored in drums on the site until the early
1960s. The drums deteriorated to the point where the partially exposed chemicals in them could
have exploded or started a fire. Groundwater near the site is used for residential, industrial, and
irrigation purposes. Approximately 35,000 people live within 3 miles of the site. The site is
located in an urban, residential, and business district. The nearest home is within 60 feet of the
site. The site is located near Lake Ferguson, connected to the Mississippi River, which is used by
area residents for recreational purposes.
Site Responsibility:
This site was addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Deleted Date: 12/30/82
Threats and Contaminants
Drummed waste contaminants included formic acid, various pesticides, and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene. The site is located in a flood plain of the
Mississippi River, which could have resulted in the potential for contaminants to move
through the surface water into the drinking water and surface soils. However, these
risks were lessened by the series of levees that protect the city from periodic river
flooding.
March 1995
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Cleanup Approach
Response Action Status
Entire Site: The initial activities included sampling the drums to verify their
contents in 1981. Due to the explosive nature of the drummed chemical wastes, area
residents temporarily were evacuated, upon request of the Mississippi Department of
Natural Resources, before initial cleanup activities occurred. After the parties potentially
responsible for the site contamination voluntarily agreed to clean up the site, the EPA monitored
their removal of the drummed wastes. The drums were staged, repacked, and transported to an
EPA-certified landfill in 1982. These actions eliminated the threats caused by site contamination,
effectively cleaning up the site. The EPA, in conjunction with the State of Mississippi,
determined that the site was safe for public health and the environment, and the site was deleted
from the NPL in 1982.
Site Facts: The Walcotte Chemical site was placed on the Interim Priorities List in October
1981. The EPA sent Notice Letters to the parties potentially responsible for the site
contamination, giving them the option to participate in the cleanup actions. Illinois Central
Railroad, which had acquired ownership of the property, voluntarily removed the drums from the
site.
Environmental Progress
All cleanup activities have been completed at the Walcotte Chemical site. Following monitoring
to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup, the EPA and the State determined that the site is now
safe for nearby residents and the environment. The site was deleted from the NPL in 1982.
March 1995 2 WALCOTTE CHEMICAL
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