vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Solid Waste And
Emergency Response
(5201 G)
SUPERFUND:
EPA/540/R-95/118
PB95-96295Q
9200.5-747C
May 1995
Progress at
National
Priority
List Sites
WEST VIRGINIA
1995 UP DATE
Printed on Recycled Paper
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How to Use the NPL Book
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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
L XXXXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX \
: xxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx x xxx :
xxxxxxx xxx xxxXxH^xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxxx :
XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX*"j&l«JtX XXX XX XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxx irnncTHiiyii n n n xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxx xSfew^jtxx 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 XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX
XXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX
XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX X XXX XX
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 XXXXXX \
XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X :
XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX :
XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXX X XXX XX XXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXX
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 XXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXX XXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX XXXXXX XXXX XXXXX XXXX X XXX
^^HXXXXXX 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
1 XXXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXXXXX XXX XXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX
Site Repository
xxxxxx xxx xxxxx :
: xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxx 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
WV0170023691 ALLEGANY BALLISTICS LABORATORY (USNAVY)
WVD047989207 FIKE CHEMICAL, INC.
WVD004336749 FOLLANSBEE SITE
WVD980693402 LEETOWN PESTICIDE
WVD000850404 ORDNANCE WORKS DISPOSAL AREAS
WVD980713036 WEST VIRGINIA ORDNANCE (USARMY)
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ALLEGANY BALLISTICS E™ ""JGION 3
F-] Mineral County
I A D f\ D A T^"\ D^A J~—731—1—I 2 miles Sojj£h_of Cresaptown, Maryland
(USNAVY)
WEST VIRGINIA
EPA ID# WV017002369
Site Description
Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) is a 1,628-acre facility situated on the flood plain of the
North Branch of the Potomac River, along the West Virginia-Maryland border. The land
surrounding the site is primarily agricultural with some forestry. The facility, which began
operations in 1942, is used for the research, development, and testing of solid propellants and
motors for rockets, ammunition, and armaments for the Navy. There are two operating plants at
ABL. Plant 1 is owned by the Navy and occupies 1,572 acres of the ABL facility. The
remaining 56 acres are owned and operated by Hercules, Inc. Plant 2, also called the Hercopel
Plant, was not included in the site by the EPA because no releases of hazardous materials are
known to be associated with this facility. A variety of explosive and solvent wastes have been
generated at ABL. Until 1978, the majority of these wastes were disposed of in on-site disposal
areas. From 1970 to 1981, some of the waste was stored in a drum storage area. Due to waste
disposal and handling practices at the facility, there are several source areas of concern. Seven
of these areas were aggregated into one source known as the Northern Riverside Waste Disposal
Area (NRWDA) due to their proximity and the similarity of the hazardous substances deposited
in the sites. The seven sites that make up NRWDA are an ordnance burning ground, an inert
burning ground, a former solvent waste disposal pit, three acid disposal pits, a hazardous waste
drum storage area, and an incinerator landfill. Other contamination sources include two previous
burning ground areas, an inert non-ordnance landfill, a spent photographic developing solutions
disposal area, a sensitivity test area/surface water impoundment, and a beryllium landfill. Other
sources of potential contamination exist at the site including a waste burning operation for the
disposal of contaminated material. Contaminants associated with these sources and detected in
groundwater and soil samples include explosives, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), acids,
bases, laboratory and industrial wastes, bottom sludge from solvent recovery, metal plating
pretreatment sludge, paints, and thinners. Some contaminants have moved off site and were
detected in the North Branch of the Potomac River.
«• « •,-•,• r™ • • , AA A*, u NPL LISTING HISTORY
Site Responsibility: The site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
Proposed Date: 06/23/93
Final Date: 05/31/94
September 1994
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Threats and Contaminants
Contaminants found in the groundwater and soil at ABL include explosives, VOCs,
acids, bases, laboratory and industrial wastes, bottom sludge from solvent recovery,
metal plating pretreatment sludge, paints, and thinners. Several water supply wells
have been found to be contaminated with VOCs and have consequently been shut
down. Part of the ABL property is situated along the south bank of the North
Branch of the Potomac River. Due to movement of some of the chemicals off site,
contaminants have been found in this part of the river. Ingesting or coming into
contact with contaminated groundwater or soil could be a public health risk.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in three stages: initial actions and two long-term remedial actions
focusing on the cleanup of the Northern Riverside Waste Disposal Area and the Non-ordnance
Landfill.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: Two ABL water supply wells, which were found to contain VOCs,
were temporarily taken out of service in 1981. The wells have only been used as
backups during drought conditions and are not currently hooked up to the water
supply system. Several additional water supply wells in the developed area of Plant 1 have been
taken out of service. Recent testing of these wells, as well as numerous monitoring wells in the
developed area, shows consistent VOC contamination in the groundwater.
Northern Riverside Waste Disposal Area (NRDWA): The EPA is planning to
begin a study of the nature and extent of contamination at the NRDWA in 1994.
Once this investigation is completed, the EPA will choose a remedy for cleanup of
Non-ordnance Landfill: The EPA is planning to undertake a study of the nature
and extent of contamination of the inert non-ordnance landfill. Once this
investigation is completed, the EPA will choose a remedy for cleanup of the area.
Environmental Progress
The closing of drinking water wells has protected the public while site investigations are being
planned.
September 1994
ALLEGHENY BALLISTICS
LABORATORY (USNAVY)
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Site Repository
Not yet established.
ALLEGHENY BALLISTICS 3 September 1994
LABORATORY (USNAVY)
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FIKE CHEMJeAL^J EPA REGION 3
I _> ^T Kanawha and Putnam Counties
I IVI O I [L OCH — 1 — I » ^!Jl£0 Industrial Complex in Nitro
WEST VIRGINIA
EPA ID# WVD047989x S< / Artel Site
Site Description
The 12-acre Fike Chemical, Inc. site consists of Fike Chemicals, Inc. (now Artel Chemicals) and
the Cooperative Sewage Treatment, Inc. (CST) property, which is a facility designed to treat
stormwater and wastewater generated at the Fike Chemical plant. The Fike Chemical plant was a
small volume batch formulator that specialized in the development of over 60 chemicals, custom
chemical processing, and specialty chemicals. The plant was purchased by Artel Chemical in
1986 and was subsequently abandoned in 1988. Site activities leading to contamination include
improper storage of drums containing hazardous substances, on-site disposal of hazardous wastes
through drum burial and unlined surface lagoons, and tank storage of various chemical stock,
products, and wastes. Treated water from the CST property is discharged into the Kanawha
River. Approximately 8,000 people live within a 1-mile radius of the site, and an estimated
25,000 people live within a 10-mile radius of the industrial complex.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through LIS™? ™
K 7 ° ^ Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
The groundwater and soil are contaminated with various organic compounds from the
chemical plant's process wastes. Dioxin has been detected in on-site soils. There is a
potential for release of volatile chemicals into the air that would pose risks if inhaled.
Potential human health threats exist if contaminated groundwater or soil is accidentally
ingested. The Kanawha River, located 2,000 feet east of the site, is threatened by
contaminated runoff from the plant.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in five stages: immediate actions and four long-term remedial phases
focusing on cleanup of tanks, drums, and other materials; the process plant equipment and
chemicals; buried containers; and the soil, sludge, and groundwater. Additional cleanup phases
may be added as needed as the cleanup process continues.
July 1995
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Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In June 1988, the EPA initiated an emergency cleanup action
to address immediate threats posed by the site. The EPA began removing drums,
cylinders, and tanks abandoned at the site. These activities were completed under the
Tanks, Drums, and Other Materials response action listed below.
Tanks, Drums, and Other Materials: Activities to address on-site contaminated
materials were completed in the spring of 1993. These activities included: removal,
off-site incineration, and disposal of the contaminated contents of a tank; removal of
drums and other containers to EPA-approved disposal facilities; operation of an on-site water
treatment facility; and removal and disposal of cyanides. The parties potentially responsible for
site contamination assisted in certain cleanup tasks.
Process Plant Equipment and Chemicals: Design measures to address process
plant equipment and associated chemicals was completed in the fall of 1993. Cleanup
activities, consisting of dismantling, decontamination, and removal of the facility,
began hi the spring of 1994 and are expected to be completed hi late 1995.
Buried Containers: In 1992, a final remedy to clean up the buried containers at the
site was selected. The buried containers will be excavated and their contents will be
incinerated. Cleanup design and cleanup activities will be performed by potentially
responsible parties under EPA supervision. Design of the cleanup activities began in winter 1993
and is scheduled to be completed hi late 1995.
Soil, Sludge, and Groundwater: An investigation into the nature and extent of
contamination and to identify alternatives for addressing contaminated soil, sludge,
and groundwater is underway. The first phase of the investigation has been
completed, including installation of wells and soil sampling. The second phase will be performed
by the potentially responsible parties under EPA supervision. Once the investigation is
completed, cleanup alternatives will be identified.
Environmental Progress
By removing surface drums, tank contents, and other containers, the EPA, with assistance from
the potentially responsible parties, has eliminated immediate threats to the surrounding area while
final studies and cleanup activities are underway at the Fike Chemical, Inc. site.
Site Repository
Nitro Public Library, 1700 Park Avenue, Nitro, WV 25143
July 1995 2 FIKE CHEMICAL, INC.
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FOLLANSBEE
SITE
WEST VIRGINIA
EPA ID# WVD0043367
EPA REGION 3
Brooke County
1/4 mile from Follansbee
Other Names:
>rs Disposal Site Coketown
Koppers Chemical Co.
Koppers Industries, Inc.
Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel
Site Description
The Follansbee site covers 26 1/2 acres next to the Ohio River in Follansbee. The site is an
operating coal tar processing plant owned by Koppers Industries, Inc. and consists of process and
storage facilities for the manufacture of coal tar by-products. Koppers acquired the site from
American Tar Products, the operators of the facility from 1914 to 1926. In 1929, a tar pitch
plant was built, and in the 1930s, a caustic plant was installed. A pencil pitch plant was built in
1962 to convert liquid pencil pitch to solid pitch. There also is a wastewater treatment plant on
the site. Contamination at the site may have been caused by leaking tanks, spills, surface
impoundments, and poor operation cleanup practices. Numerous springs and seeps are located in
the area. There are an estimated 5,900 people living within a 3-mile radius of the site. Fifty
private residential water supply wells are located within a 3-mile radius, and there are public
wells located 5 miles downstream that may be affected by contamination flowing off site;
however, limited data exists. The site is underlain by three aquifers, two of which are
contaminated.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
Two of the three aquifers are contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene, and metals.
Surface water springs and riverbank seeps are contaminated with phenols. Potential
health risks exist from ingesting or coming into direct contact with contaminated
groundwater and surface water. The Ohio River could be a threat to those who use it
for recreational purposes or as a drinking water supply. However, the effects of
contamination originating from the site on the Ohio River have not been assessed.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: initial actions and a long-term remedial phase focusing
on cleanup of the entire site.
August 1995
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Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1983, Koppers installed a trench to intercept contaminated
groundwater. The groundwater is pumped to the company's wastewater treatment
facility. The company installed a second pump in an attempt to prevent the
contaminated groundwater from reaching the Ohio River, as well as to control groundwater flow.
Entire Site: Based on the results from the alluvial aquifer study conducted by
Koppers, the EPA and Koppers agreed that an evaluation of the site was needed to
determine the nature and extent of the contamination at the site and to identify
alternative cleanup remedies. The investigation began in 1990, and EPA's Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) program acquired the lead on the site because it is an
active facility. Upon completion of the investigation, scheduled for late 1995, a final cleanup
remedy is expected.
Site Facts: A Consent Decree was signed in August 1984, between EPA, Koppers, and
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel, with the State of West Virginia as intervenor. The Consent Decree
called for: paving of the Koppers property; installation of five recovery wells on Kopper's
property to eliminate seepage from Koppers to the Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel coal pits and to
prevent future ground water contamination; and for Koppers to conduct an alluvial aquifer study.
On September 27, 1990, Koppers and the EPA signed an Administrative Order on Consent,
placing site cleanup responsibility under the RCRA program. In October 1992, EPA approved
the RCRA Facility Investigation work plan. This plan will augment previous data, characterize
site-wide conditions and migration routes, identify environmental and human health impacts, and
provide data to help develop remedial alternatives. A RCRA investigation report was submitted
to EPA for review in 1994 and should be available by late 1995.
Environmental Progress
Installing a trench and pumping groundwater to a treatment facility has reduced the spread of
contamination in the groundwater and into the Ohio River. The EPA has evaluated the Follansbee
Site and determined that conditions at the site do not pose an immediate threat while
investigations leading to the selection of a final cleanup remedy continue.
Site Repository
Follansbee City Building, Main and Penn Streets, Follansbee, WV 26037
August 1995 2 FOLLANSBEE SITE
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LEETOWN PES
WEST VIRGINIA
EPA ID# WVD98069
EPA REGION 3
Jefferson County
8 miles south of Martinsburg
Other Names:
Robinson Property
Site Description
Leetown Pesticide is a 1-acre site that contains three specific areas that have been contaminated
by the agricultural use of pesticides, pesticide disposal, and landfilling. These three areas are the
former Pesticide Pile Area, the former Jefferson Orchard Mixing Area, and the former Crimm
Orchard Packing Shed. The former Pesticide Pile Area allegedly resulted from the disposal of
pesticide-contaminated debris from a 1975 chemical plant fire. Debris from the fire had been
donated to local farms as "soil conditioners" and landfarmed in pastures. The pasture is not
currently in use. The Jefferson Orchard Mixing Area was used to prepare pesticides during active
operation of the orchard. The orchard was abandoned during the late 1950s or early 1960s. When
the Crimm Orchard was in operation, the packing shed was used to process the fruit crop and to
mix pesticides. Portions of the recharge areas for the Bell Spring Run and Blue and Gray Spring
Run exist on site. There are a number of private residences in the area that rely on ground water
wells for drinking water. Approximately 140 people live within a mile of the site. Land use in
the area is predominantly agricultural, dedicated to pasture or forage crop production for dairy
cattle operations.
Site Responsibility:
This site was addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
Sediment from Bell Creek Run and Link Spring Run contained detectable
concentrations of the pesticide DDT from former site activities. Soil in the pesticide
pile area contained DDT, arsenic, and lead. The pesticide mixing area and Crimm
Orchard Packing Shed soils also contained DDT, along with endosulfan, another
pesticide. Since the removal of wastes and contaminated soils in 1983, the threats
posed by DDT are within the EPA's acceptable risk range. The arsenic and lead
contamination was caused by the spraying of lead arsenate during the active operations
of the orchard and not from disposal operations.
August 1995
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Cleanup Approach
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1983, under EPA and State supervision, a party potentially
responsible for the site contamination removed and disposed of a contaminated pile
consisting of 160 cubic yards of waste and soil.
Entire Site: In 1986, final cleanup technologies were selected to address
contamination including: dismantling and removing contaminated materials; excavating
and consolidating of 3,600 cubic yards of contaminated soil from the former Pesticide
Pile Area, the former Jefferson Orchard Mixing Area, and the former Crimm Packing Shed
Area; placing contaminated soils in a specially constructed treatment bed; and constructing
surface water diversion, sedimentation channels, and diversion dikes. In 1988, a packing shed
containing broken bags of DDT was dismantled and contaminated flooring, a spray wagon, and
drums of pesticide were removed. A soil cap was placed over the shed area after contaminants
were disposed of in a licensed hazardous waste facility. In 1992, the EPA re-evaluated the site
and determined that the soils no longer posed an unacceptable risk, and that no additional actions
were necessary to clean up the site.
Environmental Progress
Construction of all cleanup remedies is complete. The removal of contaminated materials from
the site and the safe destruction and subsequent capping of a packing shed have reduced the
potential for exposure to contaminants at the site. The Leetown Pesticide site is scheduled for
deletion from the NPL by the end of 1995.
Site Repository
Old Charles Town Library, 200 East Washington Street, Charles Town, WV 25414
August 1995
LEETOWN PESTICIDE
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ORDNANCE WOR
DISPOSAL ARE
WEST VIRGINIA
EPA ID# WVD000850.
EPA REGION 3
Monongalia County
He southeast of Morgantown
Other Names:
Morgantown Ordnance Works
Site Description
The 670-acre Ordnance Works Disposal Areas site is located on the west bank of the
Monongahela River. Many private companies have operated chemical manufactories here since
1941, when E.I. Du Pont de Nemours began producing ammonia and methanol for the
Department of War. Between 1946 and 1958, Sharon Steel operated a coke plant, Heyden
Chemical operated an ammonia production facility, and Olin Mathieson produced various organic
chemicals on the site. The site was sold in 1962 to Morgantown Ordnance Works and, in 1982,
to Morgantown Industrial Park Associates (MIPA). Disposal of contaminated materials from the
manufacturing process has been noted in several locations including a landfill, a scraped area, a
former lagoon area, three streams traversing the site, and an industrial area in the northern
portion of the site. Testing has shown contamination of these spots with heavy metals and
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The site is in the rural outskirts southwest of
Morgantown; only 100 people live within 1 mile of the site. The Monongahela River supplies
drinking water to approximately 60,000 residents, and the water intake is less than a mile
downstream of the site.
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
Three streams and sediments and soil adjacent to the landfill, scraped area, and the
former lagoon area are contaminated with heavy metals and PAHs from surface
runoff. Potential health hazards include accidentally ingesting or coming into direct
contact with contaminants.
August 1995
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in three stages: immediate actions and two long-term remedial phases
focusing on the cleanup of the landfill, scraped area, and the former lagoon sections of the site
and the cleanup of the industrial complex areas.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1984, to alleviate the immediate threat at a portion of the
site, the current owner removed drums containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
to a secured storage area within the site. They later were disposed of in an approved
facility.
Landfill, Scraped Area, and Former Lagoons: In 1989, the EPA selected the
following remedies for site cleanup at these areas which entails consolidation of the
existing landfill waste and construction of a multi-layer cap to keep rainfall and
runoff from spreading contaminants; bioremediation of the former lagoons, scraped area soil, and
contaminated stream sediments; solidification of soils with inorganic contamination; and
post-treatment air monitoring to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup. Treatability studies for
bioremediation of PAH-contaminated soil are underway. Design of the remedies is expected to be
completed in late 1996.
Industrial Complex Areas: The potentially responsible parties are conducting an
investigation to determine the nature and extent of contamination and to identify
alternatives for cleaning up at the industrial complex areas and coal residue storage
areas in the northern and central portions of the site, respectively. Field work is underway and is
expected to be completed in 1995. The studies are scheduled for completion in 1997.
Site Facts: The EPA and the potentially responsible parties signed a Consent Order on June 4,
1990 for conducting site studies.
Environmental Progress
The removal of drums containing PCBs has eliminated immediate threats to the surroundings at
the Ordnance Works Disposal Areas site while cleanup activities are being planned at the
industrial complex areas, landfill, scraped area, and former lagoon sections of the site.
Site Repository
Morgantown Public Library, 373 Spruce Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
August 1995 2 ORDNANCE WORKS DISPOSAL AREAS
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WEST VIRGINIA
ORDNANCE (US Ar
WEST VIRGINIA
EPA ID# WVD980713036
rth
EPA REGION 3
Mason County
of Point Pleasant on the
nk of the Ohio River
Other Names:
cClintic Wildlife Refuge Station
West Virginia Ordnance Works
Site Description
From 1942 to 1945, the Army produced TNT (trinitrotoluene) at West Virginia Ordnance, a
8,320-acre site. Soils around the operation's industrial area, process facilities, and industrial
wastewater disposal system were contaminated with the TNT explosive, its by-products, and
asbestos. When the site was decontaminated and decommissioned in 1945, the Army deeded the
industrial portion to West Virginia, stipulating that it be used for wildlife management. The State
created the McClintic State Wildlife Station on 2,785 acres, and the area now is used for public
hunting, fishing, camping, and day-time recreational use. Other non-industrial portions of the
original parcel are owned by the County or by private citizens. In 1981, redwater seepage (liquid
waste produced during the TNT manufacturing process) was observed near Pond 13 on the
wildlife station. EPA and State investigations revealed that the groundwater and surface water
were contaminated with explosive nitroaromatics. Buried lines associated with TNT
manufacturing contained some crystalline TNT. The ground was littered with residues and chunks
of nitroaromatic compounds. About 11,000 people visit the McClintic Wildlife Station each year.
Surrounding areas included within the site boundaries are the West Virginia University (WVU)
Experimental Station, Mason County Airport, National Guard facilities, residential communities,
the county fairgrounds, cropland, pastures, and forests.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/01/81
Final Date: 09/01/83
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater, seepage, soils, and the surface water on site are contaminated with
explosive nitroaromatic compounds including TNT, trinitrobenzene, and dinitrotoluene
from former site operations, and heavy metals, including arsenic, lead and beryllium.
The shallow groundwater has been shown to be contaminated and is moving toward
nearby private residences with wells. No nitroaromatic compounds have been detected
in any of the 13 local drinking water supply wells, but sewer lines, pits, and open
manholes may contain reactive wastes, which may pose a safety hazard to people
entering the site. A portion of the site is a wildlife refuge. Visitors to the wildlife
refuge may be exposed to contaminants by direct contact with or accidental ingestion
of contaminated surface water or soils.
February 1 995
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in numerous long-term remedial phases. The initial phases focus on
source control, and additional phases focus on cleanup of Red Water Reservoir, Yellow Water
Reservoir, groundwater contamination, Pond 13, wetlands mitigation, and remaining areas of
concern.
Response Action Status
Source Control: The remedy selected to address the source of contamination was:
in-place flaming of reactive TNT residue on soil surfaces and installation of a 2-foot
soil cover over the highly-contaminated east and west burning grounds; disposal of
asbestos off site; and excavation of reactive sewer lines, flashing of explosives, and back-filling
of trenches from which lines were removed. These site cleanup activities were completed in
1989. After completing these cleanup activities, the Army conducted an investigation and
determined that damage had occurred to the cap. The cap has since been repaired and the area
has been re-tested to ensure the effectiveness of the remedy.
Red Water Reservoir: In 1991, cleanup activities began at the Red Water
Reservoir. Remedies included relocating Ponds 1 and 2, filling and capping the
original Ponds 1 and 2, and extracting and treating the groundwater. All cleanup
activities except the groundwater treatment have been completed for the Red Water Reservoir.
Yellow Water Reservoir: Remedies selected for the Yellow Water Reservoir
include: capping the contaminated areas and extracting and treating groundwater.
Construction of the cap was completed in the spring of 1993. Groundwater treatment
designs are underway for the reservoir area.
Groundwater: The EPA and the Army are addressing groundwater contamination
at the Red Water Reservoir, Yellow Water Reservoir, and Pond 13. Design of the
pump and treat system for cleaning up the groundwater began in 1991 and is
expected to be completed in early 1995.
Pond 13: Based on the results of an Army field investigation in late 1993, the EPA
decided to re-evaluate the earlier cleanup approach for Pond 13. The earlier decision
was to place a cap over the contaminated soils at Pond 13. It now appears that this
effort, while eliminating the threat of direct contact with contaminated soils, will not prevent
groundwater contamination due to contact with contaminated soils and sediments. Sampling and
treatability studies have begun to more fully evaluate the threat of groundwater contamination
resulting from Pond 13 soils and sediments. When this additional sampling has been completed, a
remedy for final cleanup will be selected.
Wetlands Mitigation: This action is addressing the wetlands loss that will occur
during the capping of the Red and Yellow Water Reservoirs and possibly Pond 13.
All wetlands are expected to be replaced by mid-1997.
February 1995 2 WEST VIRGINIA ORDNANCE
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Remaining Areas: Investigations into the nature and extent of contamination at the
TNT Manufacturing Area soils and groundwater, the satellite plant, the Point
Pleasant Landfill, the acids toluene storage and hops area, and the North and South
Powerhouse Area are underway. These studies will lead to the selection of final cleanup remedies
at these areas.
Site Facts: In 1984, the EPA concurred with the Army's request to assume responsibility for
cleanup actions at the site. The West Virginia Ordnance site is participating in the Installation
Restoration Program, a specially funded program established by the Department of Defense
(DOD) in 1978 to identify, investigate, and control the migration of hazardous contaminants at
military and other DOD facilities.
Environmental Progress
Initial cleanup activities, including in-place flaming of TNT residue, installing a cap over the
highly contaminated east and west burning grounds, disposing of asbestos, and excavating
reactive sewer lines, have reduced threats to the public and the environment while further
investigations and cleanup actions are in progress.
Site Repository
Mason County Public Library, Sixth and Viand Streets, Point Pleasant, WV 25550
WEST VIRGINIA ORDNANCE
February 1995
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