&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Solid Waste And
Emergency Response
(5102G)
SUPERFUND:
EPA/540/R-93/012
December 1992
PB93-963213
Progress at
National
Priority
List Sites
ILLINOIS
1992 UPDATE
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Publication #9200.5-7146
December 1992
NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST SITES:
Illinois
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Office of Emergency & Remedial Response
Office of Program Management
Washington, DC 20460 y s Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5, Library (PL-12J)
77 West Jackson Boulevard, 12th Floor
Chicago, 1L 60604-3590
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If you wish to purchase copies of any additional State volumes, contact:
National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
U.S. Department of Commerce
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
(703) 486-4650
The complete set of the 49 State reports may be ordered as PB93-963250.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
A Brief Overview of Superfund v
Streamlining Superfund: The Superfund Accelerated Cleanup Model ix
How Superfund Works x
THE VOLUME
How to Use the State Book xi
A SUMMARY OF THE STATE PROGRAM
.XV
THE NPL REPORT
Progress to Date xix
THE NPL FACT SHEETS i
THE GLOSSARY
Terms used in the NPL Book G-l
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INTRODUCTION
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SUPERFUND
During the second half of the Twentieth
Century, the environmental conse-
quences of more than 100 years of industrial-
ization in the United States became increas-
ingly clear. Authors such as Rachel Carson
wrote passionately about the often-hidden en-
vironmental effects of our modern society's
widespread use of chemicals and other haz-
ardous materials. Their audience was small at
first, but gradually their message spread.
Growing concern turned to action, as people
learned more about the environment and be-
gan to act on their knowledge
The 1970s saw environmental issues burst
onto the national scene and take hold in the
national consciousness. The first Earth Day
was observed in 1970, the year that the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was
founded. By the end of the 1970s, Love Canal
in New York and the Valley of the Drums in
Kentucky had entered the popular lexicon as
synonyms for pollution and environmental
degradation.
Superfund Is Established
The industrialization that gave Americans the
world's highest standard of living also created
problems that only a national program could
address. By 1980, the U.S. Congress had
passed numerous environmental laws, imple-
mented by the EPA, but many serious hazard-
ous waste problems were slipping through the
cracks.
Responding to growing concern about public
health and environmental threats from uncon-
trolled releases of hazardous materials, the
U.S. Congress passed the Comprehensive En-
vironmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (CERCLA). Popularly known as
Superfund, CERCLA had one seemingly
simple job—to uncover and clean up hazard-
ous materials spills and contaminated sites.
A Big Job
Few in Congress, the EPA, the environmen-
tal community, or the general public knew in
1980 just how big the nation's hazardous ma-
terials problem is. Almost everyone thought
that Superfund would be a short-lived pro-
gram requiring relatively few resources to
clean up at most a few hundred sites. They
were quite mistaken.
As the EPA set to work finding sites and
gauging their potential to harm people and
the environment, the number of sites grew.
Each discovery seemed to lead to another,
and today almost 36,000 hazardous waste
sites have been investigated as potential haz-
ardous waste sites. They are catalogued in
the EPA's computerized database, CERCLIS
(for the Comprehensive Environmental Re-
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INTRODUCTION
sponse, Compensation, and Liability Informa-
tion System).
The damage to public health and the environ-
ment that each site in CERCLIS might cause
is evaluated; many sites have been referred to
State and local governments for cleanup. The
EPA lists the nation's most serious hazardous
waste sites on the National Priorities List, or
NPL. (These Superfund sites are eligible for
federally-funded cleanup, but whenever pos-
sible the EPA makes polluters pay for the
contamination they helped create.) The NPL
now numbers 1,275 sites, with 50 to 100
added each year. By the end of the century,
the NPL may reach as many as 2,100 sites.
Superfund faces some of the most complex
pollution problems ever encountered by an
environmental program. Improperly stored or
disposed chemicals and the soil they contami-
nate are one concern. More difficult to correct
are the wetlands and bays, and the groundwa-
ter, lakes, and rivers often used for drinking
water that are contaminated by chemicals
spreading through the soil or mixing with
storm water runoff. Toxic vapors contaminate
the air at some sites, threatening the health of
people living and working near by.
Superfund aims to control immediate public
health and environmental threats by tackling
the worst problems at the worst sites first.
Wherever possible, Superfund officials use
innovative treatment techniques—many de-
veloped or refined by the EPA—to correct
hazardous materials problems once and for
all. Many of the treatment techniques they use
did not exist when the program was created.
The EPA Administrator had challenged Su-
perfund to complete construction necessary
for cleanup work at 130 NPL sites by the end
of the 1992 federal fiscal year. By September
30, 1992, the end of fiscal year 1992, con-
struction had been completed at a total of 149
NPL sites. Superfund is well on its way of
meeting the Administrator's goal of complet-
ing construction at 200 NPL sites by the end
of fiscal year 1993, and 650 sites by the end
of fiscal year 2000.
Quick Cleanup at
Non-NPL Sites
Long-standing hazardous waste sites are not
Superfund's only concern. The EPA also re-
sponds to hazardous spills and other emergen-
cies, hauling away chemicals for proper treat-
ment or disposal. Superfund teams perform or
supervise responses at rail and motor vehicle
accidents, fires, and other emergencies in-
volving hazardous substances. They also
evacuate people living and working near by,
if necessary, and provide clean drinking water
to people whose own water is contaminated.
Removal crews also post warning signs and
take other precautions to keep people and ani-
mals away from hazardous substances.
Superfund employee prepares equipment for groundwater
treatment.
VI
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INTRODUCTION
Quick Cleanups, or Removals, are not limited
to emergencies. When cleanup crews at con-
taminated sites find hazardous substances that
immediately threaten people or the environ-
ment, they act right away to reduce the threat
or to remove the chemicals outright. As the
EPA implements the Superfund Accelerated
Cleanup Model (SACM), more and more sites
will undergo quick cleanups, and many of
these will be cleaned up completely without
ever being included on the NPL. (See
"Streamlining Superfund: The Superfund Ac-
celerated Cleanup Model.")
Some of Superfund's most significant gains in
public health and environmental protection
have been won by the removal program. As of
March 31, 1992, the Emergency Response
Superfund employee removing drams from a Superfund site.
Program had logged more than 2,300 removal
completions since Superfund was established.
The Public's Role
Superfund is unique among federal programs
in its commitment to citizen participation. Al-
though the EPA is responsible for determin-
ing how dangerous a site is and how best to
clean it up, the Agency relies on citizen input
as it makes these decisions.
Community residents are often invaluable
sources of information about a hazardous
waste site, its current and previous owners,
and the activities that took place there. Such
information can be crucial to experts evaluat-
ing a site and its potential dangers.
Residents also comment on EPA cleanup
plans by stating their concerns and prefer-
ences at public meetings and other forums and
in formal, written comments to Agency pro-
posals. The EPA takes these comments and
concerns seriously, and has modified many
proposals in response to local concerns. For,
ultimately, it is the community and its citizens
that will live with the results of the EPA's de-
cisions and actions; it is only fair that citizens
participate in the process.
A Commitment to
Communication
The Superfund program is very serious about
public outreach and communication. Com-
munity relations coordinators are assigned to
each NPL site to help the public understand
the potential hazards present, as well as the
cleanup alternatives. Local information re-
positories, such as libraries or other public
buildings, have been established near each
NPL site to ensure that the public has an op-
portunity to review all relevant information
and the proposed cleanup plans.
The individual State volumes contain sum-
mary fact sheets on NPL sites in each State
and territory. Together, the fact sheets provide
a concise report on site conditions and the
progress made toward site cleanups as of
March 1992. The EPA revises these volumes
periodically to provide an up-to-date record of
program activities. A glossary of key terms
relating to hazardous waste management and
Superfund site cleanup is provided at the back
of this book.
VII
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INTRODUCTION
Superfund is, of course, a public program, and
as such it belongs to everyone of us. This vol-
ume, along with other State volumes, com-
prises the EPA's report on Superfund
progress to the program's owners for the year
1992.
VIII
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INTRODUCTION
STREAMLINING SUPERFUND: THE SUPERFUND
ACCELERATED CLEANUP MODEL
Historically, critics and supporters alike
have measured Superfund's progress
by the number of hazardous waste sites de-
leted from the NPL. Although easy enough to
tally, this approach is too narrow. It misses
the major gains Superfund makes by reducing
major risks at the nation's worst hazardous
sites long before all clean-up work is done
and the site deleted. It also ignores the Re-
moval Program's contributions to meeting
Superfund's twin mandates of maximizing
public health and environmental protection.
Renewing Superfund's commitment to rapid
protection from hazardous materials, the EPA
is streamlining the program. The Superfund
Accelerated Cleanup Model, or SACM, will
take Early Actions, such as removing hazard-
ous wastes or contaminated materials, while
experts study the site. SACM also will com-
bine similar site studies to reduce the time re-
quired to evaluate a site and its threats to
people and the environment. This way, imme-
diate public health and environmental threats
will be addressed while long-term cleanups
are being planned.
Emergencies such as train derailments and
motor vehicle accidents will continue to be
handled expeditiously. Teams of highly
trained technicians will swing into action
right away, coordinating the cleanup and re-
moval of hazardous substances to ensure pub-
lic safety as quickly as possible.
Breaking With Tradition
The traditional Superfund process begins with
a lengthy phase of study and site assessment,
but SACM will save time by combining sepa-
rate, yet similar, activities. Each EPA Region
will form a Decision Team of site managers,
risk assessors, community relations coordina-
tors, lawyers, and other experts to monitor the
studies and quickly determine whether a site
requires Early Action (taking less than five
years), Long-term Action, or both.
While the site studies continue, the Decision
Team will begin the short-term work required
to correct immediate public health or environ-
mental threats from the site. Besides remov-
ing hazardous materials, Early Actions in-
clude taking precautions to keep contaminants
from moving off the site and restricting access
to the site. Early Actions could eliminate most
human risk from these sites, and Superfund
will further focus its public participation and
public information activities on site assess-
ment and Early Action.
Long-Term Solutions
While Early Actions can correct many hazard-
ous waste problems—and provide the bulk of
public health and environmental protection—
some contamination will take longer to cor-
rect. Cleanups of mining sites, wetlands, estu-
aries, and projects involving incineration of
contaminants or restoration of groundwater
can take far longer than the three to five years
envisioned for Early Actions. Under SACM,
these sites will be handled much as they are
now.
Also under SACM, the EPA will continue its
pursuit of potentially responsible parties who
may have caused or contributed to site con-
tamination. Expedited enforcement and
procedures for negotiating potentially respon-
sible party settlements will secure their par-
ticipation. Superfund personnel will continue
to oversee clean-up work performed by poten-
tially responsible parties.
IX
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INTRODUCTION
HOW SUPERFUND WORKS
Each Superfund site presents a different
set of complex problems. The same haz-
ardous materials and chemicals often con-
taminate many sites, but the details of each
site are different. Almost always, soil is con-
taminated with one or more chemicals. Their
vapors may taint the air over and around the
site. Contaminants may travel through the soil
and reach underground aquifers which may be
used for drinking water, or they may spread
over the site to contaminate streams, ponds,
and wetlands. The contaminating chemicals
may interact with each other, presenting even
more complicated cleanup problems.
Superfund's cleanup process is arduous and
exacting. It requires the best efforts of hun-
dreds of experts in science and engineering,
public health, administration and manage-
ment, law, and many other fields.
The average NPL site takes from seven to ten
years to work its way through the system,
from discovery to the start of long-term
cleanup. Actual cleanup work can take years,
decades if contaminated groundwater must
be treated. Of course, imminent threats to
public health or the environment are cor-
rected right away.
The diagram to the right presents a simplified
view of the cleanup process. The major steps
in the Superfund process are:
• Site discovery and investigation to iden-
tify contaminants and determine whether
emergency action is required;
• Emergency site work such as removing
contaminants for proper treatment or dis-
posal, and securing the site to keep people
and animals away, if warranted by condi-
tions at the site;
• Site evaluation to determine how people
living and working nearby, and the envi-
ronment, may be exposed to site contami-
nants;
• Detailed studies to determine whether con-
ditions are serious enough to add the site to
the National Priorities List of sites eligible
for federally funded cleanup under Super-
fund;
• Selection, design, and implementation of a
cleanup plan, after a thorough review of
the most effective cleanup options, given
site conditions, contaminants present, and
their potential threat to public health or the
environment.
• Follow-up to ensure that the cleanup work
done at the site continues to be effective
over the long term.
The Superfund Process
From the earliest stages, EPA investigators
work hard to identify those responsible for the
contamination. As their responsibility is es-
tablished, the EPA negotiates with these "re-
sponsible parties" to pay for cleaning up the
problem they helped create. This "enforce-
ment first" policy saves Superfund Trust Fund
monies for use in cleanups where the respon-
sible parties cannot be identified, or where
they are unable to fund cleanup work.
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THE VOLUME
How to Use the State 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 always is being
made at NPL sites, and the EPA periodically
will update the site fact sheets to reflect recent
actions and will publish updated State vol-
umes. The following two pages show a ge-
neric fact sheet and briefly describe the infor-
mation under each section.
How Can You Use
This State Book?
You can use this book to keep informed about
the sites that concern you, particularly ones
close to home. The EPA is committed 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 Super-
fund sites. Citizens are likely to be affected
not only by hazardous site conditions, but also
by the remedies that combat them. Site clean-
ups take many forms and can affect communi-
ties in different ways. Local traffic may be
rerouted, residents may be relocated, tempo-
rary 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.
XI
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THE VOLUME
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
EPA ID* ABCOOOOOOO
EPA REGION XX
COUNTY NAME
LOCATION
Threats and Contaminants
Response Action Status
Environmental Progress
Site Repository
:xx xxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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.
XII
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THE VOLUME
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.
XIII
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THE VOLUME
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
Contaminated Ground-water resources
in the vicinity or underlying the site.
(Groundwater is often used as a drink-
ing 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 emis-
sions.)
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 Environ-
mentally Sensitive Areas in the vicinity
of the site. (Examples include wet-
lands and coastal areas or critical
habitats.)
Icons in the Response
Action Status Section
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 contamination
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 engineers
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.
XIV
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A SUMMARY OF THE STATE PROGRAM
xv
-------
!fr Major Cites
• NPL SIMS
Superfund Activities in
Illinois
The State of Dlinois is located within EPA Region 5, which includes
the six midwestern States. The State covers 56,345 square miles. Ac-
cording to the 1990 Census, Illinois experienced virtually no change in
population between 1980 and 1990, and is ranked sixth in U.S. popula-
tion with approximately 11,431,000 residents.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Act of 1970, most recently
amended in 1988, establishes the Hazardous Waste Fund and provides
enforcement authority for site cleanup. The statute grants the State the
authority to compel polluters who are liable for site contamination to
conduct or pay for cleanup activities regardless of fault, issue notices for
information gathering and site access, take injunctive action, issue civil and
' criminal penalties, collect damages, recover costs, and place a lien on property as
a means of payment The State also has the authority under the Responsible Property Transfer Act of
1988 to require all property owners to disclose any environmental risks prior to the transfer of real
estate. The State maintains two funds. The Hazardous Waste Fund may be used to fund administra-
tion of the State program, removals, long-term cleanup actions, groundwater protection activities, and
the development and implementation of a model pesticide collection program. The Hazardous Waste
Research Fund may be used to fund research and development activities; technical studies; monitor-
ing; education and research activities related to groundwater protection; emergency response and
removal actions; study and design activities; and long-term cleanup actions. Both funds allocate
money towards the 10 percent State contribution required by the Federal Superfund program. No
more than one million dollars may be used on any single incident without specific appropriations
from the State legislature. To keep the public informed, the State assigns a community relations
coordinator to a majority of Superfund sites. Currently, 36 sites in the State of Illinois have been
listed as final on the NPL; one site has been deleted. One new site was proposed for listing in 1992.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
implements the Superfund Program in the State of Illinois
Activities responsible for hazardous
waste contamination in the State of
Illinois include:
Metal Production/ S??|fi__ti«n
Electroplating Gas.fication
Operations
Federal
Facilities
Other
Landfills/
Waste
Processing
Facilities/
Storage and
Disposal
Facilities
Manufacturing Facilities
Facts about the 38 NPL sites
in Illinois:
Immediate Actions (such as removing
hazardous substances or restricting
site access) were performed at 23
sites.
Nine sites endanger sensitive environ-
ments.
Thirty-one sites are located near
residential areas.
XVII
March 1992
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ILLINOIS
Most Sites Have Multiple Contaminants and
Contaminated Media:
Media Contaminated at Sites
Contaminants Found at Sites
Air
Surface
Water
Sediments
Soil
Ground-
water
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Percentage of Sites
The Potentially Responsible
Party Pays...
In the State of Illinois, potentially responsible
parties are paying for or conducting cleanup
activities at 26 sites.
Percentage of Sites
VOCs
Heavy Metals
PCBs
Creosotes
Radiation
Petrochemicals/Explosives
Other*
Pesticides/Herbicides
Asbestos
Cyanide
Dioxin
Acids
Plastics
76%
71%
29%
13%
13%
13%
11%
8%
8%
8%
3%
3%
3%
'Other contaminants include ammonias, fluorene,
naphthalene, nitrate, nitrite, and sulfates.
For Further Information on NPL Sites and Hazardous
Waste Programs in the State of Illinois Please Contact:
EPA Region 5 Office of Public
Affairs
National Response Center
Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency: The Division of Land
Pollution Control
EPA Region 5 Waste Management
Division
EPA Superfund Hotline
For information concerning
community involvement
To report a hazardous
waste emergency
For information about the
State's responsibility in the
Superfund Program
For information about the
Regional Superfund Program
For information about the
Federal Superfund Program
(312) 353-2072
(800) 424-8802
(217)782-6760
(312)353-9419
(800) 424-9068
March 1992
XVIII
-------
THE NPL REPORT
PROGRESS TO DATE
The following Progress Report lists all
sites currently on, or deleted from, the
NPL and briefly summarizes the status of ac-
tivities for each site at the time this report was
prepared. The steps in the Superfund cleanup
process are arrayed across the top of the chart,
and each site's progress through these steps is
represented by an arrow (^ indicating the
current stage of cleanup.
Large and complex sites often are organized
into several cleanup stages. For example,
separate cleanup efforts may be required to
address the source of the contamination,
hazardous substances in the groundwater, and
surface water pollution, or to clean up differ-
ent areas of a large site. In such cases, the
chart portrays cleanup progress at the site's
most advanced stage, reflecting the status of
site activities rather than administrative ac-
complishments.
t> An arrow in the "Initial Response" cate-
gory indicates that an emergency
cleanup, immediate action, or initial ac-
tion has been completed or currently is
underway. Emergency or initial actions
are taken as an interim measure to pro-
vide immediate relief from exposure to
hazardous site conditions or to stabilize
a site to prevent further contamination.
O A final arrow in the "Site Studies" cat-
egory indicates that an investigation to
determine the nature and extent of the
contamination at the site currently is on-
going or planned.
O A final arrow in the "Remedy Selection"
category means that the EPA has se-
lected the final cleanup strategy for the
site. At the few sites where the EPA has
determined that initial response actions
have eliminated site contamination, or
that any remaining contamination will
be naturally dispersed without further
cleanup activities, a "No Action" rem-
edy has been selected. In these cases,
the arrows are discontinued at the
"Remedy Selection" step and resume in
the "Construction Complete" category.
^ A final arrow at the "Remedial Design"
stage indicates that engineers currently
are designing the technical specifica-
tions for the selected cleanup remedies
and technologies.
O A final arrow in the "Cleanup Ongoing"
column means that final cleanup actions
have been started at the site and cur-
rently are underway.
^ A final arrow in the "Construction Com-
plete" category is used only when all
phases of the site cleanup plan have
been performed, and the EPA has deter-
mined that no additional construction
actions are required at the site. Some
sites in this category currently may be
undergoing long-term operation and
maintenance or monitoring to ensure
that the cleanup actions continue to pro-
tect human health and the environment.
/ A check in the "Deleted" category indi-
cates that the site cleanup has met all
human health and environmental goals
and that the EPA has deleted the site
from the NPL.
Further information on the activities and
progress at each site is given in the site "Fact
Sheets" published in this volume.
XIX
-------
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A & F MATERIAL
RECLAIMING, IN,
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980397079
EPA REGION 5
Cumberland County
Greenup
Site Description
The A & F Material Reclaiming, Inc. site covers nearly 4 acres in Greenup. The facility
began operations in 1977 and processed waste materials including oil, sludge, and caustic and
sulfuric acid into fuel oil and fire retardant chemicals. In 1978, four storage lagoons reached
capacity and began to overflow, contaminating soil and drainage pathways leading to the
Embarras River. Twelve steel storage tanks containing a mixture of waste oils, sludges, spent
caustics and acids, contaminated water, and other waste products also were located on site.
These tanks failed on several occasions, releasing their contents into the surrounding
environment. The facility was closed in 1980. The area surrounding the site is agricultural,
residential, commercial, municipal, and forestland. The county fairgrounds are southwest of
the site and are used year-round for the boarding and care of horses. The Village of Greenup
has a population of approximately 2,000 people. The Embarras River is 1/2 mile away from
the site and is used for fishing and livestock watering.
Site Responsibility: The site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 07/16/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
IT
Groundwater contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfates,
phenols, heavy metals, and petroleum products. Sediments in the drainage ditch
contained polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs). Soils were contaminated
with phenols and benzoic acid. As a result of cleanup activities in 1985, the only
remaining health threats may result from accidental ingestion or direct contact with
contaminated groundwater until safety standards are met.
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in three stages: immediate actions and two long-term remedial
phases focusing on cleanup of the soils and groundwater.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: When a lagoon overflowed in 1980, the EPA repaired the
lagoon dikes, increased the freeboards, and cleaned the surrounding areas. In
1982, the EPA increased the freeboards by treating approximately 502,600 gallons
of water with activated carbon filters and discharged the treated water into the Embarras
River. In 1983, when the lagoons were close to overflowing again, the EPA treated and
discharged 1,018,000 gallons of water into the Embarras River. About 7,000 cubic yards of
sludge were moved from Lagoons 2, 3, and 4 into Lagoon 1. Lagoons 2 and 4 were backfilled
with clean soil. All the sludge could not easily be moved from Lagoon 3 to Lagoon 1, so a
sludge cell was built for the waste in Lagoon 3. A temporary cap was placed over the
consolidated sludge. In 1983, the EPA selected an initial measure to quickly reduce health
threats at the site. This measure included removing and disposing of all contaminated bulk
liquid, oil, and drums in a federally approved facility. The EPA completed this initial measure
in 1985.
Soils: In 1983, the EPA selected a remedy to clean up the soils by excavating and
disposing of all contaminated soils; monitoring the groundwater; cleaning and
removing all on-site equipment and buildings; testing and disposing of soil
underneath the buildings if it was found to be contaminated; grading the site; and removing
the fence surrounding the site once all contamination was addressed. The potentially
responsible parties, under EPA monitoring, finished all the cleanup activities relating to the
contaminated soil in 1985.
Groundwater: In 1986, the EPA selected a remedy to clean up the groundwater
by establishing a monitoring program to ensure that all residual groundwater
contamination remaining after the 1985 cleanup will continue to steadily decrease
to safe levels by natural dilution and purging to the Embarras River. In addition, institutional
controls have been implemented to ensure that drinking water wells are not installed in
contaminated groundwater areas during the period of natural purging and dilution.
Procedures have been established for a regular review of the monitoring data until safe levels
are reached. The monitoring activities began in spring 1990 and the EPA is entering year
three of the five year groundwater monitoring program.
Site Facts: In 1984, a partial Consent Decree was entered into by the EPA and four
potentially responsible parties. Under the terms of the Decree, the companies agreed to
undertake cleanup at the site. In 1989, four potentially responsible parties signed a Consent
Decree for final cleanup at the site.
March 1992 2 A & F MATERIAL RECLAIMING, INC.
-------
Environmental Progress
The immediate actions of treating contaminated lagoon water and removing contaminated
materials have reduced the threat to the public and the environment. The cleanup of
contaminated soils at the A & F Material Reclaiming, Inc. site has been completed and has
further reduced site contamination levels. A monitoring program has been, and currently is
underway to monitor the natural decline of contaminated groundwater and to ensure that
safety standards are met.
Site Repository
Greenup City Clerk Office, Greenup Municipal Building, 115 Cumberland Road,
Greenup, IL 62428.
A & F MATERIAL RECLAIMING, INC.
March 1992
-------
ACME SOLVENT
RECLAIMING, IN
(MORRISTQWN
PLANT)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD053219259
Site Description —
EPA REGION 5
Winnebago County
5 miles southeast of Rockford
The 20-acre Acme Solvent Reclaiming, Inc. (Morristown Plant) site was used as a drum
storage and disposal area for wastes generated by Acme's solvent distillation units. From 1960
to 1972, the site consisted of seven waste disposal lagoons and open storage of 10,000 to
15,000 drums. Although operations at the site temporarily were discontinued in 1969 because
of concern expressed by the ,Winnebago County Department of Public Health, site operations
resumed in 1971 and continued until 1972. Paints, oils, solvents, and sludges are among the
wastes known to have been deposited at the site. Waste disposal practices consisted of
emptying drums into the lagoons and storing the empty drums at various open areas on the
site. Sludge and other non-recyclable materials were pumped from tanker trucks into the
lagoons. After receiving several reports in 1972, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(IEPA) investigators found violations of environmental regulations, including operating a
waste disposal facility without a permit, open burning of refuse, and dumping liquids in a
manner that posed a threat to the groundwater. The State ordered the site cleaned up in
1972. The site was closed in 1973, after State inspections indicated that the majority of drums
were being crushed and buried at the site, and waste in the lagoons was being covered, rather
than removed for off-site disposal. In 1981, methane gas migration into some homes located
between the Acme Solvent site and the nearby Pagel's Pit Landfill site led to well water
testing by the County. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found in four private
drinking water wells. Approximately 5,500 people live within 3 miles of the site. There are
several surface water bodies in the area surrounding the site, including a small tributary
stream that flows into Killbuck Creek, the Kishwaukee River, and the Rock River. Only the
Rock River is known to be used as a public water supply.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 07/16/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
March 1992
-------
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contains various VOCs. Soil contains VOCs, phthalates,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals including lead and chromium.
People who come in direct contact with or accidentally ingest contaminated
groundwater or soil may be at risk. If contaminants leach from the site into the
nearby stream or creek, wildlife in or around the water may be harmed.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two long-term remedial phases focusing on cleanup of soils and
cleanup of the waste areas, soils, bedrock, and groundwater.
Response Action Status
Soils: In 1985, the EPA selected a remedy to clean up the waste and the soil by
providing an interim alternate water supply to affected residences through the
installation of home carbon treatment units; excavating and incinerating waste
materials and contaminated soils and disposing of them in a federally approved facility;
continuing the investigation into bedrock contamination and its cleanup; and continuing the
investigation of contaminated groundwater and performance of pump tests to evaluate the
effectiveness of controlling the contaminant plume. In 1987, Acme, under EPA monitoring,
installed home carbon treatment units in five residences with contaminated wells. The
residents were provided with free bottled water until the units could be used for drinking
water purposes. In addition, the parties potentially responsible for site contamination
excavated and disposed of approximately 40,000 tons of contaminated materials.
Waste Areas, Soils, Bedrock, and Groundwater: In 1990, the EPA and the
IEPA selected a remedy to clean up and treat the wastes in two waste areas, the
soils, the bedrock, and the groundwater. This remedy includes: excavation of soils
and sludges in two waste areas and treatment by low-temperature air stripping; further
treatment of the residuals, as necessary; incineration of liquids located in two on-site tanks
and disposal of those tanks; provision of a permanent alternate water supply to residents with
contaminated wells; extraction and treatment of contaminated groundwater and discharge of
the treated water to surface water; treatment of the remaining contaminated soils and
bedrock using vapor extraction; consolidation of remaining contaminated soils and covering
these soils and areas where residuals are landfilled on site with a cap; long-term groundwater
monitoring; and fencing the site and providing access restrictions and deed notices or
advisories for residences with contaminated groundwater. Engineering designs began in 1991,
with final cleanup activities scheduled to begin in 1993.
Site Facts: In 1986, the potentially responsible parties entered into a Consent Order with
the EPA to study and develop cleanup alternatives for the site.
ACME SOLVENT RECLAIMING, INC. 5 March 1992
(MORRISTOWN PLANT)
-------
Environmental Progress
The provision of an alternate water supply and disposal of contaminated materials have
reduced the potential for exposure to contaminated materials at the Acme Solvent
Reclamation site while further cleanup activities are being designed.
Site Repository
Rockford Public Library, 215 North Wyman Road, Rockford, IL 61101
March 1992
ACME SOLVENT RECLAIMING, INC.
(MORRISTOWN PLANT)
-------
ADAMS COUN
QUINCY LAN
2&3
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980607055
EPA REGION 5
Adams County
1/2 mile west of Quincy
Site Description
In 1973 and 1975, the Adams County Quincy Landfills 2 and 3 were licensed to operate as
solid waste disposal sites. Landfill 2 covers nearly 12 acres and Landfill 3, approximately 40
acres. From 1972 to 1978, the Quincy landfills received the majority of the county's waste,
including combustible and hazardous materials. Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(IEPA) records show that the City of Quincy accepted liquid industrial waste for disposal into
unlined pits until the liquids could be pumped into the covered portions of the site. Wastes
disposed of included solvents, acids, sludges, spent organic solvents used in degreasing,
wastewater treatment sludges from electroplating operations, hydraulic oil, machine coolant,
thinners, acetone, and toluene. An estimated 23,000 drums of hazardous waste were
accepted. Groundwater samples taken by the IEPA in 1985 and 1986 showed contamination
by various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In 1985 and 1986, the IEPA also sampled two
nearby wells that were found to be contaminated and closed them. Approximately 300 people
obtain drinking water from private wells within 3 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 08/30/90
Threats and Contaminants
The groundwater is contaminated with VOCs and selenium. Leachate seeps from
the surface of the landfill are contaminated with VOCs and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs). Drinking contaminated groundwater or touching the
contaminated leachate may be potential health threats. The site is not completely
fenced.
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: an immediate action and a long-term remedial
phase focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Action: An alternate water supply was provided to residents near the
site.
Entire Site: In 1987, the parties potentially responsible for the site contamination
began an investigation to determine the nature and extent of contamination and to
identify alternatives for cleanup of the site. A supplemental study is ongoing that is
focusing on additional groundwater and leachate sampling. It is planned to be completed in
late 1992.
Environmental Progress
Providing an alternate water supply has eliminated the potential of exposure to hazardous
substances in the drinking water and will continue to protect households near the Adams
County Quincy Landfills 2 and 3 until final cleanup activities are completed.
Site Repository
Contact the Region 5 Superfund Community Relations Office.
March 1992
ADAMS COUNTY QUINCY LANDFILLS 2 & 3
-------
AMOCO CHEMIC
(JOLIET LANDFI
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD002994259T
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Will County
6 miles southwest of Joliet
Amoco Chemicals (Joliet Landfill) manufactures chemicals on a property in a commercial and
industrial area along Route 6, near Route 66, southwest of Joliet. Approximately 5 million
cubic feet of wastes, including organics, inorganics, heavy metals, acids and mixed municipal
refuse, were disposed of in a 26-acre landfill on the property from 1958 to 1976. Some
ignitable wastes and organic acid residues were disposed of in drums in the landfill. A
leachate collection system was installed in 1975 under a permit from the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Until the leachate collection system was installed,
leachate from the landfill flowed into an inlet of the adjacent Des Plaines River. The
leachate now is treated in Amoco's wastewater treatment plant before it is discharged to the
river. In 1976, Amoco covered the landfill with 2 feet of compacted clay and seeded it with
perennial grasses. The landfill was officially closed in 1978. Tests conducted by the IEPA in
1974, and by Amoco in 1982, indicated that monitoring wells downslope of the site were
contaminated. A shallow aquifer underlies the site, and the Des Plaines River is used for
recreational activities. Approximately 1,000 people obtain drinking water from private wells
drilled into the shallow aquifer within 3 miles of the site. An estimated 1,100 to 2,300
individuals live within 3 miles of the site. A residential area is located 1/2 mile northwest of
the plant.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 02/21/90
Threats and Contaminants
The groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
including benzene, toluene, and xylenes. The leachate is contaminated with the
heavy metals cadmium, copper, lead, and chromium. Coming in direct contact with
contaminated groundwater may pose a potential health threat. The site is open to
the river, making it possible for people and animals to come into direct contact
with hazardous substances.
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire
site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: An investigation into the extent of groundwater, leachate, and
possible surface water contamination, as well as alternative remedies, is scheduled
to begin in 1992. Following the investigation and the evaluation of results, the
EPA will select the appropriate cleanup technologies.
Environmental Progress
After placing the Amoco Chemicals (Joliet Landfill) site on the NPL, the EPA performed
preliminary evaluations and determined that the site does not pose an imminent threat to the
public or the environment while the investigations leading to the selection of permanent
cleanup remedies are taking place.
Site Repository
Contact the Region 5 Superfund Community Relations Office.
March 1992
10
AMOCO CHEMICALS (JOLIET LANDFILL)
-------
BELOIT CORP.
ILLINOIS
EPA ID#ILD021440375
EPA REGION 5
Winnebago County
Village of Rockton
Site Description
The 175-acre Beloit Corp. site in Rockton operates as a plant for paper-making machine
manufacturing and as a research and development facility for designing and demonstrating
the machines to prospective customers. The facility purchases clean virgin pulp to make
multi-layered paper products. The wastewater and paper fibers generated from the
manufacturing process were disposed of in three unlined surface impoundments. These
impoundments have since been taken out of service. The paper fiber sediment from the
bottom of the impoundments was spread on the ground, as allowed by the State through a
permit issued in 1983. Tests by the company in 1985 found volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) in on-site monitoring wells and in nearby private wells. Approximately 15,000 people
obtain drinking water from public and private wells located within 3 miles of the site. The
Rock River is less than 50 feet from the site's surface impoundments.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal, State and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 08/30/90
Threats and Contaminants
Soils, groundwater, surface water, and on-site pond sediments are contaminated
with VOCs. Potential health threats to people include drinking contaminated
groundwater and pond water, accidental ingestion of contaminated soil and pond
sediments, and coming in direct contact with contaminated groundwater, pond
water, pond sediments, and soils.
11
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase directed at cleanup of the entire
site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: The EPA and the State currently are working together on a
groundwater monitoring program in the Rockford area. An investigation that will
define the contaminants of concern and will recommend effective alternatives for
final cleanup currently is underway and is planned to be completed in early 1994.
Environmental Progress
The EPA and the State have determined that the site is not a threat while investigations
leading to the selection of the final remedies to clean up the Beloit Corp. site are underway.
Site Repository
Talcott Free Library, 101 East Main Street, Rockton, IL 61072
March 1992
12
BELOIT CORP.
-------
BELVIDERE
MUNICIPAL
LANDFILL
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980497663
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Boone County
Adjacent to the City of Belvidere
The Belvidere Municipal Landfill site occupies 139 acres, 19 of which were used for a landfill.
The City of Belvidere operated the landfill and received municipal wastes from 1939 to 1973.
Between 1965 and 1973, the site was used to dispose of industrial wastes, sludge from the city
sewage treatment plant, paint and oil sludge, unknown liquid wastes, and other sludges. The
current landfill cover is composed of silt and sand and varies in thickness up to 36 inches. An
area just west of the landfill was found to contain buried drums that were filled with liquids
or sludges. The Kishwaukee River borders the site, and an active gravel pit is adjacent to the
northern portion of the site. West Pond and East Pond lie to the east of the site, and
Spencer Park lies southeast of the site. Approximately 14,000 people live within 3 miles of the
landfill. The site is located 1/2 mile from six residences that use groundwater as a supply for
drinking water. Most of the county is rural; however, Belvidere has an industrial base which
includes the manufacture of cars, furniture, and metal fasteners, in addition to several light
industries.
Site Responsibility:
The 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
7J3
Remaining site soils contain low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
including benzene, toluene, and xylenes; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs);
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); nitrite; and heavy metals including chromium.
Surface water contains low levels of VOCs including trichloroethylene (TCE),
nitrate, and heavy metals. None of these contaminants exceeds established Federal
standards. Individuals who came into direct contact with contaminated soil could
have been at risk prior to the completion of cleanup actions. The shallow
groundwater under the site, which was transporting significant levels of
contaminants toward the Kishwaukee River, has been contained through the
ongoing treatment of the contaminated groundwater.
13
March 1992
-------
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.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1986, the EPA staged and sampled 110 drums. Workers
crushed and relocated 65 empty drums to a new holding area for disposal, and
contaminated soils were excavated and loaded into boxes. The drums and
contaminated soils were compiled into one waste pile and disposed of at a federally approved
landfill. The EPA solidified liquids with cement and transported them off site for disposal.
Entire Site: In 1988, the EPA chose the following remedies to address
contamination at the site: placing a cap over the landfill; sampling the soil in the
drum disposal area and cleaning up the PCBs; removing highly contaminated soil
off site to be burned, with the remaining lesser-contaminated soils to be capped; installing a
pump and treat system to remove contaminants from groundwater and discharging the
treated water to the City's water treatment plant; monitoring the groundwater in and around
the site; installing an upgraded fence around the landfill; instituting deed restrictions to
control unacceptable activities and construction on site; and installing flood control measures
to prevent erosion of the cap and the contents of the landfill. The EPA approved the
technical designs for the cleanup in 1990, and the potentially responsible parties began site
work. The PCB-contaminated soil was consolidated on the landfill, and the landfill was
capped. A fence was installed around the landfill, and deed restrictions are in place.
Construction of the groundwater extraction system was completed in 1992. Groundwater
treatment will continue until established cleanup goals are met.
Environmental Progress
Construction of a fence around the landfill and wells and a cap over the contaminated soils
have eliminated the possibility of direct contact with the site contaminants. By removing the
contaminated drums and their contents to an approved disposal facility, the EPA reduced the
risk of exposure to hazardous materials at the Belvidere Municipal Landfill site while
groundwater cleanup continues.
Site Repository
Ida Public Library, 320 NorthState Road, Belvidere, IL 61008
March 1992 14 BELVIDERE MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
-------
BYRON SALVAG
YARD
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD010236230
EPA REGION 5
Ogle County
4 miles southwest of Byron
Other Names:
Byron Johnson
Site Description
The Byron Salvage Yard site encompasses both the Byron Johnson Salvage Yard and Dirk's
Farm near Byron. During the 1960s and the early 1970s, the salvage yard accepted
miscellaneous wastes and debris for disposal, including drums of electroplating wastes, oil
sludges, cutting wheels, solvents, and scrap metal. Because industrial waste dumping occurred
during periods of heavy rainfall, much of the waste was carried off site by the surface water
runoff. Cyanide-containing plating waste was sprayed onto the roads in and around the
salvage yard. In 1976, the State found cyanide and heavy metals in the soil, surface water,
and groundwater. Approximately 5,000 people live in Byron. The closest residence to the
salvage yard is approximately 100 yards away. About 50 people live within 1 mile of the site,
and all residences used private wells supplied by groundwater until the State extended a
municipal water line to a majority of the affected residences in 1988 and 1989. The area is
rural, and the site is bordered by a forest preserve, farmlands, and a nuclear power plant. The
property is bisected by two ravines that drain surface water runoff into the south branch of
Woodland Creek, which flows into the Rock River.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
ZGJ
Groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as
vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene (TCE) and heavy metals including cadmium,
chromium, nickel, and lead. Soil is contaminated with cyanide, toluene, xylene, and
heavy metals including antimony. Meyer's Spring contains trace levels of cyanide
and TCE. Groundwater is the only source of drinking water in the area; therefore,
people who drink or come in direct contact with contaminated well water may be
at risk. Those who trespass on the site and accidentally ingest or come in direct
contact with contaminated soil potentially may suffer adverse health effects.
15
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in five stages: initial actions and four long-term remedial phases
focusing on cleanup of the soils and drums, installation of home carbon units, cleanup of the
groundwater, and cleanup of Dirk's Farm.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: As initial actions in 1984, the EPA constructed a fence to
prohibit access to the site, provided residents with bottled water, and, later,
carbon filter systems for their water supplies. In 1988, the EPA discovered
floating contaminants in the groundwater and installed a skimmer in a pumping well to
remove the pollutants.
Soils and Drums: In 1985, the State selected a remedy to clean up the soil and
the buried drums by disposing of all surface and buried drums, excavating and
disposing of highly contaminated soils, and treating soils containing less than 100
parts per million of cyanide with sodium hypochlorite. The State completed all the cleanup
actions for the drums and soil in 1986.
Home Carbon Units: In 1986, following the installation of carbon filtration units
for 10 houses in the Acorn Road subdivision, the EPA selected a remedy
consisting of installing whole-house carbon filtration systems in affected residences,
continuing sampling to ensure that the carbon filtration is effective, installing replacement
carbon filters when needed, and disposing of the spent filters at a federally approved facility.
The EPA completed these actions in 1986. The EPA has since removed all carbon filters,
because the homes have been connected to the municipal water supply since 1988.
Groundwater Contamination: In 1989, the EPA selected a remedy to clean up
the groundwater by: (1) extending the Byron municipal water supply system to 27
additional residences; (2) removing all wastes generated during an EPA study;
(3) installing, sampling, and analyzing monitoring wells near the Rock River; (4) monitoring
surface water and groundwater on a long-term basis; (5) plugging monitoring wells not
selected for long-term use; and (6) limiting public exposure to groundwater by plugging
abandoned residential wells and requiring hook-ups to the public water supply. The technical
design was completed in the fall of 1991. Final cleanup activities are scheduled to begin in
late 1992.
Dirk's Farm: During investigations of the salvage yard, the EPA also discovered
Dirk's Farm, adjacent to the site area, to be contaminated. The EPA investigated
this new area thoroughly to determine the extent and type of contamination. Field
work is complete; the investigative report scheduled to be completed in early 1993. At that
time, measures to clean up the area will be selected by the EPA.
Site Facts: In 1983, the EPA and the State signed a Cooperative Agreement, under which
the State agreed to study the type and extent of the site contamination.
March 1992 16 BYRON SALVAGE YARD
-------
Environmental Progress
The EPA has completed numerous cleanup actions at the Byron Salvage Yard site, including
installing a fence, providing carbon treatment units to homes with wells, and removing
contaminated drums and soils. The EPA also has initiated a study on the adjacent
contaminated area discovered during investigations of the site. All these actions have reduced
the threat of exposure to hazardous materials on the site while the remaining cleanup
activities are taking place.
Site Repository
Ogle County Health Department, 104 South 5th Street, Oregon, IL 61061
BYRON SALVAGE YARD
17
March 1992
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CENTRAL ILLINO
PUBLIC SERVI
ILLINOIS
EPAID#ILD981781065
EPA REGION 5
Christian County
Taylorville
Other Name*:
CIPS
Site Description
The Central Illinois Public Service Co. (CIPS) site is a former coal gasification plant covering
1 acre in Taylorville. The plant was constructed in 1892 and was operated by the Taylorville
Gas and Electric Company until 1912, when it was acquired by CIPS. Operations stopped in
1932, and CIPS sold the property in 1961. The gasification process generated coal tar, which
contains polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PNAs) and other impurities that were
periodically removed and sold or given away for use as road oil, roofing tar, or a pesticide.
When CIPS abandoned the facility, the aboveground structures were demolished; however,
underground tanks containing tar and other equipment remained in place. The tanks were
covered with miscellaneous debris and fill. Contamination at the site was first suspected when
Apple Construction Company, which acquired the site in 1985, excavated a trench for a septic
tank drainage line. Workers noticed strong odors, discoloration of excavated soils, and a dark
viscous material throughout the soil. CIPS was notified of the problem and began an
investigation. In 1986, CIPS confirmed the presence of PNAs and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) in soils and groundwater. Contaminants also have been found in the Sangamon
River. CIPS is monitoring groundwater and surface water, as well as sediment and fish in the
Seaman Estate Pond. Approximately 12,700 people live within a 3-mile radius of the site, and
about 4,500 people live within 1 mile. Three municipal water wells are located 3 miles from
the property. These wells serve as an alternate supply for the City of Taylorville. The main
water supply for the city is Lake Taylorville, about 4 miles southeast of the site.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 08/30/90
18
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater and sediments from a drainage culvert and a private lake are
contaminated with VOCs including benzene, toluene, and xylene. The excavated
soil was contaminated with naphthalene, fluorene, and various VOCs. Surface
water runoff has transported contaminants off the site. People who come in direct
contact with or accidentally ingest contaminated soil, groundwater, surface water,
or sediments may suffer adverse health effects. Contaminants may accumulate in
fish in the Seaman Estate Pond, and if eaten, the fish may be harmful to human
health.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: Under Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)
supervision, 3 underground structures, 9,000 cubic yards of contaminated on-site
soil, and 3,000 cubic yards of off-site soil were removed. A water main was
completed by CIPS to supply water to residents within 1/2 mile of the site, and the ownership
was transferred to the City of Taylorville. The building on the site also was demolished, and a
chain-link fence with a locking gate was installed around much of the perimeter of the site.
Entire Site: CIPS began a thorough investigation of the site under State
supervision. This investigation, scheduled to be completed in 1992, will determine if
additional soil needs to be excavated and the most effective method to treat the
contaminated groundwater, surface water, and sediments. Draft site reports currently are
under review by the IEPA. Once the studies are completed, the EPA will review and select
cleanup alternatives for the site.
Site Facts: In 1986, the State issued an order to CIPS and Apple Contractors, directing the
companies to thoroughly investigate the site and to remove the buried structures.
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE CO. 19 March 1992
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Environmental Progress
The removal of the underground structures, contaminated soils, construction of a fence to
limit site access, and the demolition of the contaminated building on the Central Illinois
Public Service Co. site have reduced the potential for exposure to hazardous materials while
the studies leading to a final selection of cleanup alternatives are being conducted.
Site Repository
Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine Street, Taylorville, IL
March 1992
20
CENTRAL ILLINOIS PUBLIC SERVICE CO.
-------
CROSS BROTHER
PAIL RECYCLIN
(PEMBROKE)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD9807923Q3
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Kankakee County
Pembroke Township
The 20-acre Cross Brothers Pail Recycling (Pembroke) site, located about 14 miles southeast
of Kankakee, is an abandoned drum and pail reclamation facility. The container reclamation
facility covered 10 acres of the site. From 1961 until 1980, pails and drums were recycled at
the site by burning out the residue using hazardous waste solvents as fuel and then
sandblasting and painting them. Container contents were emptied onto the ground, and the
containers were buried. Soil and groundwater became contaminated during these operations.
Site investigations led to the discovery of over 10,000 mostly empty 5-gallon pails, 10 acres of
contaminated soil, at least 10 covered trenches of unknown wastes, and a plume of
contaminated groundwater leaving the site. A house trailer is occupied and maintained at the
site. There are 3,500 people living within 3 miles of the site. The site is adjacent to properties
that either are pasture land or individual residential lots. The contaminated groundwater
plume has moved to the north and has contaminated two residential water wells. These two
wells have been abandoned and replaced with deeper wells. Local residents use groundwater
as their drinking water supply, and possibly, as a livestock and agriculture water supply. There
are at least 12 privately owned water supply wells within 1/2 mile of the site.
Site Responsibility: This site is being 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
Groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as
benzene, toluene, and xylenes and heavy metals including lead. Soil is
contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and VOCs. The greatest
health threat to people is through direct exposure to the contaminated
groundwater moving off site into nearby residential, livestock, and agricultural
water supply wells. The potential for contaminated groundwater to migrate exists.
Trespassers also may be at risk by accidentally ingesting, inhaling, or making direct
contact with contaminated soil.
21
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: Under advisement by the State, the potentially responsible
parties deepened contaminated wells to provide clean drinking water. As an initial
measure in 1985, a partial fence was placed around the site. Most of the drums,
pails, and contaminated soils, considered to be the sources of groundwater contamination,
were removed from the site. Also in 1985, the EPA selected soil cleanup technologies to
address site contamination, including off-site disposal of surface and buried waste materials
and visibly contaminated soil.
Entire Site: In 1989, the EPA selected cleanup technologies to address site
contamination which include: resampling localized areas of the PCB-contaminated
soil area for eventual removal and incineration; installing a groundwater collection
system to capture the contaminated groundwater plume; treating on-site groundwater;
cleaning soil from an estimated 3 1/2-acre area by flushing with water; and applying a 6-inch
vegetative cover to the remaining site area. A fence surrounding the entire site will be
constructed. Water discharged from groundwater cleanup will be treated and used for the soil
flushing operation. The potentially responsible parties, under EPA monitoring, are preparing
the technical specifications and design for the selected cleanup technologies. Cleanup
activities are expected to begin once the design phase is completed.
Site Facts: In 1980, the Kankakee County Circuit Court ordered the potentially responsible
parties to discontinue recycling operations and to clean up the site surface. In 1983, the EPA
signed a Cooperative Agreement with the State to conduct an investigation into the nature
and extent of contamination at the site.
Environmental Progress
The affected area wells have been deepened to provide safe drinking water, and most of the
contaminated containers and soils have been removed and disposed of in an approved facility.
The EPA has selected the remedies for the permanent cleanup of the Cross Brothers Pail
Recycling (Pembroke) site, and the actual cleanup activities are scheduled to begin once the
design phase has been completed.
Site Repository
Kankakee Public Library, 304 South Indiana Road, Kankakee, IL 60901
March 1992 22 CROSS BROTHERS PAIL
RECYCLING (PEMBROKE)
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DUPAGE COUN
LANDFILL/BLA
FOREST P
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD9806063D5
EPA REGION 5
Dupage County
Warrenville
Site Description
The Dupage County Landfill/Blackwell Forest Preserve site covers 40 acres within the
1,235-acre Blackwell Forest Preserve. From 1965 to 1970, the Forest Preserve District and
DuPage County operated the landfill, accepting demolition debris, municipal refuse, and
unknown amounts of potentially hazardous waste. When the site was closed, the Forest
Preserve District covered it with a clay cap. Private and public wells within 3 miles of the site
provide drinking water to 44,000 people. The Forest Preserve District continues to monitor
the landfill. A lake close to the landfill has been closed to swimming as a precautionary
measure.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 02/21/90
Threats and Contaminants
In 1984, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in numerous
monitoring wells installed around the site. Because the site was capped after
closure of the landfill, there do not appear to be any potential threats to people
using the site for recreational purposes.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
23
March 1992
-------
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1987, the Forest Preserve District began pumping
leachate from collection manholes. Since the 1970s, over 50 monitoring wells have
been installed around the site.
Entire Site: The Forest Preserve District initiated an investigation in 1989, under
EPA monitoring, to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site
and to identify alternative technologies for the cleanup. The first phase of field
sampling has been completed. The data currently are being evaluated and a draft investigative
report is scheduled for mid-1992. Over 50 residential wells adjacent to the site have been
sampled and results indicate no apparent threat to public health. This investigation is
scheduled for completion in 1993.
Site Facts: In 1989, the Forest Preserve District signed an Administrative Order on Consent
with the EPA and the State, under which the District agreed to perform an investigation into
site contamination.
Environmental Progress
The installation of monitoring wells and removal of leachate from the Dupage County
Landfill/Blackwell Forest Preserve site have reduced the potential for exposure to
contaminated materials while cleanup activities are being planned.
Site Repository
Warrenville Public Library, 28 West 751 Stafford Place, Warrenville, IL 60555
March 1992 24 DUPAGE COUNTY LANDFILL/
BLACKWELL FOREST PRESERVE
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GALESBURG/
KOPPERS CO.
ILLINOIS
EPAID# ILD990817991
EPA REGION 5
Knox County
2 miles south of Galesburg
Other Names:
Burlington Northern Rail Yard
Koppers Co./Galesburg
Site Description
The Galesburg/Koppers Co. site covers 105 acres near Galesburg. The Burlington Northern
Railroad Company operated the site as a railroad tie treatment plant from 1907 until 1966. In
1966, the Koppers Company leased the production plant from the railroad and assumed
operation of the facility. Treatment operations consisted of pressure-treating the railroad ties
with a mixture of creosote and coal tar or creosote and fuel oil. The facility treats 600,000 to
800,000 cross ties a year. From 1971 to 1976, pentachlorophenol (PCP) was used in the
treatment process. Key contaminated areas at the site include a slurry pond, a northern and
southern creosote lagoon, a PCP-contaminated lagoon, a waste pile storage area, two
backfilled drainage ditches, and two former wastewater spray fields. Contamination has been
found in soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment. Between 1966 and 1980, lagoons
were cleaned and closed, used oil was recycled, and the wastewater spray fields were
constructed. Approximately 60,000 residents live in Galesburg. The area near the site is
residential, agricultural, and commercial/industrial. The economy is dependent on livestock
and agricultural products such as hogs, beef cattle, and corn. Brush Creek, an intermittent
stream located adjacent to the site, flows southeast to Lake Bracken, which is about 2 miles
downstream.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
25
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Air contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phenols, and petrochemicals.
VOCs, asbestos, heavy metals, phenols, and PCP are present in the groundwater.
Sediments contain heavy metals, VOCs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and
pesticides. Soil is contaminated with dioxins, phenol, and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Surface water contains VOCs, asbestos, and heavy metals.
Fish in Lake Bracken are contaminated with PCBs and PAHs. People who come
in direct contact with or accidentally ingest contaminated groundwater, soil, surface
water, or sediments may be at risk. On-site workers and nearby residents
potentially could be exposed to contaminants by inhaling dust. Those who eat
contaminated fish from Lake Bracken may suffer adverse health effects. Wildlife in
and around the lake and Brush Creek also may be harmed by the pollutants.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: interim actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
stored in piles on site.
Interim Actions: The PCP lagoon was pumped dry, and the water was treated in
1983. The contaminated soils from the lagoons also were removed and disposed
of off site. Excavated soil from the area around the treatment building is being
Entire Site: In 1989, the State selected a remedy to clean up the site by:
(1) excavating contaminated soil and consolidating it on site and then removing
contaminants with a biological treatment called bioremediation; (2) constructing
shallow groundwater interceptor trenches and deep pumping wells to extract groundwater;
(3) pre-treating the extracted groundwater using an existing wastewater treatment system to
remove contaminants and then discharging the treated water to the Galesburg Sanitary
District treatment works for final treatment; (4) monitoring the groundwater and soil to
ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup; and (5) implementing land use restrictions. Koppers
Company, under State supervision, is designing the technical specifications for the cleanup of
the site. The design phase is scheduled to begin in 1992 and is expected to be completed in
1994, after which the cleanup activities will begin.
March 1992
26
GALESBURG/KOPPERS CO.
-------
Environmental Progress
The cleanup and treatment of the soils and water from the PCP-contaminated lagoon on the
Galesburg/Koppers Co. site have reduced the potential for exposure to hazardous materials
on the site while design of the technical specifications and the final cleanup activities are
being planned.
Site Repository
Contact the Region 5 Superfund Community Relations Office.
GALESBURG/KOPPERS CO.
27
March 1992
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H.O.D. LANDFILL
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980605836
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Lake County
Antioch
Other Names:
CCD Landfill
The H.O.D. Landfill covers 50 acres of an 80-acre parcel of land. Liquid organic and
drummed wastes were disposed of at the landfill from 1963 to 1984, and the site is now
closed. One tanker dumped wastes containing high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Groundwater downgradient of the site contains zinc, lead, and cadmium. The closest
residence is within 100 feet of the landfill. Approximately 14,300 people live within 3 miles of
the site. Approximately 40 private wells used for domestic water purposes are located within 3
miles of the landfill. Five public water supply wells are in the vicinity, with the closest being
600 feet away; these wells serve approximately 4,600 people. The site is adjacent to a
freshwater wetland. Sequoit Creek also is adjacent to the landfill and flows into a series of
lakes used for recreation.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 09/18/85
Final Date: 02/21/90
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
heavy metals including cadmium, lead, zinc, and manganese. People who come in
direct contact with or drink contaminated groundwater may potentially be at risk.
If contaminants seep from the site into Sequoit Creek or the wetlands area,
wildlife in or around the water may be harmed.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire
site.
28
March 1992
-------
Response Action Status
Entire Site: An investigation to determine the nature and extent of
contamination at the site currently is underway. Groundwater, soil, sediments,
surface water, and air will be sampled to measure the levels of contamination.
Upon completion of the investigation, scheduled for 1993, measures will be recommended to
clean up the landfill.
Environmental Progress
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the H.O.D. Landfill site while site
investigations are underway.
Site Repository
Antioch Township Library, 757 Main Street, Antioch, IL 60002
29
March 1992
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ILADA ENERGY
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980996789
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Alexander County
East Cape Giradeau
The 20-acre Ilada Energy Co. site is located in East Cape Giradeau. The Federal government
operated a fuel oil storage/transfer terminal on the site from 1942 until the early or
mid-1950s and placed oil in 17 tanks with a capacity in excess of 11 million gallons. In the late
1950s, the government deeded the site back to its original owner. The site remained vacant
until 1981, when the Ilada Energy Co. purchased and operated it as a waste oil reclamation
facility from 1981 to 1983. As part of its operations, Ilada removed bottom sediment and
water from the waste oil and blended it to obtain the desired heat content. The "cleaned" oil
then was sold to commercial enterprises. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(IEPA) conducted an inspection of the operations and facilities at the site in 1982. During
this visit, IEPA found that Ilada was improperly storing, handling, mixing, and disposing of
waste oils contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Ilada burned the PCB-laden
waste oil in an on-site boiler. Of the 17 tanks on site, 11 contained oil contaminated with
chlorinated organic solvents, metals, and other elemental constituents of PCBs. The IEPA
also observed oily material spilling and leaking onto the ground, under the valves of the
tanks, and in the designated loading and unloading areas. Although the site borders the
Mississippi River, it is protected against floods by a levee that borders the southern edge of
the site. The site is located in a sparsely populated area that is relatively flat. An estimated
500 people obtain drinking water from wells located within 3 miles of the site. Approximately
130 people live within a mile of the site.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 10/04/89
Threats and Contaminants
On-site groundwater is contaminated with the heavy metals zinc and arsenic.
Liquid oily wastes are contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
PCBs, and heavy metals including lead, arsenic, and zinc. On-site surface soils are
contaminated with PCBs and heavy metals. The potential exists for site-related
contaminants to migrate off site into the sole source drinking water supply of the
area residents. Additionally, agricultural lands and the nearby Mississippi River
could be adversely affected by oil wastes and associated contaminants from the
site.
30
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
directed at cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: The IEPA installed six monitoring wells on the site in 1986.
Subsequent sampling of these wells showed that two of them were contaminated
with arsenic. The EPA ordered the potentially responsible parties to remove the
PCB-contaminated waste oil tanks and to decontaminate the tanks, associated piping, and
on-site structures. Cleanup activities were started in 1989. All tanks and their contents, as
well as visibly contaminated soils, have been removed from the site. Access to the site is
restricted by a fence surrounding the site. Both of the site's access gates have been padlocked
and posted with warning signs by the EPA, and the site is guarded on a 24-hour basis.
Entire Site: The potentially responsible parties, under monitoring by the EPA,
began a study into the nature and extent of contamination at the site and the most
effective methods of addressing this contamination. The study is currently under
review and is scheduled for completion in late 1992.
Site Facts: The EPA filed a complaint against the Ilada Energy Co. in 1983 for PCB
violations under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The company signed a Consent Decree
with the EPA to clean up the site, but abandoned the site before taking any action. In 1989,
the potentially responsible parties signed a Consent Order with the EPA to perform the
investigation into the nature and extent of contamination at the site. Also in 1989, the parties
signed a Unilateral Administrative Order with the EPA to conduct the removal actions
necessary at the site.
Environmental Progress
By constructing a fence and posting a 24-hour guard at the Ilada Energy Co. site, the
potential for people to be exposed to hazardous materials has been greatly reduced. The
removal of contaminated tanks and their contents and some contaminated soils has been
completed and further studies leading to solutions for permanent cleanup of the entire site
are taking place.
ILADA ENERGY CO. 31 March 1992
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Site Repository
Cape Girardeau Public Library, 711 North Clark Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
March 1992 32 ILADA ENERGY CO.
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INTERSTATE
POLLUTION
CONTROL,
ILLINOIS
EPA ID#ILT180011975
EPA REGION 5
Winnebago County
Rockford
Other Names:
Roto-Rooter Service, Inc.
Site Description
The Interstate Pollution Control site is 2 to 4 acres in size and is located in a heavily
industrialized section of Rockford. Interstate Pollution Control, a division of Roto-Rooter
Service, Inc., operated a hazardous waste storage facility at the site from 1974 until 1982.
Activities performed by Interstate Pollution Control included hauling, and sometimes storing,
waste oils, solvents, and cyanide-containing plating wastes from at least 30 to 40 local
industries. Most recent activities at the site include reclaiming or "cleaning" waste oil for
resale. Both the Illinois and U.S. Environmental Protection Agencies have documented a
history of poor operating practices at the site, including using unlined surface impoundments
and leaking storage tanks and drums. Due to pressure from these two agencies, Interstate
Pollution Control removed leaking drums and contaminated soils from the site. The EPA
detected various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in off-site wells located downgradient of
the site in 1986.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 03/31/89
Threats and Contaminants
Off-site groundwater, measured in wells downgradient of the site, is contaminated
with VOCs. On-site soil contains heavy metals such as cadmium and copper. Since
parts of the fence surrounding the site are broken, it is possible for trespassers to
come into direct contact with contaminants on site. If site-related contaminants
migrate from the affected off-site wells into the municipal drinking water supply of
the City of Rockford, individuals could be exposed to contaminants when
consuming or coming into direct contact with drinking water.
33
March 1992
-------
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.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: The EPA has proposed several initial actions for this site
including: fencing the site, repair of the cap, removal of the substances in the
tanks on the site, and removal of the tanks. These activities began in early 1992.
Entire Site: The State negotiated with some of the potentially responsible parties
to conduct an investigation into the nature and extent of site contamination. This
investigation workplan is currently under review. After all the various alternatives
for cleaning up the site have been studied, the most effective remedies will be chosen.
Environmental Progress
After listing the Interstate Pollution Control, Inc. site on the NPL, the EPA and the State
performed preliminary evaluations and proposed several actions to reduce risks while the
investigations leading to the selection of final remedies are taking place. These initial actions
began in 1992.
Site Repository
Rockford Public Library, 215 North Wyman Road, Rockford, IL 61101
March 1992
34
INTERSTATE POLLUTION CONTROL, INC.
-------
JOHNS-MANVILLE
CORP.
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD005443544I
L_
EPA REGION 5
2-\\ Lake County
-W* ukegan, 37 miles north of Chicago
Site Description
The Johns-Manville Corp. site covers 120 acres on a 300-acre parcel of land in Waukegan.
The plant presently produces a wide range of building materials. Since 1922, waste materials
containing primarily asbestos, the heavy metals lead and chrome, and the volatile organic
compound (VOC) xylene have been deposited in a variety of pits. No asbestos or lead
presently is used in the manufacturing process. The active waste disposal pits include the
sludge disposal pit, which receives dredged materials from the on-site wastewater treatment
system, and the miscellaneous disposal pit, into which asbestos- and non-asbestos-containing
wastes are deposited. Waste materials cover a large portion of the disposal area and form a
berm that is approximately 25 to 30 feet high. The disposal site is located in an industrial
area, and the nearest residential area is about 1/2 mile northwest of the site. The population
of Waukegan is 67,500. Approximately 1,800 day workers and 450 night workers are at the
site during a work day, and about 5,000 people are present in the general area during the day
shifts. The site is bordered by Lake Michigan and Illinois Beach State Park, both of which are
used daily for recreation. Local fishermen use a pier located between the Johns-Manville and
Commonwealth Edison facilities.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
Threats and Contaminants
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
\
Air sampled in the site vicinity contained asbestos fibers. Groundwater contained
asbestos, arsenic, and several VOCs. Waste materials and sludge were
contaminated with asbestos, heavy metals and VOCs. The most significant threat
to public health prior to cleanup was the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The site was
dusty during dry periods and posed health concerns to the surrounding
communities and to the on-site workers. Asbestos in the waste materials was a
limited public health concern, unless dispersed by wind or water. People who drank
the contaminated groundwater may have suffered adverse health effects.
35
March 1992
-------
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
directed at cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: The asbestos pit was closed in 1989, and the soil cover was
completed in 1990 by the potentially responsible parties.
Entire Site: In 1987, the EPA selected a remedy to clean up the site which
included: disposing of the asbestos-containing material generated from the
reconstruction activities in the asbestos disposal pit prior to closure; monitoring the
soil cover, groundwater, surface water, and the air; clearing the debris on the site; fencing the
eastern boundary and posting warning signs; closing a small ditch and the open area at the
miscellaneous disposal pit; and sampling to ensure the effectiveness of the remedy. All
cleanup activities outlined in the remedy have been completed. During cleanup operations,
additional asbestos-contaminated areas were discovered and cleaned up in late 1991. The
removal of contaminated source materials addressed the contamination of the groundwater,
surface water and air. Ongoing monitoring will ensure the long-term effectiveness of the
remedy.
Environmental Progress
By sealing off the asbestos pit and covering the contaminated soil to reduce the migration of
asbestos fibers into the air and groundwater, the potential for exposure to hazardous
materials at the Johns-Manville site has been eliminated. All clean up activities have been
completed, however, the EPA will continue to monitor the soil cover and asbestos levels to
ensure that they remain protective of human health and the environment.
Site Repository
Waukegan Public Library, 128 North County Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
March 1992 36 JOHNS-MANVILLE CORP.
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JOLIET ARMY
AMMUNITION PLA
(LOAD-ASSEMBLY
PACKING AREK||nN
ILLINOIS r ^
EPA ID# IL0210090049
EPA REGION 5
Will County
Joliet
Site Description
The Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Load-Assembly-Packing Area) covers 22 square miles on
an inactive Army munitions installation in Joliet. The installation is divided into two major
functional areas: the Manufacturing Area, which is a separate NPL site, and the
Load-Assembly-Packing Area. From the early 1940s until 1977, high explosive artillery
projectiles, aerial bombs, and a variety of ammunition component items were loaded,
assembled, and packaged at this site. Other activities included testing of ammunition, washout
and renovation of projectiles, and burning and demolition of explosives. Since 1977, the plant
has been maintained in non-operating standby condition by Uniroyal, the contractor/operator.
The main source of wastewater produced by the facility was "pink water" created by the
washout of rejected bombs and from washing the equipment and floors. Approximately 250
people live within 3 miles of the site and depend on groundwater for drinking water. The
nearest residence is less than 1/2 mile away. About 40 water supply wells are used for
drinking water within 3 miles of the plant. The surface water on the site flows into the Des
Plaines and Kankakee Rivers, and Kemery Lake is within the site area. About 2,500 acres of
the site are used for commercial agriculture. An active land-leasing program exists, with more
than 80 agricultural and cattle grazing leases being exercised. The surface water is used for
recreational activities, and a fishing program exists on site.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 04/10/85
Final Date: 03/31/89
37
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater, sediments, soils, and surface water are contaminated with
trinitrotoluene (TNT), other explosive by-products, and heavy metals including
lead, mercury, chromium, and cadmium. Potential health threats include coming in
direct contact with or accidentally ingesting contaminated groundwater, soil,
surface water, or sediments. In addition, contaminants may accumulate in fish,
waterfowl, livestock, and commercial agricultural products and can pose a health
threat to those who eat them.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: In 1989, the Army began investigating the nature and extent of the
contamination at the plant. Phase I of the investigation is currently complete, and
a report addressing the investigation findings is due in late 1992. The investigation
is scheduled for completion in June 1993. Once the investigation is completion, the most
timely and effective measures will be recommended for site cleanup.
Site Facts: An Interagency Agreement was signed with the EPA in 1989. Under the terms
of this agreement, the Army will investigate and clean up the contamination found on the
site. The 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 or other DOD facilities.
Environmental Progress
The Army is conducting investigations that will lead to the selection of final cleanup actions
for the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Load-Assembly-Packing Area) site. After preliminary
evaluation, it has been determined that the site does not present an immediate threat to the
surrounding population or the environment while investigations are underway.
Site Repository
Joliet Public Library, 150 North Ottawa Road, Joliet IL 60431
March 1992 38 JOLIET ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT
(LOAD-ASSEMBLY-PACKING AREA)
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JOLIET ARMY
AMMUNITION P
(MANUFA
AREA)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# IL72138204ft
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Will County
Joliet
The Joliet Army Ammunition Plant (Manufacturing Area) covers 14 square miles of an
inactive Army munitions facility in Joliet. The site consists of two areas: the manufacturing
area that produced constituent chemicals and explosive materials and the Load-Assembly-
Packing Area, which is listed as a separate site on the NPL. More than 4 billion pounds of
explosives were produced in the manufacturing area from the early 1940s until 1977. Since
1977, the area has been maintained in non-operating standby condition by Uniroyal, the
contractor/operator. The manufacturing facility consists of a TNT ditch complex, where
process wash and wastewater were transported off site to be processed at water treatment
facilities; the Red Water Area consisting of storage tanks, incinerators, evaporators, a lined
lagoon, and the incinerator ash piles; and the Flashing Ground. During the manufacturing
process, contaminated process waters and chemical spills routinely were discharged without
treatment into constructed drainage ditches, where they flowed into Jackson Creek and
Grant Creek. Unlined piles of incinerator ash and a leak in the liner of one of several
wastewater lagoons also have contributed to contamination of groundwater and surface
water. Approximately 1,155 people live within 3 miles of the site. The nearest residence is less
than 1/2 mile away, and there are water supply wells in use within a mile of the site. About
2,500 acres on the site are used for commercial agriculture. An active land-leasing program
exists, with more than 80 agricultural and cattle grazing leases being exercised.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
Threats and Contaminants
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 07/21/87
IT
Groundwater is contaminated with trinitrotoluene (TNT) and related organic
compounds. Sediments, soil, and surface water contain TNT, lead, arsenic, and
chromium. Potential health threats include touching or accidentally ingesting
contaminated groundwater, soil, surface water or sediments. In addition,
contaminants may accumulate in fish, waterfowl, livestock, and commercial
agricultural products and could pose a health threat to those who eat them.
39
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1985, over 7 million gallons of explosive-contaminated
water were removed from the Red Water Lagoon and transported to a federally
approved facility for disposal. Explosive-contaminated sludge and the lagoon liner
also were removed, and the area was covered with clay. In addition, two piles containing ash
from past incineration of explosives were re-capped.
Entire Site: In 1989, the Army began investigating the type and extent of the
contamination at the plant. Phase I of the investigation was completed in the fall
of 1989 and phase II was completed in late 1991. The investigative report is due in
late 1992. Once the investigation is completed and based on the results of the studies,
effective measures will be recommended for site cleanup.
Site Facts: An Interagency Agreement was signed between the Army and the EPA in June
1989. Under this agreement, the Army will investigate and clean up the contamination on the
site. The 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 waste contaminants at military or other DOD
facilities.
Environmental Progress
Removing the wastewater and sludge and capping the area have reduced the threat of
exposure to or the spread of hazardous materials. The Army currently is conducting
investigations that will lead to the selection of final cleanup actions for the Joliet Army
Ammunition Plant (Manufacturing Area) site.
Site Repository
Joliet Public Library, 150 North Ottawa Road, Joliet, IL 60431
March 1992 40 JOLIET ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT
(MANUFACTURING AREA)
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KERR-MCGEE (KR
CREEK/WEST BR
OF DUPAGE RIV
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980823991
EPA REGION 5
DuPage County
West Chicago
Other Names:
West Branch of DuPage River
Site Description
The Kerr-McGee (Kress Creek/West Branch of DuPage River) site covers about 1 1/2 miles
of Kress Creek and 1/2 mile of the West Branch of the DuPage River in West Chicago. In
1931, the Lindsay Light and Chemical Company established a mill in West Chicago for
extracting thorium and non-radioactive elements from monazite and other ores. Later, the
mill was used for the manufacture of gaslight mantles (which contain thorium), mesothorium,
and, during World War II, hydrofluoric acid. Ownership of the facility changed from Lindsay
to American Potash and Chemical in 1958 and to Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation in
1967. The primary activity at Kerr-McGee was the processing of ores containing thorium,
radium, uranium, rare earths, and heavy metals such as lead. The waste materials from these
operations were sent to numerous areas within the City of West Chicago. The main sites
include: the Kress Creek and West Branch area, which received runoff from the Rare Earth
Facility; the City sewage treatment plant; Reed-Keppler Park, a public park; and 117
additional properties. Operations continued at the site until Kerr-McGee closed the plant in
1973. Over the years, a portion of the wastes from the plant were discharged into Kress
Creek, a tributary of the DuPage River, either by storm sewer or drainage ditch. Radiation
contamination, which is found to a depth of several feet along the stream, decreases with
distance from the creek. Many of the highest levels of contamination were found near the
storm sewer outfall. Kerr-McGee (Reed-Keppler Park), Kerr-McGee (Residential Areas),
and the Kerr-McGee (Sewage Treatment Plant) are listed as separate sites on the NPL.
Approximately 20,000 people live within 3 miles of the site. Drinking water in the area is
obtained by municipal or private wells.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 02/11/91
41
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Sediments and Kress Creek contain radioactive wastes. People who come in direct
contact with or accidentally ingest the contaminated water in Kress Creek may
suffer adverse health effects. In addition, wildlife in and around the creek may be
harmed by the radiation.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of Kress
Creek.
Response Action Status
Kress Creek: The EPA is scheduled to begin an investigation in late 1992 to
explore the nature and extent of contamination at Kress Creek. Once the
investigation is completed, the EPA will select a final cleanup remedy.
Site Facts: In 1984, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an Order to
Show Cause, requiring Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation either to prepare and implement a
cleanup plan, or to show just cause why it should not be required to do so. In 1985,
Kerr-McGee and the City of West Chicago entered into a Consent Decree to excavate,
remove contaminants, and decontaminate the sites. To date, Kerr-McGee has not removed
any contamination from the creek.
Environmental Progress
After listing the Kerr-McGee (Kress Creek/West Branch of DuPage River) site on the NPL,
the EPA performed preliminary evaluations and determined that the site does not pose an
immediate threat to the public or the environment while the investigations leading to a
permanent cleanup remedy for this site and the three associated Kerr-McGee sites are taking
place.
Site Repository
Not established.
March 1992 42 KERR-MCGEE (KRESS CREEK/WEST
BRANCH OF DUPAGE RIVER)
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KERR-MCGEE (RE
KEPPLER PARK)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980824007
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
DuPage County
West Chicago
The Kerr-McGee (Reed-Keppler Park) site covers about 11 acres in West Chicago. In 1931,
the Lindsay Light and Chemical Company established a mill in West Chicago for extracting
thorium and non-radioactive elements from monazite and other ores. Later, the mill was used
for the manufacture of gaslight mantles (which contain thorium), mesothorium, and during
World War II, hydrofluoric acid. Ownership of the facility changed from Lindsay to American
Potash and Chemical in 1958 and to Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation in 1967. The
primary activity at Kerr-McGee was the processing of ores containing thorium, radium,
uranium, rare earths, and heavy metals such as lead. The waste materials from these
operations were dispersed among numerous areas within the City of West Chicago. The main
sites include: the Kress Creek and West Branch area, which receives runoff from the Rare
Earth Facility; the City sewage treatment plant; Reed-Keppler Park, a public park; and 117
additional properties. Operations continued at the site until Kerr-McGee closed the plant in
1973. Radioactive materials were landfilled at Reed-Keppler Park, which originally had been
a gravel quarry. The contaminated areas are within the landfill and around and under the
tennis courts adjacent to it. For additional information, please see the other listings for
Kerr-McGee (Residential Areas), Kerr-McGee (Sewage Treatment Plant), and Kerr-McGee
(Kress Creek/West Branch), all listed as separate NPL sites. Approximately 15,000 people live
within 3 miles of the site. The closest residence to the park is about 250 feet away. There are
several private wells 2,000 feet from the park.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
Threats and Contaminants
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 08/30/90
I
The air and groundwater contain radioactive wastes. Soil contains heavy metals
and radioactive wastes. People who come in direct contact with or accidentally
ingest contaminated groundwater and soil may be at risk.
43
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: interim actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of Reed-Keepler Park.
Response Action Status
Interim Actions: In 1986, approximately 20,000 cubic yards of thorium mill
tailings at the park were excavated and moved to a fenced area.
Reed-Keppler Park: The EPA is scheduled to begin an investigation in late 1992
to explore the nature and extent of contamination at the Reed-Keppler Park.
Once the investigation is completed, the EPA will select a final cleanup remedy.
Site Facts: In 1984, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an Order to
Show Cause, requiring Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation either to prepare and implement a
cleanup plan, or to show just cause why it should not be required to do so. In 1985,
Kerr-McGee and the City of West Chicago entered into a Consent Decree to excavate and
to decontaminate the sites.
Environmental Progress
The removal of mill tailings from the park has reduced the potential for exposure to
radioactive materials at the Kerr-McGee (Reed-Keppler Park) site, while investigations
leading to final cleanup actions take place.
Site Repository
Not established.
March 1992
44
KERR-MCGEE (REED-KEPPLER PARK)
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KERR-MCGEE
(RESIDENTIAL
AREAS)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980824015
EPA REGION 5
DuPage County
West Chicago
Site Description
The Kerr-McGee (Residential Areas) site covers about 30 acres adjacent to the Kerr-McGee
Chemical Corporation facility, as well as other adjacent areas and isolated spots of elevated
radiation levels in West Chicago. Additional areas will be added to the site as contamination
is discovered. In 1931, the Lindsay Light and Chemical Company established a mill in West
Chicago for extracting thorium and non-radioactive elements from monazite and other ores.
Later, the mill was used for the manufacture of gaslight mantles (which contain thorium),
mesothorium, and, during World War II, hydrofluoric acid. Ownership of the facility changed
from Lindsay to American Potash and Chemical in 1958 and to Kerr-McGee Chemical
Corporation in 1967. The primary activity at Kerr-McGee was the processing of ores
containing thorium, radium, uranium, rare earths, and heavy metals such as lead. The waste
materials from these operations were dispersed among numerous areas within the City of
West Chicago. The main sites include: the Kress Creek and West Branch area, which
received runoff from the Rare Earth Facility; the City sewage treatment plant; Reed-Keppler
Park, a public park; and 117 additional properties. Operations continued at the site until
Kerr-McGee closed the plant in 1973. In 1978, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) located 75 spots of elevated radiation levels. Since that time, the number has grown
to approximately 117. Although the general area of contamination may be due, in part, to
long-term emissions from the facility, the primary source of contamination is believed to be
the result of specific incidents such as spills and the use of contaminated material as fill. The
Kerr-McGee (Reed-Keppler Park), Kerr-McGee (Kress Creek/West Branch), and
Kerr-McGee (Sewage Treatment Plant) sites all are being treated as separate sites on the
NPL. Approximately 15,000 people live within 3 miles 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: 08/30/90
45
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Soil is contaminated with radioactive wastes. People who are exposed to elevated
levels of radiation in the soils may suffer adverse health effects.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: interim actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the residential areas.
Response Action Status
Interim Actions: In the mid-1980s, Kerr-McGee voluntarily removed soils from
many affected residences and placed the material at a facility for temporary
storage. The materials will be in temporary storage until a final disposal site
Residential Areas: The EPA will begin an investigation to explore the nature
and extent of contamination at the residential areas in late 1992. It appears that
the removal actions conducted by Kerr-McGee in the mid-1980s did not address
the contamination at all affected properties. The EPA will determine which properties
require further cleanup, and will address those properties through removal actions whenever
practical. The EPA's final remedy will address any remaining contamination, as well as final
disposal of the materials.
Site Facts: In 1984, the NRC issued an Order to Show Cause, requiring Kerr-McGee
Chemical Corporation to either prepare and implement a cleanup plan, or to show just cause
why it should not be required to do so. In 1985, Kerr-McGee and the City of West Chicago
entered into a Consent Decree to excavate, remove contaminants, and decontaminate the
sites.
Environmental Progress
The removal of some of the contaminated soil from the Kerr-McGee (Residential Areas) site
has helped to reduce the potential of exposure to hazardous materials while the investigations
leading to the selection of the final cleanup remedies are taking place.
Site Repository
Not established.
March 1992 46 KERR-MCGEE (RESIDENTIAL AREAS)
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KERR-MCGEE
(SEWAGE TREAT
PLANT)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980824031
EPA REGION 5
DuPage County
West Chicago
Site Description
The Kerr-McGee (Sewage Treatment Plant) site covers about 23 acres in West Chicago. In
1931, the Lindsay Light and Chemical Company established a mill in West Chicago for
extracting thorium and non-radioactive elements from monazite and other ores. Later, the
mill was used for the manufacture of gaslight mantles (which contain thorium), mesothorium,
and, during World War II, hydrofluoric acid. Ownership of the facility changed from Lindsay
to American Potash and Chemical in 1958 and to Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation in
1967. The primary activity at Kerr-McGee was the processing of ores containing thorium,
radium, uranium, rare earths, and heavy metals such as lead. The waste materials from these
operations were sent to numerous areas within the City of West Chicago. The main sites
include: the Kress Creek and West Branch area, which receives runoff from the Rare Earth
Facility; the City sewage treatment plant; Reed-Keppler Park, a public park; and 117
additional properties. Operations continued at the site until Kerr-McGee closed the plant in
1973. The original sewage treatment plant was built in 1919 and included two septic tanks.
Over the years, the tanks were filled with radioactive materials. Additionally, fill, including
radioactive materials, was placed in other areas of the site. While modernizing the plant, the
City has located many surface and subsurface areas of the contamination. For additional
information, please see the listings for Kerr-McGee (Reed-Keppler Park), Kerr-McGee
(Residential Areas), and Kerr-McGee (Kress Creek/West Branch), all listed separately on the
NPL. Approximately 15,000 people live within 3 miles of the site. The surrounding area is
low-density residential, with forests to the north of the plant. There are thorium mill tailings
on the west bank of the DuPage River, and the closest residences are on the eastern side of
the river. The closest house is about 300 feet from the tailings.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 08/30/90
47
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contains radioactive wastes and heavy metals. Soil at the site
contains radioactive wastes. People who are exposed to radioactive-contaminated
groundwater and soil may suffer adverse health effects.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1986, Kerr-McGee removed soils from the sewage
treatment plant and placed the material in a facility for temporary storage.
Sewage Treatment Plant: In late 1992, an investigation of the nature and
extent of contamination at the site will be conducted by the EPA. This
investigation also will evaluate the effectiveness of the 1986 removal action
undertaken by Kerr-McGee. Evidence indicates that this action was incomplete and that
thorium mill tailings may remain at the site. Once the investigation is completed, measures
will be recommended for site cleanup and the EPA will select the final cleanup remedy.
Site Facts: In 1984, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an Order to
Show Cause, requiring Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation either to prepare and implement a
cleanup plan, or to show why it should not be required to do so. In 1985, Kerr-McGee and
the City of West Chicago entered into a Consent Decree to excavate, remove contaminants,
and decontaminate the site.
Environmental Progress
Removal of some of the contaminated soil from the Kerr-McGee (Sewage Treatment Plant)
site has helped to reduce the potential for exposure to hazardous materials while the
investigations leading to the selection of a permanent remedy for the site are taking place.
Site Repository
Not established.
March 1992 48 KERR-MCGEE (SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT)
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LASALLE ELECTRIC™
UTILITIES
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980794333
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
LaSalle County
LaSalle
From the late 1940s to 1978, the 10-acre LaSalle Electric Utilities (LEU) site was used to
manufacture capacitors containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Operations ceased in
1981, and the site now is abandoned. The company reportedly used waste oil to control dust
in the parking lot and off site until 1969. Several hundred drums of PCB wastes, many of
which were leaking, were found stored in a wooden shed. A tank truck containing
PCB-contaminated wastes was found near a storm drain manhole. Leakage from these
containers may have reached the storm sewer system and surface water tributary to the
Illinois River. An aboveground storage tank discovered on site contained 940 gallons of
trichloroethylene (TCE). Additionally, PCB-contaminated soil was stockpiled on site. PCBs
have been found on the shoulder of the road that passes in front of the LEU site. This
contaminated area covers approximately 1 1/2 miles and passes in front of a school and a
recreational park. Approximately 190 people reside within 1/8 mile of the site; 3,400 people
live within a mile of the site, and approximately 21,000 people live within 3 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 12/30/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
IT
Groundwater, surface water, sediments, soil, and the buildings on site are
contaminated with PCBs. The buildings also are contaminated with asbestos.
Primary health threats include coming in direct contact with or accidentally
ingesting contaminated groundwater, surface water, sediments, or soil. PCB
leakage from the drums on site could reach the storm sewer system and tributaries
of the Illinois River.
49
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in three stages: initial actions and two long-term remedial phases
focusing on off-site soil cleanup and on-site soil, sediments, and groundwater cleanup.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: Between 1982 and 1985, the EPA completed several activities in
order to stabilize the contaminated areas including: installing warning signs, a
barbed wire fence, and a gate around the site; capping the property; constructing
four on-site monitoring wells; capping contaminated off-site areas; staging, sampling, and
packaging PCB waste materials for future disposal; and draining 15 vertical tanks and five
diffusion pump reservoirs inside the LaSalle Electric building into five drums. The drums
containing PCB materials were moved to a diked and lined storage area inside the
warehouse. A retention pond was expanded to control on-site drainage, stained soil was
excavated from under the tank trailer, and the excavated soil was placed into drums. The
tank containing TCE was removed from the site for reuse.
Off-Site Soil: Based on the results of the site investigations, the EPA selected the
following remedies to clean up the site: excavating approximately 23,550 cubic
yards of contaminated off-site soil and replacing it with clean fill; incinerating
contaminated soils with a thermal destruction unit; and implementing conventional industrial
cleaning to include vacuuming, hand washing, and steam jet cleaning of all structures where
soil removal activities have taken place. The State began cleanup activities in 1987 by
excavating the contaminated off-site soil and replacing it with the clean fill. Following this
action, buildings in the area were cleaned, and the ventilation systems were scrubbed. The
remaining soil incineration and final work on the site cleanup were completed in 1990;
remaining details were completed in 1991. As a safety measure to avoid the inhalation of
possible airborne contaminated particulates by the residents, approximately 30 families and
two businesses were relocated while excavations and clearing the homes took place.
On-Site Soil, Sediments, and Groundwater: In 1988, a decision was reached
by the State to perform the following cleanup actions: excavating contaminated
soil from the LEU property, high pressure flushing and mechanically cleaning
contaminated sewer lines, excavating contaminated sediments from the unnamed creek
downstream of the storm sewer discharge, incinerating the contaminated soil and sediment,
demolishing and disposing of the contaminated LEU buildings, and constructing a
groundwater collection and treatment system. Cleanup activities began in 1990. To date, the
LEU buildings have been demolished and disposed of, the sewer lines have been cleaned, the
groundwater treatment system has been completed and excavation of the contaminated soil
from the LEU property and incineration of oil and sediments are ongoing. The excavation of
contaminated sediment from the unnamed creek is scheduled to begin in mid-1992. The
cleanup activities are expected to be completed in 1993.
March 1992 50 LASALLE ELECTRIC UTILITIES
-------
Environmental Progress
Securing the site, containing contaminated soil through capping, excavating and incinerating
the PCB wastes, and completing the off-site soil cleanup have reduced the potential for
exposure to hazardous materials at the LaSalle Electric Utilities site while further cleanup
activities are being completed.
Site Repository
City Clerk's Office, LaSalle City Hall, 745 2nd Street, LaSalle, IL 61301
LASALLE ELECTRIC UTUJTIES
51
March 1992
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LENZ OIL
SERVICE, INC.
ILLINOIS
EPAID#ILD005451711
EPA REGION 5
Cook County
Lemont
Site Description
Lenz Oil Sendee, Inc. operated an oil and solvent storage and transfer facility under several
different owners for over 20 years. In 1980, Charles Russell purchased the company and
began a waste management operation at the site. In 1981, the company received a permit
from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to accept hazardous waste. In
1985, three surface impoundments were used to store hazardous waste. Also at the site were
3 underground unlined concrete storage tanks, 35 aboveground tanks, and 200 drums. In
1985, the Illinois Attorney General's Office required Lenz Oil and Charles Russell to begin
an immediate cleanup and to file a closure and compliance plan. In 1986, Lenz Oil filed for
bankruptcy. The IEPA performed soil sampling at the site in 1986 and found it to be
contaminated with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Private residential wells
adjacent to the site are contaminated, but these homes have been connected to alternate
water supplies. Approximately 11,300 people live within 3 miles of the site.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 10/04/89
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater and soils are contaminated with various VOCs. Private wells adjacent
to the site also are contaminated. Drinking contaminated groundwater and coming
in contact with VOC-contaminated soils may pose a public threat.
52
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1986, the State provided an alternate water supply to
residences having contaminated wells. The State subsequently performed surface
soil cleanup activities in 1989, which included the incineration of 21,000 tons of
contaminated soil.
Entire Site: A group of over 200 potentially responsible parties agreed to perform
a study to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the site. The study
began in 1989 and includes analyzing samples taken from surface and subsurface
soils, sediments, and surface waters. The first phase of the investigation was completed in
early 1992. The second phase of the field investigations, which consisted of additional soil and
groundwater samples, was completed later in 1992. Based on the results of the investigations,
expected to be completed in mid-1992, various cleanup alternatives will be recommended,
from which the EPA will select the final cleanup remedy.
Site Facts: Additional potentially responsible party groups have joined the original group of
199 to voluntarily perform the site investigation.
Environmental Progress
The incineration of contaminated soil and the provision of an alternate water supply have
reduced the potential for exposure to hazardous substances at the Lenz Oil Service, Inc. site
while cleanup activities are being planned.
Site Repository
Lemont Town Hall, 418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
LENZ OIL SERVICE, INC. 53 March 1992
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MIG/DEWANE
LANDFILL
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980497788
EPA REGION 5
Boone County
Belvidere
Other Names:
MIG Investment
Bonus Landfill
Boone Landfill
Kennedy Landfill
Dewane Landfill (MIG)
Site Description
The 50-acre MIG/Dewane Landfill site began accepting household refuse and special wastes
such as paint sludges and organic solvents in 1969. Reportedly, 480,000 gallons of hazardous
wastes were dumped into the landfill. Portions of the landfill are not covered, and leachate
has been observed moving off site. The site ceased operations in 1988, when the State sued
the landfill owner for exceeding its permit authority. Approximately 10 acres of the site
contain exposed wastes. The State pumps out a leachate collection lagoon periodically to
keep it from overflowing. There are approximately 16,300 people who obtain drinking water
from wells within 3 miles of the site. The site is located near Belvidere's municipal water wells
and private wells. One municipal well and 28 percent of the area's private wells obtain water
from the upper aquifer. A private well is 2,500 feet from a contaminated well on the site. The
site is located about 1,000 feet from the Kishwaukee River.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal, State and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/26/89
Final Date: 08/30/90
Threats and Contaminants
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been detected in groundwater under the
site. Heavy metals including arsenic, cyanide, lead, and zinc have been detected in
leachate samples. Potential health threats include drinking contaminated
groundwater and coming in direct contact with contaminated leachate.
54
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In June 1989, the EPA removed 85,000 gallons of leachate
from the on-site leachate lagoon. The leachate was transported to a nearby
sewage treatment plant and discharged. In June 1990, the EPA removed 75,000
gallons of leachate from the same lagoon. An interim action as part of the site-wide
investigation was initiated in early 1991, and is scheduled to be completed in 1992. As part of
the interim action, a temporary cap will be constructed to prevent further infiltration into the
landfill.
Entire Site: A thorough investigation is currently being conducted by the
potentially responsible party, under EPA and Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency (IEPA) monitoring, to determine the nature and extent of the
contamination at the site. Based upon the study results, final cleanup remedies will be
selected.
Site Facts: A three-party Consent Order was signed in early 1991. Under this Order, the
potentially responsible parties will perform the site studies under the supervision of the EPA
and the IEPA.
Environmental Progress
The removal of approximately 160,000 gallons of leachate has reduced the potential for
exposure to hazardous materials at the MIG/Dewane Landfill site while studies to determine
future cleanup activities are being completed.
Site Repository
Ida Public Library, 320 North State Street, Belvidere, IL 61008
MIG/DEWANE LANDFILL 55 March 1992
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NL INDUSTRIE
TARACORP L
SMELTER
ILLINOIS
EPAID* ILD096731468
EPA REGION 5
Madison County
Granite City
Other Names:
Hoyt Plant
National Lead Taracorp
Taracorp Industries Granite City Plant
Granite City Lead
Site Description
Operations at the 16-acre NL Industries/Taracorp Lead Smelter site have included metal
refining, fabricating, and related activities since the turn of the century. Taracorp, Inc.
purchased the facility in 1979 from NL Industries, owners since 1928, and currently operates
it as a metal fabrication facility. Lead pollution in the area is believed to be partially a result
of lead smelting conducted at the site from 1905 until 1983. The smelter was used for
purifying and reprocessing lead-containing scrap, used batteries, and cable sheathing. Solid
wastes generated from this process included blast furnace slag, battery cases, and dust from
the smelter's smoke stack. These wastes were stored on site in waste piles. Another storage
area of waste piles is located at the St. Louis Lead Recyclers (SLLR) site, adjacent to the
Taracorp, Inc. property. The wastes at SLLR were a result of recycling the original waste
piles. A third location of contamination attributed to the site is the remote fill areas of
Venice and Eagle Park Acres, where lead-containing battery case pieces allegedly were used
for fill and alley paving material. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) began
monitoring air quality for lead in 1978. Between 1978 and 1981, air monitoring detected levels
exceeding Federal standards. In 1981, the State of Illinois was required by the EPA to
develop a plan to control and maintain Federal air quality standards for lead in Granite City.
In 1982, the State of Illinois denied an application for renewal of Taracorp's permit to
operate the smelter, since the primary source of lead pollution detected in area air and soil
was from the Taracorp facility. Approximately 15,000 people live within 1 mile of the site,
which is located within a heavily industrialized section of Granite City.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 06/10/86
56
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater in monitoring wells was found to be contaminated with dissolved
solids, sulfates, and manganese. Two on-site wells also contained heavy metals
including arsenic, cadmium, nickel, manganese, and zinc. Sediment samples from
the stormwater runoff areas and soils contained elevated levels of lead. Granite
City's municipal drinking water comes from the Mississippi River and does not
appear to be affected by contaminated groundwater. Potential health risks may
exist from coming in direct contact with or accidentally ingesting contaminated
soils.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire
site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: In 1990, the EPA selected a remedy to clean up the site which
includes: removing crushed hard rubber battery casings and lead-contaminated soil
from residential areas; excavating and consolidating the soils, crushed casings, and
lead-contaminated materials from an adjacent waste pile into the existing Taracorp slag pile;
covering the Taracorp pile with a cap; installing an upgraded security fence around the
Taracorp pile; implementing deed restrictions and other institutional controls; inspecting alleys
and driveways and areas containing surficial battery case material to determine if they must
also be cleaned; installing monitoring wells; monitoring groundwater, air, and the cap;
removing and recovering all drums on the Taracorp pile at a secondary smelter; and
consolidating the waste contained in the adjacent St. Louis Lead Recyclers piles with the
Taracorp pile. The technical specifications for cleanup currently are being designed under
funding from the EPA and are scheduled for completion in early 1993.
Site Facts: Taracorp Inc. filed for bankruptcy in 1982. In 1985, the EPA and the State
signed a Consent Order with NL Industries, requiring that the company conduct an
investigation to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site and to identify
alternatives for cleanup. In 1991, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an
Interagency Agreement to conduct the design phase of the selected remedy.
NL INDUSTRIES/TARACORP 57 March 1992
LEAD SMELTERS
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Environmental Progress
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the NL Industries site while cleanup
activities are being designed.
Site Repository
Granite City Public Library, 2001 Delmar Street, Granite City, IL 62040
March 1992
58
NL INDUSTRIES/TARACORP
LEAD SMELTER
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OTTAWA RADIATIQ
AREAS
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980606750
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
LaSalle County
Ottawa
The Ottawa Radiation Areas site, approximately 25 to 30 acres in size, consist of 14 areas
contaminated by radioactive materials. These 14 areas, many of which are in residential
sections, are within 3 miles of each other and have been added to the NPL as one site
because they are contaminated by the same wastes, involve the same potentially responsible
parties, and require cleanup activities for the same media. Site investigators believe
contamination originated from the processing of wastes and the demolition of debris by two
companies that once operated in the center of Ottawa Radium Dial Co. (from 1918 to 1936)
and Luminous Processes, Inc. (from 1937 to 1978). These businesses produced luminous dials
for clocks and watches using radium-based paint. In 1969, the Radium Dial Co. building was
demolished and removed to an unknown destination. The Luminous Processes Inc. building
was dismantled by the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS) in 1985; radioactive
remnants were shipped to a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) disposal facility in Hanford,
Washington. Contaminated soils in the area of the building also were sent to the DOE
facility in Hanford. During these activities, investigators discovered that radioactive wastes
from the two companies had been used as filler materials in the Ottawa area. Fourteen
contaminated areas in and near Ottawa were identified by subsequent radiation surveys
performed by IDNS, DOE, and the EPA. Radium was detected in surface soils and soils as
deep as 8 feet below the surface. The EPA also discovered radon in four of the 64 buildings
it screened. Access to many of the contaminated areas is unrestricted. The Old Ottawa City
Landfill, located at one of the 14 areas, is in close proximity to two businesses. The homes of
approximately 50 people were built on soil contaminated by radioactive materials; an
additional 84 people who use the areas recreationally are being exposed to site contaminants.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL Listing History
Proposed Date: 07/29/91
59
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Surface and subsurface soils in the area of the Luminous Processes, Inc. building
have been contaminated with radioactive wastes. Four buildings in the Ottawa area
are contaminated with radon. Soil and sediment samples collected from the landfill
area were found to have elevated levels of three radioactive metals: radium-226,
lead-214, and bismuth-214. Site access is unrestricted and individuals could be at
risk of direct contact or accidental ingestion with contaminated soils or sediments.
Cleanup Approach
The site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1986, the State removed contaminated soils located near
homes in one of the 14 contaminated areas and purchased one home in another
area. Radon reduction systems were installed in two homes and one business in
1988 by the EPA. In 1990, the EPA moved a third home to uncontaminated property owned
by the resident.
Entire Site: An investigation is scheduled to begin in 1993 to explore the nature
and extent of contamination at the entire site. Once the investigation is
completed, a final cleanup remedy for the site will be selected.
Environmental Progress
Immediate actions such as the dismantling of the Luminous Processes, Inc. building, the
removal of contaminated soils, and the installation of radon reduction systems have reduced
health and safety risks to the nearby population while additional studies are taking place.
Site Repository
Not established.
March 1992 60 OTTAWA RADIATION AREAS
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OUTBOARD
MARINE CORP.
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD000802827I
EPA REGION 5
Lake County
Waukegan
Site Description
The Outboard Marine Corp. (OMC) site covers three separate areas: Waukegan Harbor, a
37-acre area along the western shore of Lake Michigan; North Ditch, a small tributary
approximately 1,500 feet north of the Harbor; and the OMC parking lot, a 9-acre lot south of
North Ditch. Between 1959 and 1971, the Johnson Motors Division of OMC purchased
hydraulic fluids containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The company used the material
in aluminum die cast machines that routinely leaked. In 1976, it was discovered that the
company was discharging PCBs into Waukegan Harbor and the North Ditch. Both of these
water bodies flow into Lake Michigan. The City of Waukegan has a population of
approximately 68,000 and surrounds Waukegan Harbor. The harbor area is zoned primarily
for industrial and commercial use. There are approximately 15 businesses in the immediate
harbor area and a worker population of about 3,500 people. People in the area also use the
harbor for various recreational activities.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/22/81
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soils are contaminated with PCBs.
The primary way people could be exposed to hazardous chemicals from the site is
by eating fish contaminated with PCBs. Other potential health hazards include
coming in direct contact with or accidentally ingesting contaminated materials.
61
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two long-term remedial phases focusing on cleanup of the
entire site and the coal tar wastes.
Response Action Status :
Entire Site: In 1989, the EPA selected a remedy to clean up the site including:
constructing a cut-off and slurry wall in a boat slip in the harbor to form a cell to
contain the contaminants; constructing a new boat slip and relocating Larsen
Marine; removing and treating sediments in the boat slip and placing contaminated sediments
in the containment cell of the new slip; excavating and treating soil and sediments on site
from the lagoon area; constructing a containment cell to treat residues and
PCB-contaminated soils with lower levels of contamination; constructing a containment cell
around the parking lot area; constructing a temporary facility on site to treat waste dredged
from the containment cells; constructing a permanent facility on site to treat contaminated
water; treating water from the containment cell on site by discharging the water to a facility
that can treat the water; placing a cap on all containment cells; and monitoring the
groundwater. The potentially responsible parties have completed designing the technical
specifications for the cleanup, under EPA monitoring. Construction of the new boat slip has
been completed and construction of the remaining cleanup activities is underway. All cleanup
activities are expected to be completed in 1993.
Coal Tar Wastes: Creosote and coal tar wastes were discovered during the
technical design of the remedy for the PCB-contaminated areas. A separate study
is underway to determine the nature and extent of the contamination and to
identify cleanup alternatives. Phase one of the field work is complete.
Site Facts: A Consent Decree was signed in 1986 by OMC. The potentially responsible
parties and the EPA entered into a Consent Decree in 1989, requiring the parties to perform
the cleanup activities on the site.
Environmental Progress
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the Outboard Marine Corp. site while
final cleanup activities are taking place and further investigations are underway.
Site Repository
Waukegan Public Library, 128 North County Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
March 1992 62 OUTBOARD MARINE CORP.
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PAGEL'S PIT
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980606685
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Winnebago County
Rockford
The Pagel's Pit site, located in a predominately rural unincorporated area, consists of about
100 acres with the landfill occupying about 47 acres. The landfill began operation in 1972 and
is still operating. The base of the landfill was covered with an asphaltic concrete that was
sealed with a coal tar sealer. The landfill is equipped with a leachate extraction system and a
gas extraction system. Primarily, municipal wastes and sewage treatment plant sludge have
been the waste accepted at the site, but some special wastes also have been disposed of
there. The shallow aquifer under the site is a source of drinking water to residents in the
area. However, the groundwater flow is primarily toward the west while the nearby residents
are located mainly along a road that touches the eastern edge of the site. The Winnebago
County Health Department tested the water and discovered it was contaminated with several
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some residents along this road have home treatment
units on their water supply that have been provided the potentially responsible parties
associated with the Acme Solvent Reclaiming, Inc. NPL site. This site is located upgradient of
the Pagel's Pit site. Killbuck Creek is to the west 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
Shallow groundwater under the site contains VOCs and arsenic. People potentially
may be exposed to hazardous chemicals from the site by coming in direct contact
with or ingesting contaminated groundwater. Killbuck Creek could become
contaminated through runoff from the site and groundwater discharge. However,
the creek has not been found to be affected by the site.
63
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed through two long-term remedial phases focusing on cleanup of
the entire site and the southeastern portion of the site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: In 1984, the State and the EPA began a study of the site. In 1986,
some of the potentially responsible parties took over the study to explore the
nature and extent of contamination at the site and to recommend alternatives for
site cleanup. After evaluating the cleanup alternatives, the EPA selected a final remedy in
1991 which includes: groundwater extraction and treatment, with discharge of treated water
into a local stream; leachate extraction, treatment, and discharge into a wastewater treatment
plant; upgrading gas use on the landfill; and capping the site. The design of the remedy will
begin once negotiations between the EPA and the potentially responsible parties have been
settled.
Southeast Portion of Site: In 1991, an investigation began in the southeast
corner of the site to determine the nature and extent of groundwater
contamination. The investigation is expected to be completed in 1993, at which
time a final cleanup remedy will be selected.
Site Facts: In 1986, under an Administrative Order on Consent, the EPA negotiated a
settlement with some of the potentially responsible parties to study the nature and extent of
the problem and to examine alternative solutions.
Environmental Progress
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the Pagel's Pit site while further
studies are taking place and cleanup activities are being planned.
Site Repository
Rockford Public Library, 215 North Wyman Road, Rockford, IL 61101
March 1992 64 PAGEL'S PIT
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PARSONS CASK
HARDWARE CO
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD005252432
EPA REGION 5
Boone County
Belvidere
Site Description
The 2-acre Parsons Casket Hardware Co. site was used as an electroplating facility from 1898
until 1982, when the owner filed for bankruptcy. Wastes from the operations were stored in
drums, aboveground and underground storage tanks, and an unlined surface impoundment.
Wastes generated included electroplating sludge; cyanide plating and cleaning solutions; and
bronze, nickel, and brass sludges. In 1982, the State found that approximately 120 drums of
various sizes were stored inside and outside the manufacturing building; many were dented,
corroded, leaking, or uncovered. Approximately 4,800 gallons of wastes were stored in
aboveground and underground tanks. An unlined lagoon contained approximately 166,500
gallons of liquid wastes and 1,230 cubic yards of sludges. Post-cleanup sampling data were
collected by the State in 1987 and indicated that the groundwater is contaminated with
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The municipal water system in the area draws
groundwater from an aquifer that has been contaminated by the sites. Approximately 6,000
people live within a 1-mile radius of the site. The closest residence is less than 1/10 of a mile
away. Municipal water supply wells are within 3 miles of the site and are the sole source of
drinking water for Belvidere's 15,200 residents. Area residents use the Kishwaukee River,
1,400 feet from the site, for fishing and recreational activities.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 01/22/87
Final Date: 07/22/87
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contains various VOCs. Soils on site contain heavy metals including
arsenic, copper, and nickel. People who use the local municipal water supply
system may be exposed to hazardous chemicals from the site.
65
March 1992
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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 State of Illinois began to clean up the surface
impoundment and the storage tanks on site and completed the action in 1985.
Also in 1985, Filter Systems, Inc. purchased the building and moved all drums
Entire Site: The State is carrying out a study of the nature and extent of
contamination at the site, under EPA monitoring. To date, groundwater
monitoring wells and soil borings have been installed and several samples have
been collected. The study is expected to be completed in 1992. The EPA will use the results
of this study to select alternative actions for the final cleanup of the site.
Site Facts: The State ordered the Parsons Casket Hardware Co. to repackage all leaking
drums and to move them indoors before it filed for bankruptcy. The new owner, Filter
Systems, Inc., agreed to recycle or remove the drums stored in the building on site.
Environmental Progress
The cleanup of the surface impoundment and storage tanks has reduced the potential for
exposure to hazardous materials at the Parsons Casket Hardware Co. site while further
studies are taking place and cleanup activities are being planned.
Site Repository
Contact the Region 5 Superfund Community Relations Office.
March 1992 66 PARSONS CASKET HARDWARE CO.
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PETERSEN
SAND & GRAVEL
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD003817137
EPA REGION 5
Lake County
1 mile north of Libertyville
Site Description
The 120-acre Peterson Sand & Gravel site is a quarry purchased by Raymond Petersen in
1952 to mine sand and gravel. The company dumped non-hazardous wastes, solvents, and
paint wastes in buried drums at the site between 1955 and 1958. The Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency (IEPA) inspected the site in 1971 and ordered it closed because of illegal
dumping. The site consists of three disposal areas that are located in the quarry, just east of
the Des Plaines River. The first disposal area, which the IEPA reinspected in 1972 and found
to be properly closed, contains non-hazardous wastes. In 1976, the IEPA discovered 10 to 15
uncovered barrels of waste in the second disposal area of the gravel pit. Of these, about half
contained paint and solvent wastes. Raymond Petersen owned the site until the Lake County
Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) acquired it in 1979. The District planned to convert the
quarry into a 240-acre recreational lake. In 1983, the LCFPD uncovered six more drums
containing unknown liquids in an area of the site located outside the quarry, 100 yards east of
the second disposal area. Barbed wire surrounds the perimeter of the gravel pit.
Approximately 880 people live within a 1-mile radius of the site. The closest residence is an
on-site trailer.
Site Responsibility: This site was addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 06/10/86
Deleted Date: 02/11/91
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater, surface water, and sediments contained volatile organic compounds
(VOCs); heavy metals including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead;
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Because contamination levels were low and site contaminants are not migrating, no
potential health threats existed.
67
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site was addressed through initial actions; further investigations showed that no other
cleanup actions are required.
Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1977, the IEPA removed approximately 350 drums from the
second disposal area and placed them in a landfill permitted for hazardous waste.
In 1983, approximately 400 empty drums, 2,600 yards of contaminated soil, and
26,000 gallons of surface water from a disposal trench were removed and placed in a
permitted landfill for hazardous waste. Also, 750 drums and 1,000 paint cans were removed.
Entire Site: The State completed the final study of the site in 1988. Based on the
results, the EPA has concluded that no further site contamination studies or other
cleanup actions will be carried out at the site. The study proved that past removal
actions were adequate and that no unacceptable risks remain. However, LCFPD plans to
build a lake at the site, which could change the way any contaminants remaining at the site
migrate. Therefore, although it is not required under EPA's decisions regarding the site, the
LCFPD will monitor the surface water and sediments on site before and after the lake is
built. Groundwater and rainwater that collect in the quarry pit will continue to be discharged
to the Des Plaines River in compliance with the EPA's regulations for surface water until
mining at the site stops.
Site Facts: The EPA and the IEPA conducted the study to determine the nature and extent
of contamination at the site under a Cooperative Agreement signed in 1986.
Environmental Progress
Studies performed at the Petersen Sand & Gravel site have shown that cleanup of this site is
complete and no threats exist for nearby residents and the environment. The site was deleted
from the NPL in 1991.
Site Repository
Information is no longer available.
March 1992 68 PETERSEN SAND & GRAVEL
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SANGAMO feLECTRI
DUMP/CRA
ORCHARD NAf
WILDLIFE REFU
(USDOI)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# IL8143609487
EPA REGION 5
Williamson County
Marion
Other Names:
Olin Corp Ordill I Area
Olin Corp Ordill Area 12
Olin Corp Ordill D Area
Olin Corp Ordill Ogden Road
Olin Corp Ordill Fire Station
Ordill Water Tower
Site Description
The 42,000-acre Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge currently is operated by the Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS) of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Manufacturing
facilities have been operated on the Refuge for more than 45 years. Explosives, munitions,
electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), boats, corrugated boxes,
and plated metal are some of the products that have been manufactured on the Refuge.
During the early 1940s, several defense-related operations began along the eastern portion of
Crab Orchard Lake. In 1946, the War Department transferred the land to DOI, and other
companies moved onto the Refuge to use buildings formerly used by wartime manufacturers.
These small industries disposed of waste at several locations in the area. In 1984, potential
contamination problems were brought to the attention of the EPA. The FWS, with the
support of the EPA, has been conducting studies to determine the types and amounts of
contaminants, as well as the extent of risks to public health and the environment. Based on
initial field investigations and risk assessments, 31 subsites were studied and grouped into four
areas: three subsites contaminated primarily with heavy metals; four subsites contaminated
with PCBs and lead; four subsites associated with munitions or explosives manufacturing,
which will be investigated by the Department of Defense (DOD); and the remaining subsite
which will require additional investigations. Crab Orchard Lake is used as a drinking water
source for Refuge personnel and visitors, the nearby Marion Federal Penitentiary, and
industrial tenants. The lake also is used for various recreational activities and has been used
in the past as an auxiliary source of water for the Marion Reservoir, a nearby public water
supply.
Site Responsibility:
This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 07/22/87
69
March 1992
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Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater contaminants include chromium, lead, arsenic, cadmium, PCBs, and
various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sediments and soils are contaminated
with PCBs and various heavy metals. Fish have been contaminated with PCBs;
therefore, eating contaminated fish may pose a public health threat. Accidental
ingestion of contaminated soil or sediments also may pose a health threat.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in four long-term remedial phases focusing on cleanup of the
Metals Areas, PCB Areas, Munitions/Explosives Manufacturing Area, and Miscellaneous
Areas.
Response Action Status
Metals Areas: In 1990, the EPA selected a remedy which includes: excavating
contaminated soil and sediment; treating the hazardous materials by stabilization
and fixation; disposing of the residuals in an on-site solid waste landfill;
monitoring and maintenance of the area; and implementing land use restrictions. The design
of the technical specifications is underway and is expected to be completed in 1993.
PCB Areas: Based on the results of an investigation completed in 1990, the EPA
has selected the following remedies for cleanup of the site: incineration of
PCB-contaminated soils and sediments and stabilization of lead-contaminated ash,
followed by disposal of the stabilized ash in an industrial landfill and placement of the clean
ash on the site. The incineration method will be used unless the potentially responsible
Federal agencies demonstrate through a treatability test that in-situ (in-place) vitrification of
the soil can better address cleanup goals. In-place vitrification is a remedy whereby the soil is
treated electrically to form a glassy, solid material resistant to leaching. The design of these
technologies is scheduled to begin in the near future.
Munitions/Explosives Manufacturing Area: The DOD has completed Phase I
of the investigation of those areas contaminated with chemicals from munitions
and explosives manufacturing. The investigation is expected to be concluded in
1994 with recommendations for final cleanup activities.
Miscellaneous Areas: The FWS is continuing an investigation into the
remaining areas of the Refuge to identify any additional contaminated areas and
to outline actions to be taken. This study is scheduled to be completed in 1994.
March 1992 70 SANGAMO ELECTRIC DUMP/CRAB ORCHARD
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (USDOI)
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Environmental Progress
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the Sangamo Electric Dump/Crab
Orchard National Wildlife Refuge site while cleanup activities are being planned.
Site Repository
Contact the Region 5 Superfund Community Relations Office.
SANGAMO ELECTRIC DUMP/CRAB ORCHARD
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (USDOI)
71
March 1992
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SAVANNA ARMY
DEPOT ACTIVI
ILLINOIS
EPA ID#IL3210020803
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Carroll County and Jo Daviess County
North of Savanna
The 13,062-acre Savanna Army Depot site is an Army munitions installation located on the
eastern bank of the Mississippi River. The facility has handled, processed, and stored
munitions, explosives, and industrial chemicals since operations began in 1918. Renovation
and loading of artillery shells and bombs began at the site in the 1930s and has occurred
intermittently. Several areas of the facility have been used for the demolition and burning of
obsolete armaments. Approximately 70 areas within the facility have been identified as
potential sources of hazardous waste. Public access to the site is restricted. There are
approximately 650 people within 3 miles of the site, and a large wintering population of bald
eagles resides on the facility.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 10/15/84
Final Date: 03/31/89
Threats and Contaminants
Groundwater is contaminated with various explosives, trichloroethylene (TCE),
chloroform, and nickel. Sediments and surface water are contaminated with various
explosives. Soil is contaminated with explosives and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Potential health threats include drinking contaminated
groundwater and coming in direct contact with surface water, soil, and sediments.
72
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two long-term remedial phases focusing on cleanup of the TNT
Washout Facility Lagoons and the entire site.
Response Action Status
TNT Washout Facility Lagoons: In 1992, the U.S. Army completed an
investigation into the nature and extent of contamination at the TNT Washout
Facility Lagoons located on site. As a result, the EPA evaluated the study findings
and selected to incinerate the explosive-contaminated lagoon soils as the final cleanup
remedy. Design of the remedy began in 1992 and is expected to be completed in 1993.
Entire Site: The U.S. Army is negotiating a work plan for an investigation into
the nature and extent of the contamination at the entire site. The investigation
will define the contaminants and will recommend alternatives for the final cleanup.
The work plan was completed in 1992. The investigation is planned to be completed in 1994.
Site Facts: In 1989, the EPA, the State, and the U.S. Army signed an Interagency
Agreement regarding further cleanup activities at the site. The Savanna Army Depot Activity
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
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the Savanna Army Depot site while
the Army continues its investigations leading to final cleanup activities.
Site Repository
Contact the Region 5 Superfund Community Relations Office.
SAVANNA ARMY DEPOT ACTIVITY 73 March 1992
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SOUTHEAST
ROCKFORD
GROUNDWATER
CONTAMINATION
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD981000417
EPA REGION 5
Winnebago County
Rockford
Other Names:
Southeast Rockford Dry Well
Site Description
The 2-square-mile Southeast Rockford Groundwater Contamination site covers 83 city
blocks; however, contamination could affect an even larger area, since these boundaries only
indicate where the EPA has performed sampling. Conversely, the boundaries do not indicate
that all homes or businesses within this area are affected by groundwater contamination. The
groundwater at the site is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The Rock
River is located 2 miles west of the site, but is not used as a drinking water supply. Some
homes and businesses located within the site boundaries are already connected to the
municipal water supply and are not affected by the groundwater contamination.
Approximately 155,000 people living within 3 miles of the site use groundwater for drinking
purposes. The majority of the people use city water, which is drawn from a protected aquifer.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and State actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 03/31/89
Threats and Contaminants
On-site groundwater is contaminated with various VOCs. Potential health threats
to people include drinking or coming in direct contact with contaminated
groundwater.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in three stages: initial actions and two long-term remedial phases
focusing on provision of an alternate water supply and groundwater cleanup.
74
March 1992
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Response Action Status
Initial Actions: In 1989, the EPA sampled the wells of 78 homes and tested the
samples for specific VOCs. The EPA provided water to 283 homes. Bottled water
was replaced with carbon filtration systems. All 283 homes subsequently were
connected to the city water supply in 1990.
Alternate Water Supply: In early 1991, a study was completed which identified
additional residences with contaminated water supplies above the federal
standards. This action has initiated additional hookups to the city water supply. All
additional homes are expected to be connected to the city water supply by late 1992.
Groundwater: The State, under EPA monitoring, is conducting an investigation
into the source, nature, and extent of groundwater contamination at the site. The
investigation will define the contaminants and will result in recommended
alternatives for the final groundwater cleanup. The investigation is planned to be completed
in 1994.
Environmental Progress
The provision of alternate water supplies has eliminated the potential of exposure to
hazardous substances in the drinking water and will continue to protect residents near the
Southeast Rockford Groundwater Contamination site while the permanent replacement water
supply is installed.
Site Repository
Rockford Public Library, 215 North Wyman Street, Rockford, IL 61101
SOUTHEAST ROCKFORD GROUNDWATER 75 March 1992
CONTAMINATION
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TRI-COUNTY
LANDFILL CO./
WASTE MANA
OF ILLINOIS, I
ILLINOIS
EPAID#ILD048306138
EPA REGION 5
Kane County
South Elgin
Site Description
The 46-acre Tri-County Landfill Co./Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. site previously was
part of a gravel mining operation. The landfill site originally was owned and operated by the
Tri-County Landfill Company from 1968 to 1973. The company had a permit from the State
to accept general municipal refuse. Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. operated the site from
1973 until it was closed in 1977. In 1984, the EPA detected contaminants in monitoring wells
downgradient of the site. The Fox River, approximately a mile west of the site, is used
extensively for fishing and boating. A freshwater wetland is 1,100 feet away from the site.
Over 10,000 people use wells within 3 miles of the site for drinking water, and a residential
well is 1,800 feet away from the site. The nearest residence is located 1/2 mile from the site.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal actions.
NPL USTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/10/86
Final Date: 03/31/89
Threats and Contaminants
HAJ
The groundwater is contaminated with various volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
as well as cyanide. Direct contact with or accidental ingestion of contaminated
groundwater may pose a threat to the health of the nearby population. Leachate
from the site reportedly has entered nearby ponds and ditches. The contaminants
from the site could affect the adjoining wetlands. There are drainage ditches and
tributaries that enter the Fox River. This surface water resource is used for various
recreational activities.
76
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire
site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: The EPA is conducting an investigation of the site to determine the
nature and the extent of the contamination. The field work was completed, and a
report of investigations into potentially contaminated groundwater, surface water,
sediments and soil was submitted. The study was completed in mid-1992. The results of the
investigation will be used to evaluate various cleanup alternatives and to select a preferred
cleanup remedy in late 1992.
Environmental Progress
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the Tri-County Landfill Co./Waste
Management of Illinois, Inc. site while cleanup activities are being planned.
Site Repository
Gail Borden Public Library District, 200 North Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
TRI-COUNTY LANDFILL CO./ 77 March 1992
WASTE MANAGEMENT OF ILLINOIS, INC.
-------
VELSICOL CHEMIC
CORP. (ILLINOIS)
ILLINOIS
EPA ID#ILD0008146731
Site Description
EPA REGION 5
Clark County
1 mile north of Marshall
Other Names:
Marshall Plant
The Velsicol Chemical Corp. (Illinois) site is a manufacturing facility that was in operation
between the mid-1930s and 1987 and occupied an area of approximately 420 acres; 172 of
which were used for the production or disposal of petroleum resins, solvents, and pesticides.
Chlordane production began in the mid-1940s, with manufacturing operations at the facility
remaining virtually unchanged until 1979, when Velsicol withdrew from the resin market.
Manufacturing of chlordane was the sole product at the facility from 1980 to 1987.
Hazardous wastes generated from various manufacturing activities were stored in on-site
impoundments. Overflow from these impoundments resulted in releases of these wastes to a
tributary of East Mill Creek. All the ponds that previously were used for waste storage now
are used only to hold stormwater and plant runoff. There are approximately 40 residences
located within 1/4 mile of the site. The population of Marshall, 1 mile from the site, is
approximately 17,000.
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
m
Groundwater is contaminated with various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
pesticides. Sediments and on-site soils are contaminated with VOCs, pesticides, and
cadmium. Elevated concentrations of pesticides were detected in fish. Adverse
health effects may exist for people who accidentally ingest or come in direct
contact with contaminated soil, sediments, or groundwater or eat contaminated
fish.
78
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In the 1980s, all contaminated soil and sediments were
consolidated and stabilized with cement and fly ash and then covered with a
temporary clay cap and seeded with grass.
Entire Site: In 1988, the following activities were selected to clean up the site:
excavation of 10,200 cubic yards of contaminated stream and pond sediments and
87,900 cubic yards of contaminated soil, backfilling of those areas with clay, and
reseeding the areas; consolidation of all excavated material on site; construction of a
groundwater collection drain followed by disposal through either deep well injection or
treatment of the water with granular activated carbon prior to off-site discharge; monitoring
of both groundwater and surface water; and implementation of land use and deed
restrictions. The pond sediments have been excavated, and the demolition of the existing
plant has been accomplished. Also accomplished during 1990 were the closure of injection
well #1, the integrity testing of well #2, the closure of some groundwater monitoring wells,
and the sampling of the others remaining. The design of the permanent cap for this site was
completed in 1991. The closure of the tank and container storage areas and the construction
of the groundwater collection trench have been completed. Stream sediments are expected to
be excavated and treated in 1992, and the final site cover is scheduled to be completed in
1994.
Site Facts: In 1989, the EPA and the State reached a settlement with the parties potentially
responsible for the site contamination to conduct the cleanup actions.
Environmental Progress
The completed excavation and closure actions described above have reduced the potential for
exposure to hazardous materials and have contained the migration of contamination from the
Velsicol Chemical Corp. (Illinois) site while further cleanup actions are taking place.
Site Repository
Marshall Public Library, 612 Archer Avenue, Marshall, IL 62441
VELSICOL CHEMICAL 79 March 1992
CORP. (ILLINOIS)
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WAUCONDA
SAND & GRAVEL
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD047019732
EPA REGION 5
Lake County
1 mile north of Wauconda
Site Description
The 74-acre Wauconda Sand and Gravel site includes 52 acres of licensed and unlicensed
landfill areas. Prior to 1941, a sand and gravel pit operated at the site. After 1941, the site
was used as a landfill for municipal waste until 1978. Approximately 3 million cubic yards of
waste were placed in the two landfills operated on the site, one licensed and the other
unlicensed. The entire site was closed and covered with a layer of clay and soil in 1978. Since
the late 1970s, leachate from the site was entering nearby Mutton Creek, and surface water
samples taken from this creek in the early 1980s revealed low concentrations of volatile
organic compounds (VOCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals. PCBs have
not been detected in any subsequent studies. Although the site currently is restricted, the
property once had been used for various recreational activities. Approximately 12 homes are
located within a mile of the landfill.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, State, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 07/16/82
Final Date: 09/08/83
Threats and Contaminants
Sampling of the groundwater indicates contamination with heavy metals, VOCs,
and pesticides. Leachate is contaminated with heavy metals and cyanide. Health
threats include accidental ingestion of or direct contact with contaminated
groundwater or leachate.
Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two long-term remedial phases focusing on leachate collection
and cleanup of the entire site.
80
March 1992
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Response Action Status
Leachate Collection: In 1985, the following interim cleanup remedies were
selected for leachate collection: installing leachate collection drains to stop surface
leachate discharge into Mutton Creek; providing for proper disposal of leachate
either at the Wauconda Sewage Treatment Plant or a hazardous waste treatment facility;
regrading depressed and eroded areas on the existing landfill soil cover with sufficient slope
to promote rain runoff; revegetating bare and eroded areas to prevent erosion of soils into
Mutton Creek; and placing a fence around the site. By 1987, all of these actions had been
completed.
Entire Site: In 1989, based on the site investigations performed by the potentially
responsible parties, the EPA selected the following remedies: long-term monitoring
of groundwater and Mutton Creek; additional air emission controls, including new
and additional vents and, if required, an active collection system with a ground flare or other
appropriate treatment; imposing restrictions on use of on-site groundwater; required
upgrading of the site cover to reduce infiltration and surface gas emissions, and to control
erosion due to runoff from the site and the erosion from Mutton Creek; continued operation
of the leachate collection system; and long-term inspection and maintenance of the gas
venting and leachate collection systems, site cover, fence, and the monitoring well network.
The design of the technical specifications was completed in 1992 and all cleanup activities are
scheduled for completion in 1993.
Site Facts: An Administrative Order on Consent was reached between the EPA, the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), and the Wauconda Task Group in 1986 for
additional investigations and the performance of interim cleanup measures. In 1989, an
additional Unilateral Order was issued for the final cleanup of the entire site.
Environmental Progress
The leachate collection efforts, surface drainage control, and fencing of the site have reduced
the potential for exposure to contaminated materials at the Wauconda Sand and Gravel site
while further cleanup activities are being completed.
Site Repository
Wauconda Area Library, 801 North Main Street, Wauconda, IL 60084
WAUCONDA SAND & GRAVEL 81 March 1992
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WOODSTOCK
MUNICIPAL
LANDFILL
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980605943
EPA REGION 5
McHenry County
Woodstock
Site Description
The 50-acre Woodstock Municipal Landfill site was a local dump and open burning area from
1935 to 1958, when the City of Woodstock purchased the property and began to bury
municipal waste in on-site trenches. The landfill also accepted industrial wastes.
Approximately 7,200 cubic yards of nickel sludge generated by the Autolite Plant in
Woodstock were disposed of at the landfill from 1972 to 1974. The landfill stopped accepting
waste in 1975. The EPA conducted an inspection of the site in 1985 and observed leachate
seeping out of the wastes. The site presently is unfenced. Freshwater wetlands surround the
landfill. Approximately 12,400 people obtain drinking water from public and private wells
located within 3 miles of the site. The city's six municipal wells also are located within 3 miles
of the site. The distance from the nearest residential well to the site is 50 feet.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 10/04/89
Threats and Contaminants
On-site groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Surface water contains heavy metals. VOCs and metals were found in sediments.
On-site workers could be exposed to site-related contaminants when coming in
direct contact with or accidentally ingesting surface water, groundwater, or
sediments. Since the site is unfenced, trespassers also could be exposed to these
contaminants. Because the soil underlying the site is highly permeable,
contaminants migrate readily through the soil into the groundwater. The wetlands
surrounding the site are affected by metal and VOC contaminants that have
migrated from the site.
82
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in a long-term remedial phase focusing on cleanup of the entire
site.
Response Action Status
Entire Site: In 1989, under EPA monitoring, some of the parties potentially
responsible for site contamination began an investigation into the nature and
extent of contamination. Some of the work being conducted under this
investigation includes groundwater, soil, surface water, and air testing and a public and
environmental health assessment. The first phase of field sampling work began in 1990. Five
leachate and 12 monitoring wells were installed. Leachate, groundwater, sediment, and
surface water samples were taken and analyzed, as well as samples from nearby residential
wells. Nine piezometers and four additional monitoring wells were installed for the second
phase of the investigation. Sampling activities are underway. The investigation is scheduled
for completion in 1993. Alternatives for cleanup will be recommended based on the results of
this investigation.
Site Facts: The City of Woodstock, Allied Chemical Corporation, and others identified by
the EPA as potentially responsible parties agreed to conduct an investigation into the nature
and extent of site contamination and the most effective methods to clean up the site in 1989.
These activities are in compliance with an Administrative Order issued by the EPA in 1989.
Environmental Progress
After adding this site to the NPL, the EPA performed preliminary investigations and
determined that no immediate actions were required at the Woodstock Municipal Landfill site
while further investigations are taking place and cleanup activities are being planned.
Site Repository
Woodstock Public Library, 414 West Judd Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
WOODSTOCK MUNICIPAL LANDFILL 83 March 1992
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YEOMAN CREEK
LANDFILL
ILLINOIS
EPA ID# ILD980500102
EPA REGION 5
Lake County
Waukegan
_ Other Names:
30fau)(egan Land Reclamation Project
Edwards Field
National Disposal
Site Description
The approximately 70-acre Yeoman Creek Landfill site operated as a landfill from 1959 to
1969. The landfill has no bottom liner, and the underlying soils are permeable. More than
67,000 people in Waukegan are supplied with drinking water from a Lake Michigan intake
10,000 feet downstream of contaminants found in Yeoman Creek at Yeoman Park.
Approximately 1,500 people draw drinking water from private wells within 3 miles of the site.
The nearest well is 1,600 feet from the site. Apartments, businesses, and wetlands surround
the site. Leachate has been observed seeping into Yeoman Creek since 1969, although the
quantity decreased substantially after the site cover was upgraded in 1980.
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal, municipal, and potentially
responsible parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 06/24/88
Final Date: 03/31/89
Threats and Contaminants
ZGJ
Groundwater and leachate are contaminated with ammonia, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals including barium, iron, and sodium. In
addition, leachate is contaminated with various volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). Sediments of Yeoman Creek at the landfill, and farther downstream at
Yeoman Park, contain PCBs and other organic chemicals. Potential health threats
include coming in direct contact with or accidentally ingesting contaminated
groundwater, surface water, soil, or sediments. The surrounding wetlands could be
threatened by the contaminants.
84
March 1992
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Cleanup Approach
This site is being addressed in two stages: immediate actions and a long-term remedial phase
focusing on cleanup of the entire site.
Response Action Status
Immediate Actions: In 1980, the City upgraded the site cover in most areas of
the Yeoman Creek landfill. In 1990, the potentially responsible parties installed a
fence around the site, under an agreement with the EPA.
Entire Site: The potentially responsible parties, under EPA monitoring, are
conducting an investigation involving ecological assessment and groundwater,
leachate, and stream sampling to determine the nature and extent of the
contamination at the site. The investigation, scheduled for completion in 1994, will define the
contaminants and will recommend alternatives for the final cleanup.
Environmental Progress
Early actions taken by the City to restore the landfill cover have reduced the potential for
exposure and further contamination. The Yeoman Creek Landfill site is now fenced,
restricting any public access to contamination while site investigations are underway.
Site Repository
Waukegan Public Library, 128 North County Road, Waukegan, IL 60085
YEOMAN CREEK LANDFILL
85
March 1992
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GLOSSARY
Terms Used in the NPL Book
This glossary defines terms used throughout the NPL Volumes. The terms and
abbreviations contained in this glossary apply specifically to work performed
under the Superfund program in the context of hazardous waste management. These
terms may have other meanings when used in a different context. A table of common
toxic chemicals found at NPL sites, their sources, and their potential threats is located
on page G-15
Acids: Substances, characterized by low pH
(less than 7.0), that are used in chemical manu-
facturing. Acids in high concentration can be
very corrosive and react with many inorganic
and organic substances. These reactions possi-
bly may create toxic compounds or release
heavy metal contaminants that remain in the
environment long after the acid is neutralized.
Administrative Order On Consent: A
legal and enforceable agreement between the
EPA and the parties potentially responsible for
site contamination. Under the terms of the
Order, the potentially responsible parties (PRPs)
agree to perform or pay for site studies or
cleanups. It also describes the oversight rules,
responsibilities, and enforcement options that
the government may exercise in the event of
non-compliance by potentially responsible
parties. This Order is signed by PRPs and the
government; it does not require approval by a
judge.
Administrative Order [Unilateral]: A
legally binding document issued by the EPA,
directing the parties potentially responsible to
perform site cleanups or studies (generally, the
EPA does not issue Unilateral Orders for site
studies). This type of Order is not signed by the
PRPs and does not require approval by a judge.
Aeration: A process that promotes breakdown
of contaminants in soil or water by exposing
them to air.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Dis-
ease Registry (ATSDR): The Federal
agency within the U.S. Public Health Service
charged with carrying out the health-related
responsibilities of CERCLA.
Air Stripping: A process whereby volatile
organic chemicals (VOCs) are removed from
contaminated material by forcing a stream of air
through the contaminated material in a pressur-
ized vessel. The contaminants are evaporated
into the air stream. The air may be further
treated before it is released into the atmosphere.
Ambient Air: Any unconfined part of the
atmosphere. Refers to the air that may be
inhaled by workers or residents in the vicinity of
contaminated air sources.
Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate
Requirements (ARARs): Federal, State, or
local laws which apply to Superfund activities at
NPL sites. Both emergency and long-term
actions must comply with these laws or provide
sound reasons for allowing a waiver. ARARs
must be identified for each site relative to the
characteristics of the site, the substances found
at the site, or the cleanup alternatives being
considered for the site.
G-1
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GLOSSARY
Aquifer: An underground layer of rock, sand,
or gravel capable of storing water within cracks
and pore spaces, or between grains. When
water contained within an aquifer is of sufficient
quantity and quality, it can be tapped and used
for drinking or other purposes. The water
contained in the aquifer is called groundwater.
A "sole source aquifer" supplies 50 percent or
more of the drinking water of an area.
Artesian (Well): A well made by drilling into
the earth until water is reached, which, due to
internal pressure, flows up like a fountain.
Asbestos: A mineral fiber that can pollute air
or water and is known to cause cancer or
asbestosis when inhaled.
Attenuation: The naturally occurring process
by which a compound is reduced in concentra-
tion over time through adsorption, degradation,
dilution, or transformation.
Background Level: The amount of a sub-
stance typically found in the air, water, or soil
from natural, as opposed to human, sources.
Baghouse Dust: Dust accumulated in
removing particulates from the air by passing it
through cloth bags in an enclosure.
Bases: Substances characterized by high pH
(greater than 7.0), which tend to be corrosive in
chemical reactions. When bases are mixed with
acids, they neutralize each other, forming salts.
Berm: A ledge, wall, or a mound of earth used
to prevent the migration of contaminants.
Bioaccumulate: The process by which some
contaminants or toxic chemicals gradually
collect and increase in concentration in living
tissue, such as in plants, fish, or people, as they
breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated
water, or eat contaminated food.
Biological Treatment: The use of bacteria
or other microbial organisms to break down
toxic organic materials into carbon dioxide and
water.
Bioremediation: A cleanup process using
naturally occurring or specially cultivated
microorganisms to digest contaminants and
break them down into non-hazardous compo-
nents.
Bog: A type of wetland that is covered with
peat moss deposits. Bogs depend primarily on
moisture from the air for their water source, are
usually acidic, and are rich in plant residue [see
Wetland].
Boom: A floating device used to contain oil
floating on a body of water or to restrict the
potential overflow of waste liquids from
containment structures.
Borehole: A hole that is drilled into the
ground and used to sample soil or ground-water.
Borrow Pit: An excavated area where soil,
sand, or gravel has been dug up for use else-
where.
Cap: A layer of material, such as clay or a
synthetic material, used to prevent rainwater
from penetrating and spreading contaminated
materials. The surface of the cap generally is
mounded or sloped so water will drain off.
Carbon Adsorption: A treatment system in
which contaminants are removed from ground-
water and surface water by forcing water
through tanks containing activated carbon, a
specially treated material that attracts and holds
or retains contaminants.
Carbon Disulfide: A degreasing agent
formerly used extensively for parts washing.
This compound has both inorganic and organic
G-2
-------
GLOSSARY
properties, which increase cleaning efficiency.
However, these properties also cause chemical
reactions that increase the hazard to human
health and the environment.
Carbon Treatment: [see Carbon Adsorp-
tion].
Cell: In solid waste disposal, one of a series of
holes in a landfill where waste is dumped,
compacted, and covered with layers of dirt.
CERCLA: [see Comprehensive Environmen-
tal Response, Compensation, and Liability Act].
Characterization: The sampling, monitoring,
and analysis of a site to determine the extent and
nature of toxic releases. Characterization
provides the basis for acquiring the necessary
technical information to develop, screen, ana-
lyze, and select appropriate cleanup techniques.
Chemical Fixation: The use of chemicals to
bind contaminants, thereby reducing the poten-
tial for leaching or other movement.
Chromated Copper Arsenate: An insecti-
cide/herbicide formed from salts of three toxic
metals: copper, chromium, and arsenic. This
salt is used extensively as a wood preservative
in pressure-treating operations. It is highly toxic
and water-soluble, making it a relatively mobile
contaminant in the environment
Cleanup: Actions taken to eliminate a release
or threat of release of a hazardous substance.
The term "cleanup" sometimes is used inter-
changeably with the terms remedial action,
removal action, response action, or corrective
action.
Closure: The process by which a landfill stops
accepting wastes and is shut down under Federal
guidelines that ensure the protection of the
public and the environment.
Comment Period: A specific interval during
which the public can review and comment on
various documents and EPA actions related to
site cleanup. For example, a comment period is
provided when the EPA proposes to add sites to
the NPL. Also, there is minimum 3-week
comment period for community members to
review and comment on the remedy proposed to
clean up a site.
Community Relations: The EPA effort to
establish and maintain two-way communication
with the public. The goals of community
relations programs include creating an under-
standing of EPA programs and related actions,
assuring public input into decision-making
processes related to affected communities, and
making certain that the Agency is aware of, and
responsive to, public concerns. Specific com-
munity relations activities are required in
relation to Superfund cleanup actions [see
Comment Period].
Comprehensive Environmental Re-
sponse, Compensation, and Liability
Act (CERCLA): Congress enacted the
CERCLA, known as Superfund, in 1980 to
respond directly to hazardous waste problems
that may pose a threat to the public health and
the environment. The EPA administers the
Superfund program.
Confluence: The place where two bodies of
water, such as streams or rivers, come together.
Confined Aquifer: An aquifer in which
groundwater is confined under pressure that is
significantly greater than atmospheric pressure.
G-3
-------
GLOSSARY
Consent Decree: A legal document, ap-
proved and issued by a judge, formalizing an
agreement between the EPA and the parties
potentially responsible for site contamination.
The decree describes cleanup actions that the
potentially responsible parties are required to
perform, or the costs incurred by the govern-
ment that the parties will reimburse, and the
roles, responsibilities, and enforcement options
that the government may exercise in the event of
non-compliance by potentially responsible
parties. If a settlement between the EPA and a
potentially responsible party includes cleanup
actions, it must be in the form of a Consent
Decree. A Consent Decree is subject to a public
comment period.
Consent Order: [see Administrative Order
on Consent].
Containment: The process of enclosing or
containing hazardous substances in a structure,
typically in a pond or a lagoon, to prevent the
migration of contaminants into the environment.
Contaminant: Any physical, chemical,
biological, or radiological material or substance
whose quantity, location, or nature produces
undesirable health or environmental effects.
Contingency Plan: A document setting
out an organized, planned, and coordinated
course of action to be followed in case of a
fire, explosion, or other accident that releases
toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes, or radioac-
tive materials into the environment.
Cooperative Agreement: A contract
between the EPA and the States, wherein a State
agrees to manage or monitor certain site cleanup
responsibilities and other activities on a cost-
sharing basis.
Cost Recovery: A legal process by which
potentially responsible parties can be required
to pay back the Superfund program for money
it spends on any cleanup actions [see Poten-
tially Responsible Parties].
Cover: Vegetation or other material placed
over a landfill or other waste material. It can
be designed to reduce movement of water into
the waste and to prevent erosion that could
cause the movement of contaminants.
Creosotes: Chemicals used in wood pre-
serving operations and produced by distilla-
tion of tar, including polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons and polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons [see PAHs and PNAs]. Con-
taminating sediments, soils, and surface
water, creosotes may cause skin ulcerations
and cancer through prolonged exposure.
Culvert: A pipe used for drainage under a
road, railroad track, path, or through an embank-
ment.
Decommission: To revoke a license to
operate and take out of service.
Degradation: The process by which a chemi-
cal is reduced to a less complex form.
Degrease: To remove grease from wastes,
soils, or chemicals, usually using solvents.
Deletion: A site is eligible for deletion from
the NPL when Superfund response actions at the
site are complete. A site is deleted from the
NPL when a notice is published in the Federal
Register.
De minimis: This legal phrase pertains to
settlements with parties who contributed small
amounts of hazardous waste to a site. This
process allows the EPA to settle with small, or
de minimis contributors, as a single group rather
than as individuals, saving time, money, and
effort.
Dewater: To remove water from wastes, soils,
or chemicals.
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GLOSSARY
Dike: A low wall that can act as a barrier to
prevent a spill from spreading.
Dioxin: An organic chemical by-product of
pesticide manufacture which is known to be one
of the most toxic man-made chemicals.
Disposal: Final placement or destruction of
toxic, radioactive, or other wastes; surplus or
banned pesticides or other chemicals; polluted
soils; and drums containing hazardous materials.
Disposal may be accomplished through the use
of approved secure landfills, surface impound-
ments, land fanning, deep well injection, or
incineration.
Downgradient: A downward hydrologic
slope that causes groundwater to move toward
lower elevations. Therefore, wells downgradi-
ent of a contaminated groundwater source are
prone to receiving pollutants.
Ecological Assessment: A study of the
impact of man-made or natural activity on living
creatures and their environment
Effluent: Wastewater, treated or untreated,
that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer, or
industrial outfall. Generally refers to wastes
discharged into surface waters.
Emission: Pollution discharged into the
atmosphere from smokestacks, other vents, and
surface areas of commercial or industrial facili-
ties.
Emulsifiers: Substances that help in mixing
materials that do not normally mix; e.g., oil and
water.
Endangerment Assessment: A study
conducted to determine the risks posed to public
health or the environment by contamination at
NPL sites. The EPA or the State conducts the
study when a legal action is to be taken to direct
the potentially responsible parties to clean up a
site or pay for the cleanup. An endangerment
assessment supplements an investigation of the
site hazards.
Enforcement: EPA, State, or local legal
actions taken against parties to facilitate
settlements; to compel compliance with laws,
rules, regulations, or agreements; or to obtain
penalties or criminal sanctions for violations.
Enforcement procedures may vary, depending
on the specific requirements of different
environmental laws and related regulatory
requirements. Under CERCLA, for example,
the EPA will seek to require potentially
responsible parties to clean up a Superfund
site or pay for the cleanup [see Cost Recov-
ery].
Erosion: The wearing away of land surface
by wind or water. Erosion occurs naturally
from weather or surface runoff, but can be
intensified by such land-related practices as
farming, residential or industrial develop-
ment, road building, or timber-cutting. Ero-
sion may spread surface contamination to off-
site locations.
Estuary (estuarine): Areas where fresh
water from rivers and salt water from
nearshore ocean waters are mixed. These
areas may include bays, mouths of rivers, salt
marshes, and lagoons. These water ecosys-
tems shelter and feed marine life, birds, and
wildlife.
Evaporation Ponds: Areas where sewage
sludge or other watery wastes are dumped and
allowed to dry out.
Feasibility Study: The analysis of the
potential cleanup alternatives for a site. The
feasibility study usually starts as soon as the
remedial investigation is underway. In this
volume, the feasibility study is referred to as a
site study [see also Remedial Investigation].
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GLOSSARY
Filtration: A treatment process for remov-
ing solid (paniculate) matter from water by
passing the water through sand, activated
carbon, or a man-made filter. The process is
often used to remove particles that contain
contaminants.
Flood Plain: An area along a river, formed
from sediment deposited by floods. Flood
plains periodically are innundated by natural
floods, which can spread contamination.
Flue Gas: The air that is emitted from a
chimney after combustion in the burner
occurs. The gas can include nitrogen oxides,
carbon oxides, water vapor, sulfur oxides,
particles, and many chemical pollutants.
Fly Ash: Non-combustible residue that results
from the combustion of flue gases. It can
include nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, water
vapor, sulfur oxides, as well as many other
chemical pollutants.
French Drain System: A crushed rock drain
system constructed of perforated pipes, which is
used to drain and disperse wastewater.
Gasification (coal): The conversion of soft
coal into gas for use as a fuel.
General Notice Letter: [See Notice Letter].
Generator: A facility that emits pollutants
into the air or releases hazardous wastes into
water or soil.
Good Faith Offer: A voluntary offer, gener-
ally in response to a Special Notice letter, made
by a potentially responsible party, consisting of
a written proposal demonstrating a potentially
responsible party's qualifications and willing-
ness to perform a site study or cleanup.
Ground water: Water that fills pores in soils
or openings in rocks to the point of saturation.
In aquifers, groundwater occurs in sufficient
quantities for use as drinking and irrigation
water and other purposes.
Groundwater Quality Assessment: The
process of analyzing the chemical characteris-
tics of groundwater to determine whether any
hazardous materials exist.
Halogens: Reactive non-metals, such as
chlorine and bromine. Halogens are very
good oxidizing agents and, therefore, have
many industrial uses. They are rarely found
by themselves; however, many chemicals
such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
some volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
and dioxin are reactive because of the pres-
ence of halogens.
Hazard Ranking System (HRS): The
principal screening tool used by the EPA to
evaluate relative risks to public health and the
environment associated with abandoned or
uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The HRS
calculates a score based on the potential of
hazardous substances spreading from the site
through the air, surface water, or groundwater
and on other factors such as nearby popula-
tion. The HRS score is the primary factor in
deciding if the site should be on the NPL.
Hazardous Waste: By-products of society
that can pose a substantial present or potential
hazard to human health and the environment
when improperly managed. Hazardous waste
possesses at least one of four characteristics
(ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxic-
ity), or appears on special EPA lists.
Heavy Metals: Metallic elements with high
atomic weights, such as arsenic, lead, mercury,
• and cadmium. Heavy metals are very hazardous
even at low concentrations and tend to accumu-
late in the food chain.
Herbicide: A chemical pesticide designed to
control or destroy plants, weeds, or grasses.
G-6
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GLOSSARY
Hot Spot: An area or vicinity of a site contain-
ing exceptionally high levels of contamination.
Hydrocarbons: Chemical compounds that
consist entirely of hydrogen and carbon.
Hydrology: The properties, distribution, and
circulation of water.
Hydrogeology: The geology of groundwater,
with particular emphasis on the chemistry and
movement of water.
Impoundment: A body of water or sludge
confined by a dam, dike, floodgate, or other
barrier.
Incineration: A group of treatment technolo-
gies involving destruction of waste by controlled
burning at high temperatures, e.g., burning
sludge to reduce the remaining residues to a
non-burnable ash that can be disposed of safely
on land, in some waters, or in underground
locations.
Infiltration: The movement of water or
other liquid down through soil from precipita-
tion (rain or snow) or from application of
wastewater to the land surface.
Influent: Water, wastewater, or other liquid
flowing into a reservoir, basin, or treatment
plant.
Injection Well: A well into which waste
fluids are placed, under pressure, for purposes
of disposal.
Inorganic Chemicals: Chemical sub-
stances of mineral origin, not of basic carbon
structure.
Installation Restoration Program: The
specially funded program established in 1978
under which the Department of Defense has
been identifying and evaluating its hazardous
waste sites and controlling the migration of
hazardous contaminants from those sites.
Intake: The source from where a water supply
is drawn, such as from a river or water body.
Interagency Agreement: A written agree-
ment between the EPA and a Federal agency
that has the lead for site cleanup activities,
setting forth the roles and responsibilities of the
agencies for performing and overseeing the
activities. States often are parties to interagency
agreements.
Interim (Permit) Status: Conditions under
which hazardous waste treatment, storage,
and disposal facilities, that were operating
when regulations under the RCRA became
final in 1980, are temporarily allowed by the
EPA to continue to operate while awaiting
denial or issuance of a permanent permit. The
facility must comply with certain regulations
to maintain interim status.
Lagoon: A shallow pond or liquid waste
containment structure. Lagoons typically are
used for the storage of wastewaters, sludges,
liquid wastes, or spent nuclear fuel.
Landfarm: To apply waste to land or incor-
porate waste into the surface soil, such as
fertilizer or soil conditioner. This practice
commonly is used for disposal of composted
wastes and sludges.
Landfill: A disposal facility where waste is
placed in or on land. Sanitary landfills are
disposal sites for non-hazardous solid wastes.
The waste is spread in layers, compacted to the
smallest practical volume, and covered with soil
at the end of each operating day. Secure chemi-
cal landfills are disposal sites for hazardous
waste. They are designed to minimize the
chance of release of hazardous substances into
the environment [see Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act].
Leach, Leaching [v.t.]: The process by
which soluble chemical components are dis-
solved and carried through soil by water or
some other percolating liquid.
G-7
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GLOSSARY
Leachate [n]: The liquid that trickles through
or drains from waste, carrying soluble compo-
nents from the waste.
Leachate Collection System: A system
that gathers liquid that has leaked into a landfill
or other waste disposal area and pumps it to the
surface for treatment.
Liner: A relatively impermeable barrier
designed to prevent leachate (waste residue)
from leaking from a landfill. Liner materials
include plastic and dense clay.
Long-term Remedial Phase: Distinct,
often incremental, steps that are taken to solve
site pollution problems. Depending on the
complexity, site cleanup activities can be
separated into several of these phases.
Long-term Response Action: An action
which requires a continuous period of on-site
activity before cleanup goals are achieved.
These actions typically include the extraction
and treatment of groundwater and monitoring
actions.
Marsh: A type of wetland that does not
contain peat moss deposits and is dominated by
vegetation. Marshes may be either fresh or
saltwater and tidal or non-tidal [see Wetland].
Migration: The movement of oil, gas, con-
taminants, water, or other liquids through porous
and permeable soils or rock.
Mill Tailings: [See Mine Tailings].
Mine Tailings: A fine, sandy residue left from
mining operations. Tailings often contain high
concentrations of lead, uranium, and arsenic or
other heavy metals.
Mitigation: Actions taken to improve site
conditions by limiting, reducing, or controlling
toxicity and contamination sources.
Modeling: A technique using a mathematical
or physical representation of a system or theory
that tests the effects that changes on system
components have on the overall performance of
the system.
Monitoring Wells: Special wells drilled at
specific locations within, or surrounding, a
hazardous waste site where groundwater can be
sampled at selected depths and studied to obtain
such information as the direction in which
groundwater flows and the types and amounts of
contaminates present.
National Priorities List (NPL): The
EPA's list of the most serious uncontrolled or
abandoned hazardous waste sites identified
for possible long-term cleanup under Super-
fund. The EPA is required to update the NPL
at least once a year.
Natural Attenuation: [See Attenuation].
Neutrals: Organic compounds that have a
relatively neutral pH, complex structure and,
due to their organic bases, are easily absorbed
into the environment. Water is the most
commonly known neutral, however, naphtha-
lene, pyrene, and trichlorobenzene also are
examples of neutrals.
Nitroaromatics: Common components of
explosive materials, which will explode if
activated by very high temperatures or pres-
sures; 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a
nitroaromatic.
Notice Letter: A General Notice Letter
notifies the parties potentially responsible for
site contamination of their possible liability. A
Special Notice Letter begins a 60-day formal
period of negotiation during which the EPA is
not allowed to start work at a site or initiate
enforcement actions against potentially respon-
sible parties, although the EPA may undertake
certain investigatory and planning activities.
G-8
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GLOSSARY
The 60-day period may be extended if the EPA
receives a good faith offer from the PRPs
within that period. [See also Good Faith Offer].
On-Scene Coordinator (OSC): The
predesignated EPA, Coast Guard, or Depart-
ment of Defense official who coordinates and
directs Superfund removal actions or Clean
Water Act oil- or hazardous-spill corrective
actions.
Operation and Maintenance: Activities
conducted at a site after a cleanup action is
completed to ensure that the cleanup or
containment system is functioning properly.
Organic Chemicals/Compounds:
Chemical substances containing mainly
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Outfall: The place where wastewater is
discharged into receiving waters.
Over packing: Process used for isolating
large volumes of waste by jacketing or encap-
sulating waste to prevent further spread or
leakage of contaminating materials. Leaking
drums may be contained within oversized
barrels as an interim measure prior to removal
and final disposal.
Pentachlorophenol (PCP): A synthetic,
modified petrochemical that may be used as a
wood preservative because of its toxicity to
termites and fungi. It is a common component
of creosotes and can cause cancer.
Perched (groundwater): Groundwater
separated from another underlying body of
groundwater by a confining layer, often clay or
rock.
Percolation: The downward flow or filtering
of water or other liquids through subsurface
rock or soil layers, usually continuing down-
ward to groundwater.
Pesticide: A substance or mixture of sub-
stances intended to prevent, destroy, or repel any
pest. If misused, pesticides can accumulate in
the foodchain and contaminate the environment.
Petrochemicals: Chemical substances
produced from petroleum in refinery operations
and as fuel oil residues. These include
fluoranthene, chrysene, mineral spirits, and
refined oils. Petrochemicals are the bases from
which volatile organic compounds (VOCs),
plastics, and many pesticides are made. These
chemical substances often are toxic to humans
and the environment.
Phenols: Organic compounds that are used in
plastics manufacturing and are by-products of
petroleum refining, tanning, textile, dye, and
resin manufacturing. Phenols are highly poison-
ous.
Physical Chemical Separation: The
treatment process of adding a chemical to a
substance to separate the compounds for further
treatment or disposal.
Pilot Testing: A small-scale test of a pro-
posed treatment system in the field to determine
its ability to clean up specific contaminants.
Plugging: The process of stopping the flow of
water, oil, or gas into or out of the ground
through a borehole or well penetrating the
ground.
Plume: A body of contaminated groundwater
flowing from a specific source. The movement
of the groundwater is influenced by such factors
as local groundwater flow patterns, the character
of the aquifer in which groundwater is con-
tained, and the density of contaminants [see
Migration].
Pollution: Generally, the presence of matter
or energy whose nature, location, or quantity
produces undesired health or environmental
effects.
G-9
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GLOSSARY
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs):
PAHs, such as pyrene, are a group of highly
reactive organic compounds found in motor oil.
They are a common component of creosotes and
can cause cancer.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (RGBs): A
group of toxic chemicals used for a variety of
purposes including electrical applications,
carbonless copy paper, adhesives, hydraulic
fluids, microscope immersion oils, and caulking
compounds. PCBs also are produced in certain
combustion processes. PCBs are extremely
persistent in the environment because they are
very stable, non-reactive, and highly heat
resistant. Chronic exposure to PCBs is believed
to cause liver damage. It also is known to
bioaccumulate in fatty tissues. PCB use and
sale was banned in 1979 with the passage of the
Toxic Substances Control Act
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(PNAs): PNAs, such as naphthalene, and
biphenyls, are a group of highly reactive organic-
compounds that are a common component of
creosotes, which can be carcinogenic.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): A plastic made
from the gaseous substance vinyl chloride. PVC
is used to make pipes, records, raincoats, and
floor tiles. Health risks from high concentra-
tions of vinyl chloride include liver cancer and
lung cancer, as well as cancer of the lymphatic
and nervous systems.
Potable Water: Water that is safe for drink-
ing and cooking.
Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs):
Parties associated with a Superfund site who
may be liable for the cost of remedying the
release of hazardous substances. This may
include owners or operators of the site or trans-
porters who disposed of materials at the site.
PRPs may admit liability, or liability may be
determined by a court of law. PRPs may sign a
Consent Decree or Administrative Order on
Consent to participate in the site cleanup without
admitting liability.
Precipitation: The removal of solids from
liquid waste so that the solid and liquid portions
can be disposed of safely; the removal of
particles from airborne emissions. Electro-
chemical precipitation is the use of an anode or
cathode to remove the hazardous chemicals.
Chemical precipitation involves the addition of
some substance to cause the solid portion to
separate.
Preliminary Assessment: The process of
collecting and reviewing available information
about a known or suspected waste site or release
to determine if a threat or potential threat exists.
Pump and Treat: A groundwater cleanup
technique involving the extracting of contami-
nated groundwater from the subsurface and the
removal of contaminants, using one of several
treatment technologies.
Radionuclides: Elements, including radium
and uranium-235 and -238, which break down
and produce radioactive substances due to their
unstable atomic structure. Some are man-made,
and others are naturally occurring in the envi-
ronment. Radon, the gaseous form of radium,
decays to form alpha particle radiation, which
cannot be absorbed through skin. However, it
can be inhaled, which allows alpha particles to
affect unprotected tissues directly and thus cause
cancer. Radiation also occurs naturally through
the breakdown of granite.
RCRA: [See Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act].
Recharge Area: A land area where rainwater
saturates the ground and soaks through the earth
to reach an aquifer.
G-10
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GLOSSARY
Record of Decision (ROD): A public-
document that explains which cleanup
alternative(s) will be used to clean up sites
listed on the NPL. It is based on information
generated during the remedial investigation
and feasibility study and consideration of
public comments and community concerns.
Recovery Wells: Wells used to withdraw
contaminants or contaminated groundwater.
Recycle: The process of minimizing waste
generation by recovering usable products that
might otherwise become waste.
Remedial Action (RA): The actual con-
struction or implementation phase of a
Superfund site cleanup following the remedial
design [see Cleanup].
Remedial Design: A phase of site cleanup
where engineers design the technical specifi-
cations for cleanup remedies and technolo-
gies.
Remedial Investigation: An in-depth
study designed to gather the data necessary to
determine the nature and extent of contamina-
tion at a Superfund site, establish the criteria
for cleaning up the site, identify the prelimi-
nary alternatives for cleanup actions, and
support the technical and cost analyses of the
alternatives. The remedial investigation is
usually done with the feasibility study. In this
volume, the remedial investigation is referred
to as a site study [see also Feasibility Study].
Remedial Project Manager (RPM): The
EPA or State official responsible for oversee-
ing cleanup actions at the site.
Remedy Selection: The selection of the
final cleanup strategy for the site. At the few
sites where the EPA has determined that
initial response actions have eliminated site
contamination, or that any remaining con-
tamination will be naturally dispersed without
further cleanup activities, a "No Action"
remedy is selected [see Record of Decision].
Removal Action: Short-term immediate
actions taken to address releases of hazardous
substances [see Cleanup].
Residual: The amount of a pollutant re-
maining in the environment after a natural or
technological process has taken place, e.g.,
the sludge remaining after initial wastewater
treatment, or the particulates remaining in air
after the air passes through a scrubber.
Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA): A Federal law that established
a regulatory system to track hazardous sub-
stances from the time of generation to dis-
posal. The law requires safe and secure
procedures to be used in treating, transport-
ing, storing, and disposing of hazardous
substances. RCRA is designed to prevent
new, uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
Retention Pond: A small body of liquid
used for disposing of wastes and containing
overflow from production facilities. Some-
times retention ponds are used to expand the
capacity of such structures as lagoons the
store waste.
Runoff: The discharge of water over land
into surface water. It can carry pollutants
from the air and land and spread contaminants
from its source.
Scrubber: An air pollution control device
that uses a spray of water or reactant or a dry
process to trap pollutants in emissions.
Sediment: The layer of soil, sand, and
minerals at the bottom of surface waters such
as streams, lakes, and rivers, that absorbs
contaminants.
G-11
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GLOSSARY
Seeps: Specific points where releases of
liquid, usually leachate, form from waste
disposal areas, particularly along the lower
edges of landfills.
Seepage Pits: A hole, shaft, or cavity in
the ground used for the storage of liquids,
usually in the form of leachate, from waste
disposal areas. The liquid gradually leaves
the pit by moving through the surrounding
soil.
Septage: Residue remaining in a septic tank
after the treatment process.
Sinkhole: A hollow depression in the land
surface in which drainage collects; associated
with underground caves and passages that
facilitate the movement of liquids.
Site Characterization: The technical pro-
cess used to evaluate the nature and extent of
environmental contamination, which is neces-
sary for choosing and designing cleanup mea-
sures and monitoring their effectiveness.
Site Inspection: The collection of informa-
tion from a hazardous waste site to determine
the extent and severity of hazards posed by the
site. It follows, and is more extensive than, a
preliminary assessment. The purpose is to
gather information necessary to score the site,
using the Hazard Ranking System, and to
determine if the site presents an immediate
threat that requires a prompt removal action.
Slag: The fused refuse or dross separated
from a metal in the process of smelting.
Sludge: Semi-solid residues from industrial
or water treatment processes that may be
contaminated with hazardous materials.
Slurry Wall: Barriers used to contain the flow
of contaminated groundwater or subsurface
liquids. Slurry walls are constructed by digging
a trench around a contaminated area and filling
the trench with an impermeable material that
prevents water from passing through it. The
groundwater or contaminated liquids trapped
within the area surrounded by the slurry wall
can be extracted and treated.
Smelter: A facility that melts or fuses ore,
often with an accompanying chemical change,
to separate the metal. Emissions from smelters
are known to cause pollution.
Soil Gas: Gaseous elements and compounds
that occur in the small spaces between par-
ticles of soil. Such gases can move through
or leave the soil or rock, depending on
changes in pressure.
Soil Vapor Extraction: A treatment
process that uses vacuum wells to remove
hazardous gases from soil.
Soil Washing: A water-based process for
mechanically scrubbing soils in-place to remove
undesirable materials. There are two ap-
proaches: dissolving or suspending them in the
wash solution for later treatment by conven-
tional methods, and concentrating them into a
smaller volume of soil through simple particle
size separation techniques [see Solvent Extrac-
tion].
Stabilization: The process of changing an
active substance into inert, harmless material,
or physical activities at a site that act to limit
the further spread of contamination without
actual reduction of toxicity.
Solidification/Stabilization: A chemical
or physical reduction of the mobility of
hazardous constituents. Mobility is reduced
through the binding of hazardous constituents
into a solid mass with low permeability and
resistance to leaching.
G-12
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GLOSSARY
Solvent: A substance capable of dissolving
another substance to form a solution. The
primary uses of industrial solvents are as
cleaners for degreasing, in paints, and in
Pharmaceuticals. Many solvents are flam-
mable and toxic to varying degrees.
Solvent Extraction: A means of separating
hazardous contaminants from soils, sludges,
and sediment, thereby reducing the volume of
the hazardous waste that must be treated. It
generally is used as one in a series of unit
operations. An organic chemical is used to
dissolve contaminants as opposed to water-
based compounds, which usually are used in
soil washing.
Sorption: The action of soaking up or
attracting substances. It is used in many
pollution control systems.
Special Notice Letter: [See Notice Let-
ter].
Stillbottom: Residues left over from the
process of recovering spent solvents.
Stripping: A process used to remove volatile
contaminants from a substance [see Air Strip-
ping].
Sumps: A pit or tank that catches liquid
runoff for drainage or disposal.
Superf und: The program operated under the
legislative authority of the CERCLA and
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act (SARA) to update and improve environ-
mental laws. The program has the authority to
respond directly to releases or threatened re-
leases of hazardous substances that may endan-
ger public health, welfare, or the environment
The "Superfund" is a trust fund that finances
cleanup actions at hazardous waste sites.
Surge Tanks: A holding structure used to
absorb irregularities in flow of liquids, including
liquid waste materials.
Swamp: A type of wetland that is dominated
by woody vegetation and does not accumulate
peat moss deposits. Swamps may be fresh or
saltwater and tidal or non-tidal [see Wetlands].
Thermal Treatment: The use of heat to
remove or destroy contaminants from soil.
Treatability Studies: Testing a treatment
method on contaminated groundwater, soil, etc.,
to determine whether and how well the method
will work.
Trichloroethylene (TCE): A stable, color-
less liquid with a low boiling point. TCE has
many industrial applications, including use as
a solvent and as a metal degreasing agent.
TCE may be toxic to people when inhaled,
ingested, or through skin contact and can
damage vital organs, especially the liver [see
Volatile Organic Compounds].
Unilateral [Administrative] Order: [see
Administrative Order].
Upgradient: An upward hydrologic slope;
demarks areas that are higher than contaminated
areas and, therefore, are not prone to contamina-
tion by the movement of polluted groundwater.
Vacuum Extraction: A technology used to
remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
from soils. Vacuum pumps are connected to a
series of wells drilled to just above the water
table. The wells are sealed tightly at the soil
surface, and the vacuum established in the soil
draws VOC-contaminated air from the soil
pores into the well, as fresh air is drawn down
from the surface of the soil.
G-13
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GLOSSARY
Vegetated Soil Cap: A cap constructed with
graded soils and seed for vegetative growth, to
prevent erosion [see Cap].
Vitrification: The process of electrically
melting wastes and soils or sludges to bind the
waste in a glassy, solid material more durable
than granite or marble and resistant to leaching.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):
VOCs are manufactured as secondary petro-
chemicals. They include light alcohols, acetone,
trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene,
dichloroethylene, benzene, vinyl chloride,
toluene, and methylene chloride. These poten-
tially toxic chemicals are used as solvents,
degreasers, paints, thinners, and fuels. Because
of their volatile nature, they readily evaporate
into the air, increasing the potential exposure to
humans. Due to their low water solubility,
environmental persistence, and widespread
industrial use, they are commonly found in soil
and groundwater.
Waste Treatment Plant: A facility that
uses a series of tanks, screens, filters, and
other treatment processes to remove pollut-
ants from water.
Wastewater: The spent or used water from
individual homes or industries.
Watershed: The land area that drains into a
stream or other water body.
Water Table: The upper surface of the
groundwater.
Weir: A barrier to divert water or other liquids.
Wetland: An area that is regularly saturated
by surface or groundwater and, under normal
circumstances, is capable of supporting
vegetation typically adapted for life in satu-
rated soil conditions. Wetlands are critical to
sustaining many species of fish and wildlife.
Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes,
and bogs. Wetlands may be either coastal or
inland. Coastal wetlands have salt or brackish
(a mixture of salt and fresh) water, and most
have tides, while inland wetlands are non-
tidal and freshwater. Coastal wetlands are an
integral component of estuaries.
Wildlife Refuge: An area designated for
the protection of wild animals, within which
hunting and fishing are either prohibited or
strictly controlled.
G-14
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GLOSSARY
Some Common Contaminants at NPL Sites
Contaminant
Category
i Example
Chemical Types
Sources
Potential Health
threats*
Heavy Metafs
Volatile Organic
Compounds
PolyeWorinated
Creosotes
RacfiajJori
Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium,
Cadmium, Cobalt, Copper,
Chromium, Lead, Manga-
nese, Mercury, Nickel,
Silver, Selenium, Zinc
Trichloroethylene (TCE),
Perchloroethylene (PCE),
Acetone, Benzene,
Ketone, Methyl chloride,
Toluene, Vinyl Chloride,
Dichlorethylene
Chlordane, DDT 4-4, DDE,
Heptachlor, Aldrin, Endrin,
Atrazine, Dieldrin, Toxa-
phene
Polyaromatic hydrocar-
bons (PAHs), Polynuclear
aromatics (PNAs),
Phenolic Tars, Pentachlo-
rophenol (PCP)
Radium-226, Radon,
Uranium-235, Uranium-
238
Electroplating, batteries,
paint pigments, photogra-
phy, smelting, thermom-
eters, fluorescent lights,
solvent recovery
Solvents and degreasers,
gasoline octane enhanc-
ers, oils and paints, dry
cleaning fluids, chemical
manufacturing.
Agricultural applications,
pesticide and herbicide
production
Electric transformers and
capacitors, insulators and
coolants, adhesives,
caulking compounds,
carbonless copy paper,
hydraulic fluids.
Wood preserving, fossil
fuel combustion
Mine tailings, radium
products, natural decay of
granites
Tumors, cancers, and kidney,
brain, neurological, bone and
liver damage
Cancers, kidney and liver
damage, impairment of the
nervous system resulting in
sleepiness and headaches,
leukemia
Various effects ranging from
nauseate nervous disorders.
Dioxin is a common by-product
of the manufacture of pesti-
cides and is both highly toxic
and a suspected carcinogen.
Cancer and liver damage.
Cancers and skin ulcerations
with prolonged exposure
Cancer
Sources: Toxic Chemicals—What They Are, How They Affect You (EPA, Region 5)
Glossary of Environmental Terms (EPA, 1988)
'The potential for risk due to these contaminants is linked to a number of factors; for example, the length and level of exposure
and environmental and health factors such as age.
*U.S. G.P.O..-1993-341-932:82655
G-15
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