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Welcome to the Region 10 Superfund program....
The information contained in this book should give you a snapshot of our efforts at the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon & Washington) to
clean up sites contaminated with hazardous wastes which pose risk to people and the
environment. You can look at the contents of this book as a status report of where we are in
addressing the 78 sites on the National Priorities List (NPL) in the Region (14 have been
deleted), as well as our efforts to address emergency or short term cleanup actions, and to
assess new sites that we learn about. The book is formatted as follows:
Section 1 - Superfund At Work: describes the overall progress picture for your state,
and provides some highlights of significant progress and innovative approaches around the
region. In it you will find:
1) a pie chart indicating the status of NPL sites in your state.
2) a bar chart indicating the range of cost of cleanup for sites in your state.
3) highlights of significant progress and new approaches around the region.
Section 2 -Superfund in Your Community: should give you a picture of the sites
within your state/Congressional District and the location and status of each. In this section
you will find:
1) a list of early cleanup actions completed in your state.
2) summaries of some early cleanup actions in your state, in alphabetical order.
3) a list of all NPL sites in your state, including their status.
4) summaries of each NPL site in your state, in alphabetical order.
5) maps that illustrate the location of all Region 10 NPL sites.
We hope you can use this information as a resource as questions arise about Region 10
Superfund activities.
For more information about any of the sites and activities discussed in this book, please feel
free to call the Region 10 Community Relations & Outreach Manager at (206) 553-1272. If
calling from within Region 10 states, you can call toll free at (800) 424-4372.
information Resources Center
US EPA tf404;
401 *\1 Sii'tfOi, 8W • '
. Washington. DC 20460 . '
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SUCCESSES IN REGION 10
EPA Region 10 continues to explore ways to improve our
efforts to clean up hazardous waste sites in the most
efficient way possible, and to return them to productive
uses while protecting human health and the environment.
The ability to be flexible in making cleanup decisions and
improved cooperation with state and local communities
have contributed to recent Superfund successes.
Following are five stories which highlight significant
progress and new approaches around the region...
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Cooperative Agreements with the State of Oregon
Site Assessment Cooperative Agreement: EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) have an excellent partnership on site assessment. Real environmental benefit has
been gained without duplication or delay of work. EPA funding has been progressively increased
as DEQ's role has become greater.
Site Screening DEQ screens sites brought to their attention by the public, other agencies, or
owner/operators and consultants. Approximately 250 site screenings have been done in the last five
years, in order to consider the worst sites first. Many screenings consist only of file searches and
phone calls, while others involve collecting additional information and conducting site drive-bys.
When further action is needed, DEQ and EPA work together to determine what should be done.
DEQ has typically recommended about 15 - 20% of sites screened be added to EPA's inventory of
sites needing further Superfund consideration (CERCLIS).
Preliminary Assessments For sites that would warrant assessment under Superfund, Oregon
staff and EPA staff work together on a streamlined federal Preliminary Assessement. DEQ has
completed approximately 50 PAs in the last five years.
Site review/Technical Assistance For complex sites, state and EPA staff together carry out
a joint investigation. Oregon DEQ reviews site assessment work completed by EPA contractors
for technical merit, and for possible state action.
Brownfields Project Developers are reluctant to buy vacant or under utilized properties
that may be contaminated because of the risk of cleanup liability. EPA's Brownfields program is
working to assess environmental problems, clean, and revitalize these properties. Oregon DEQ is
compiling an inventory of potential Brownfield sites. Sites will be prioritized for assessment based
on how they meet certain criteria such as ownership, location, potential for commercial or industrial
development, and whether there is a potential developer interested in the property.
McCormick & Baxter Creosoting Company/State Lead Site
This is the State of Oregon's highest priority Superfund site. Oregon DEQ has the technical lead
for the cleanup, while EPA has a consultation role. Federal Superfund dollars pay for the cleanup
via a Cooperative Agreement between the state and EPA Region 10.
Operations at the former wood treating facility resulted in contamination of soil, sediments, and
ground water. Contaminants are migrating from ground water to the Willamette River, including
pentachlorophenol (PCP), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic and dioxin.
The cleanup is currently in the remedial design phase. Plans for cleanup actions include treatment
and/or removal of on-site contaminated soil, extraction and treatment of floating and sinking pure
non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) product from the ground water, and capping the entire site to
(continued)
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make it ready for future development. Demolition of on-site structures has been,completed which
allows for easier access to contaminated areas.
There is considerable local interest in the redevelopment of this site. It is a high priority
Brownfields redevelopment for the City of Portland. EPA has funded a Technical Assistance Grant
for a local neighborhood group (WAKE-UP) that is closely following the progress of the cleanup.
East Multnomah County Groundwater Superfund Site
The East Multnomah County Groundwater Superfund site covers three square miles in eastern
Portland. Groundwater beneath the area, contaminated with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
by several area businesses using solvents, has been used for drinking water. Early response actions
taken by the responsible parties provided several groundwater extraction wells to control the
contaminant plume, and a cutoff trench to prevent contaminated shallow groundwater from
migrating into deeper aquifers.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued Records of Decision for two operable
units, the Troutdale Sandstone Aquifer and the Cascade Corporation Site-Troutdale Gravel
Aquifer. These decisions for further cleanup represent significant milestones toward restoring the
availability of the city of Portland's back-up drinking water supply.
Residents in the Portland area are extremely interested in ensuring that groundwater resources will
be protected. EPA has funded a Technical Assistance Grant for a local neighborhood group,
Friends of Blue and Fairview Lakes. The group has a contract with Portland State University to
review documents and provide input to DEQ, EPA, and the local community through the Friends
of Blue and Fairview Lakes.
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Local Involvement in Spokane Hastens Cleanup
& Renews Property Values
Community interest in the Spokane Junkyard/Associated Properties Superfund site has always
been high. It was especially gratifying for EPA to participate in the community's recent
celebration of the completion of the cleanup. Signs, posted to warn people of the dangers of
contamination at the site, were removed by a neighborhood activist at the ceremony.
What was once a threat to the community, a field of highly contaminated soil littered with drums
of hazardous waste and a variety of other unsightly and potentially dangerous materials, is now a
field of native plants, safe and clean and ready to become a community asset.
The site consisted of a former junkyard, the former Spokane Metals facility, and two other parcels
of land. Salvage operations at Spokane Metals, from the 1940s until the early 1980s, resulted in
soil contaminated with poiycnlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead. Poor junkyard storage
practices of asbestos, paint waste, and various liquids and solid wastes also resulted in site
contamination.
After an explosive fire on the junkyard property in 1987, EPA conducted an emergency cleanup
during 1988 and 1989. The most highly contaminated materials were removed and the site was
fenced to keep people out. The site was added to EPA's National Priorities List for further long-
term cleanup in May 1994.
The site is surrounded by homes and apartments, businesses, and an elementary school. Local and
state agencies, businesses, and community activists worked with EPA in many meetings about this
site. Nearby residents worried about vandalism at the site and the risk of children being exposed
to contamination. Neighbors supported plans for a low-income housing project on the site.
Everyone was anxious for this property to become a safe, attractive, and productive part of the
neighborhood.
Three companies — Kaiser Aluminum, Washington Water Power, and Inland Power and Light —
agreed to conduct a site investigation and to prepare plans for cleaning up the site under an
Administrative Order with EPA in June 1995. Exceptional cooperation between EPA and the
three companies using the most efficient Superfund authorities accelerated the process.
In January 1996, after completion of site investigations, six cleanup alternatives were proposed.
EPA selected a cleanup alternative after reviewing and considering comments received during a
public comment period. The three companies completed the cleanup design in the summer of
1996, and the cleanup of the site was accomplished from September to November 1996.
The site now consists of a capped containment cell on the Spokane Metals property, and a seeded
field covering the rest of the site. Residential cleanup levels were selected for the site cleanup
because all properties except the Spokane Metals property will be zoned for residential use in the
future.
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Cleanup & Economic Development Go Hand in Hand
The Pacific Sound Resources Superfund Site in Seattle: One way that Region 10 helps
promote development and economic growth in areas designated as Superfund sites is through the
Prospective Purchaser Agreement Policy. The Pacific Sound Resources (PSR) Superfund site is
an example of how well that policy can work.
PSR (formerly the Wyckoff Company) operated a wood preserving plant on 25 acres next to
Elliott Bay until 1994. Soil, groundwater, and near shore marine sediments were contaminated
with creosote, pentachlorophenol, copper, arsenic, and zinc. Because the site posed a threat to
public health from contact with contaminated soil and to aquatic life in Elliott Bay, EPA added the
site to the National Priorities List in May 1994.
The Port of Seattle then purchased the PSR site under a prospective purchaser's agreement which
protects the Port from future liability for additional cleanup costs associated with past
contamination. The Port agreed to provide services and cleanup funds totaling $16.2 million and
to conduct cleanup work under an Administrative Order with EPA.
All together about 200 acres of abandoned, contaminated industrial/commercial land, which
includes the PSR Superfund site, has been cleaned up by the Port and returned to productive use
as a combined cargo terminal and intermodal yard for American President's Line. The Port, local,
state, and federal.agencies, community members, and the business community worked together to
successfully restore this important resource.
Asarco Smelter Complex Cleanup in Tacoma: A "civic triumph" is how the News Tribune
described the January 1997 signing of a "definitive agreement" governing redevelopment of the
old Asarco Smelter site on Commencement Bay, straddling the border between the town of
Ruston and the city of Tacoma in Washington. The definitive agreement was signed by officials
from Asarco, Ruston, Tacoma, and the Metropolitan Park District. Most of the 100 acres, which
includes the 67 acre Superfund site, is now a barren fenced-off eyesore. Over the next few years,
the site will be cleaned up and transformed: offices, light industrial facilities, and a public park
with remarkable views of Puget Sound and surrounding mountains will replace the old smelter.
The redevelopment agreement was negotiated in parallel with a consent decree between EPA and
Asarco covering the environmental cleanup of wastes left from 80 years of smelting operations.
The consent decree requires that the cleanup be completed by December 2003. The parks are
expected to be available for public use by the summer of 2004.
.These agreements come after years of meetings between EPA, Asarco,. and the surrounding
communities. EPA received more than 900 public comments on the cleanup and site reuse plans.
Workshops were attended by 1,200 people to express-their individual views and those of 35
groups including community action groups, neighborhood councils, city of Tacoma and town of
Ruston councils, and other local government commissions. All were dedicated to finding the best
solutions to problems so that environmental cleanup and economic development could advance
simultaneously.
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Cleanups Expedited at Alaska Military Bases
By working in partnership with States, the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy,
EPA Region 10's Federal Facilities Superfund program has been able to streamline requirements
and reduce costs while implementing flexible and efficient cleanup solutions throughout the
Northwest. Alaska is an excellent example of this partnership, where six of the eight NPL sites
are military bases.
Eielson Air Force Base, located 24 miles southeast of Fairbanks, covers 19,780 acres. Major
sources of hazardous wastes include both closed and active uniined landfills, trenches used for
tank sludge burial, drum storage areas, fire suppression training, and fuel storage and delivery.
Areas within the groundwater are contaminated with lead and volatile organic compounds such as
benzene and tricholoethelene. Several areas of subsurface petroleum-contaminated soil and
petroleum products are sources of contamination. Elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs) were found in sediments and in fish caught in a slough that runs through the base.
The base included 64 potential source areas of contamination that required some level of
investigation. The investigations were streamlined and tailored to use an appropriate level of
evaluation for each area and to avoid unnecessary investigative costs. All investigations are
complete, and remedies have been selected covering all problems at the base. Cleanups for all
areas except one are currently in place, are fully functional, and include the use of innovative
technologies such as bioventing. The last cleanup, the PCB soil and sediment cleanup in Garrison
Slough will be finished this summer.
The Air Force, EPA, and the state of Alaska worked together to determine the best technical and
regulatory approaches at Eilson, including innovative treatment technologies, source reduction
with natural attenuation to address limited areas of groundwater contamination, hybrid landfill cap
designs, and technical impracticability waivers for immobile lead groundwater contamination.
Fort Richardson, covering 61,900 acres in Anchorage, has been divided into four smaller units
so that cleanup can progress more efficiently. Each of four work areas identified for cleanup
contains a variety of contaminated sub-areas. While waiting for on-going investigations to be
completed for all the complex work areas, it was important that early actions be taken at some
areas.
The Eagle River Flats ordnance impact area, which encompasses 2,500 acres of wetlands
associated with the Eagle River delta, is one of the four work areas. Many thousands of
waterfowl who fed in the contaminated sediments of those wetlands have died. Under an
agreement with EPA and the state of Alaska, the Army is dredging and drying wetland sediments
contaminated with white phosphorous, which allows the white phosphorous to change into a
harmless compound. The Army will continue dredging and drying the contaminated sediments
until the threat to waterfowl is eliminated. The death rate for waterfowl that use the wetlands
during spring and fall migrations has already dropped from thousands to hundreds of ducks for
each migratory season.
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Progress Continues in Idaho at Bunker Hill
The Bunker Hill Superfund site spans 21-square miles in the heart of the Silver Valley in Northern
Idaho. More than 6,000 people live within the site boundary in the communities of Smelterville,
Kellogg, Wardner, Pinehurst, Page, Elizabeth Park, and Ross Ranch. Contamination, caused by
mining activities since the late 1800s, includes lead, mercury, cadmium, sulfuric acid, arsenic and
zinc. Mine tailings deposited into the Coeur d'Alene River have contaminated the valley, riverbeds
and Lake Coeur d'Alene. Ground and surface water is contaminated with a variety of heavy metals
due to discharges of mine drainage. Lead is the primary contaminant in the valley and poses a
serious health threat particularly to children and pregnant women.
Some of the 17 private companies identified as being potentially responsible for the contamination
are working in partnership with EPA and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to
support the cleanup. Much progress has been made previously at the site. Blood lead levels of
children have dropped dramatically in the last decade, due both to cleanups of contaminated soils
and a continuing effective local public health program. In 1996, more major cleanups took place:
600 tons of contaminated material were excavated & removed
100,000 seedlings & 100 acres of grass were planted on hillsides
500 million gallons of contaminated water were treated
395 children were tested for possible lead contamination
contaminated soil was excavated and replaced with clean soil at 200 residential yards
75 structures were demolished, resulting in the disposal of 1000 cubic yards of asbestos and
20,000 truckloads of debris
8980 contaminated railroad ties and 86 tons of rail were removed from the Union Pacific
Railroad right-of-way through the site
EPA and Idaho staff are working with local officials to maximize the reuse of this land, consistent
with the cleanup. A few projects that have benefited the community are:
A Special Area Management Plan to help Shoshone County plan for future development at
an on-site wetland area.
At the request of the county, a section of a temporary haul road is being paved to provide
access to a proposed business park. Storm water ditches and pipelines are being added to
support future development and to divert contaminated water from the Coeur d'Alene
River.
Capping and paving a 50-acre slag pile near 1-90 will support future industrial development.
EPA and the state are currently working with community leaders to support future land use
in the design for the 200-acre cap of the Central Impoundment Area.
(continued)
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At the request of community leaders, Shoshone County plans to use several structures,
saved from scheduled demolition, for future development.
The People's Action Coalition was awarded a $50,000 Superfund Technical Assistance
Grant (TAG) to hire a technical advisor to monitor on-going site activities for the
community and review site documents relating to health risks and contamination.
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SUPERFUND
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
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EARLY CLEANUP ACTIONS
OREGON
SITE NAME
Congressional District: 01
ASTORIA PLYWOOD CORP, ASTORIA
BERGSOE METAL CORP, ST HELENS
COLUMBIA RIVER DRUMS, ST HELENS
CRIMMS ISLAND REMOVAL, CLATSKANIE
DANT & RUSSELL BN NORTH PLAINS SITE, NORTH PLAINS
DEPOEBAY, LINCOLN CITY
ENVIRONMENTAL PACIFIC CORP, AMITY
ERICKSON HARDWOOD, GRANDE RONDE
GARIBALDI DRUMS, GARIBALDI
LINCOLN CITY DRUM, LINCOLN CITY
PACIFIC OCEAN GEARHART DRUM SITE, GEARHART
SEAL ROCK STATE PARK DRUM, NEWPORT
TIERRE DEL MAR BEACH DRUM, TIERRE DEL MAR
W.CREMIOR CO RECYCLING CTR, YAMHILL
WILLAMETTE RIVER DRUM «, PORTLAND
Sites Addressed by Superfund for Congressional District 01: 16
START COMPLETION
7/25/94
2/26/88
11/12/91
4/20/89
10/15/85
3/6/86
4/25/88
3/22/93 ,
9/27/90
1/28/91
11/7/90
1/19/90
4/8/92
12/7/90
6/10/91
3/11/87
Congressional District: 02
FREMONT NATIONAL FOREST/WHITE KING AND LUCKY LASS URANIUM MINES (USDA 9/25/95
JOSEPH FOREST PRODUCTS, JOSEPH 9/25/91
3/30/93
NORTHWEST DUST CONTROL, WHITE CITY 1/23/84
NORTHWEST PIPELINE-BAKER, BAKER 3/29/88
ROGUE VALLEY CIRCUITS, ROGUE RIVER 9/14/90
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TIE TREATMENT, THE DALLES 10/13/92
WILSON TIRE SITE, WHITE CITY 3/8/85
Sites Addressed by Superfund for Congressional District 02: 8
Congressional District: 03
ALLIED PLATING, INC, PORTLAND
BASIN AVENUE BOAT DOCK DRUM, PORTLAND
HAYDEN ISLAND DRUM, PORTLAND
8/12/94
5/9/88
11/12/91
7/6/89
3/8/86
1/7/91
7/1/88
9/30/93
6/6/91
1/28/91
11/8/90
1/19/90
4/8/92
12/8/90
5/27/94
6/9/87
3/20/96
11/9/91
5/8/93
5/16/84
8/6/88
1/15/91
10/23/92
7/31/85
10/20/92
3/16/92
11/7/90
11/9/92
3/16/92
11/8/90
Sites in bold are not National Priorities List sites.
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EARLY CLEANUP ACTIONS
OREGON
SITE NAME
Congressional District: 03
MARTIN ELECTRIC, LAKE OSWEGO
MCCORMICK & BAXTER CREOSOTING CO. (PORTLAND), PORTLAND
REYNOLDS METALS COMPANY, TROUTDALE
SAUVIE ISLAND DRUM SITE, PORTLAND
SWANN ISLAND DRUM #1, PORTLAND
SWANN ISLAND DRUM #2, PORTLAND
UNION AVENUE PCB SITE, PORTLAND
WILLAMETTE RTVER DRUM, WILLAMETTE RIV
Sites Addressed by Super-fund for Congressional District 03: 11
Congressional District: 04
CONTINENTAL PLATING, EUGENE
OREGON COAST DRUM, FLORENCE
PARIS WOOLEN MILL, STAYTON
PUGET SOUND PLYWOOD, EUGENE
RANGERFUNDII/WESTFIR, WESTFIR
UMPQUA RIVER DRUM, COOS BAY
Sites Addressed by Superfund for Congressional District 04: 6
Congressional District: 05
HAYES PROPERTY, MULINO
MOLALLA DRUM SITE, MOLALLA
NORTHWEST PIPE & CASING CO, CLACKAMAS
PORTABLE EQUIP SALVAGE CO, CLACKAMAS
UNITED CHROME PRODUCTS, INC, CORVALLIS
Sites Addressed by Superfund for Congressional District 05: 5
START COMPLETION
3/27/89
3/31/95
9/29/95
5/7/90
11/5/90
7/12/91
8/6/86
10/23/90
6/1/87
7/12/91
11/14/93
5/7/87
7/2/85
4/30/89
6/1/96
5/7/90
11/6/90
7/12/91
8/22/86
10/24/90
5/9/96
7/1/91
2/6/92
8/3/84
2/9/88
10/10/90
5/14/96
7/3/91
9/26/84
6/24/88
10/12/90
6/1/87
2/17/93
11/18/93
10/20/90
11/6/85
Sites in bold are not National Priorities List sites.
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Environmental Pacific Corporation Congressional District 1
Yamhill County, Amity, Oregon
Site Background: .
The Environmental Pacific Corporation is a two acre site located in Amity, Oregon. The site
includes an abandoned former battery recycling facility that ceased operation in 1991. Companies
from around the nation shipped batteries to this facility for recycling.
At the request of the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), EPA
inspected the site in November 1992. The EPA found over 70,000 gallons of hazardous
substances including acids, caustics, and solvent wastes. In addition, the inspectors found that
site soils, sludges, buildings, and debris were contaminated with high levels of mercury, lead and
arsenic. The site posed a risk from direct exposure to mercury, lead and other toxic chemicals.
Removal Action:
The Removal Action was conducted between March and June 1993. EPA emptied and removed
over 120 drums and on-site tanks. Over 70,000 gallons of acids and other toxic liquids were
analyzed, treated, and disposed of off site. Soils with high lead contamination were removed, and
disposed off site.
The mercury contaminated floors, ceilings, and walls of the on-site building were decontaminated,
first with power washers and vacuums, then with a carbon dioxide blaster to remove mercury
contamination from the structures. This innovative alternative reduced the volumes of material
requiring disposal, thus reducing disposal costs by over one million dollars. The residue from the
cleaning operations was collected and removed for off-site disposal. In April 1995, the ODEQ
declared the site clean.
The former owner, Richard Hill was convicted of environmental crimes and is currently serving
time in a federal prison in Colorado.
Cost recovery efforts were successful, and EPA's costs of $936,000 were recovered.
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Paris Woolen Mills
Marion County, Stayton, Oregon
Site Background:
Congressional District 4
Paris Woolen Mill is located in Stayton, Oregon. The Mill was abandoned and the County was in
the process of taking possession of the property under a tax lien. The Mayor of Stayton
contacted EPA in the summer of 1991, due to worries of a significant fire hazard posed by the old
wooden structure which housed the mill. There were numerous hazardous and flammable
materials abandoned inside and outside the building. It is located on a canal connected to the
Santiam River, that serves as a drinking water source. The Mayor and Fire Chief were concerned
that pollution could be washed into the river in the event of a fire or vandalism. There were
reports of kids playing and vandalizing in and around the old building.
Removal Action:
Upon assessment of the site, EPA installed a fence around the building and then notified past and
present owner/operators of EPA's determination that an emergency Removal Action was
required. The former Mill owner responded, and expressed interest in regaining ownership and
conducting the necessary cleanup. Once the Removal plan was approved by EPA and the County,
EPA issued a Consent Order to the owner to conduct the cleanup. EPA performed oversight of
the cleanup, which consisted of asbestos removal, and recycling of many reusable products and
fuels. The cleanup was completed to EPA's satisfaction by December 1991.
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Reynolds Metals Site Congressional District 3
Muitnomah County, Troutdale, Oregon
Site Background:
The Reynolds Metals site is located approximately 1.25 miles north of the city of Troutdale,
Oregon, at the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia Rivers.. It is an aluminum reduction facility,
built for the U.S. Government in 1941. Reynolds leased the facility in 1946 and purchased it in
1949. The plant itself is situated on an 80 acre tract of land, and Reynolds owns an additional 700
acres surrounding the plant. The plant has been in a standby mode since 1992 due to a depressed
price of aluminum. During full production, 21 separate waste streams were produced at the plant,
and historically the wastes were placed at various locations throughout the plant. The wastes
include cyanide, fluoride, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB), and a variety of metals.
EPA received a report of PCB capacitors being dumped and buried on site and was asked to
investigate. In the spring of 1994, EPA initiated an integrated assessment at the facility. In June
of 1994, Reynolds agreed to conduct all assessment activities under EPA oversight. The
assessment revealed a number of contaminated waste and dump areas on site, which contributed
to fluoride and cyanide contamination in groundwater. The City of Portland has a municipal well
field approximately 1.5 miles downgradient from the site. In December 1994, EPA added
Reynolds to the National Priorities List. In September 1995, EPA issued a Consent Order to
Reynolds to conduct a Removal Action and to initiate a Remedial Investigation and Feasibility
Study (RI/FS).
Removal Action:
Between 1995 and 1997, Reynolds and EPA worked collaboratively to clean up the worst areas
on site that were contaminating groundwater. From the 4 waste areas cleaned up so far, Reynolds
has excavated and removed 500 tons of PCB contaminated soil and debris, 2,600 tons of diesel
contaminated soil, 11,000 tons of spent potliner (high in fluoride and cyanide), and 14,000 tons of
cryolite (high in fluoride and other metals). Reynolds and EPA are continuing with the RI/FS to
characterize the remaining contaminated areas on site. During the RI/FS, as other opportunities
arise for accelerated cleanup, they will be pursued.
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Rogue Valley Circuits Removal Site Congressional District 2
Jackson County, Wimer, Oregon
Site Background:
The 450 acre site is a remote ranch in Wimer, Oregon. Rogue Valley Circuits, Inc. of Medford,
Oregon, a circuit manufacturer, illegally dumped cyanide and heavy metal rich sludges (including
copper, lead, and chromium) on the property.
The contamination posed a direct contact risk, and could have contaminated surface water and
groundwater, posing a threat to the drinking water supply of the 400 residents of Wimer.
Removal Action:
Under a 1990 Consent Order, Rogue VaUey Circuits agreed to undertake the site cleanup under
the supervision of EPA. The foil cost of the cleanup was approximately $600,000. The Removal
commenced in October, 1990 and the site was cleaned up by January 1991.
Over 800 cubic yards of cyanide and metals contaminated soil were excavated from the site. In
addition, cement-like blocks and drums containing hazardous substances were removed. Most of
the material was treated at an EPA approved hazardous waste landfill in Arlington, Oregon. One
truckload of hazardous debris was transported to an EPA approved hazardous waste incinerator
located in the Mid-West.
In a combined effort by the responsible party and EPA, the entire 450 acre ranch was surveyed for
areas of potential contamination using geophysical electromagnetics, ground penetrating radar, X-
ray florescence and area! photos. By focusing the sampling efforts with geophysical screening
tools, the costs, time and efforts needed for the investigation were reduced.
Two years of post removal monitoring show that the cleanup was fully successful. The ranch has
returned to its original use including cattle grazing and private residences. Groundwater and
surface water do not show site contamination.
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NATIONAL PRIORITIES LIST
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SITE NAME
Congressional District: 01
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GOULD, INC
Congressional District: 02
FREMONT NATIONAL FOREST/WHITE KING AND LUCKY LASS URANIUM MINE
JOSEPH FOREST PRODUCTS
MARTIN-MARIETTA ALUMINUM CO
UMATILLA ARMY DEPOT (LAGOONS) . ' -
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TIE TREATMENT
Congressional District: 03
ALLIED PLATING, INC
MCCORMICK & BAXTER CREOSOTING CO. (PORTLAND)
REYNOLDS METALS COMPANY
Congressional District: 05
NORTHWEST PIPE & CASING CO
TELEDYNE WAH CHANG
UNITED CHROME PRODUCTS, INC
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Sites in bold are deleted from the National Priorities List.
STATUS
Cleanup in Progress
Investigation
Construction Completed
Removed from NPL
Cleanup in Progress
Remedy Selected
Removed from NPL
Cleanup in Progress
Investigation
Investigation
Cleanup in Progress
Construction Completed
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Allied Plating
Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon
Site Background:
Congressional District: 03
Listing: 02/21/90
A chrome plating facility operated on the 1 1/2-acre site located in Portland, Oregon, from 1957
until the late 1980s. The operation generated electroplating wastes containing heavy metals and
arsenic. For over 25 years, the company discharged waste without treating it. Prior to 1969,
wastes were discharged onto a low-lying area of the property, which drained into the Columbia
Slough. After 1969, filling activities isolated the site and the plating waste created a surface
impoundment. Groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soil were contaminated with heavy
metals, including chromium and lead. The soil also contained cyanide. Chromium, copper, and
nickel were present in sludge on the site. Approximately 20,000 people live within 3 miles of the
site. Public and private wells within 3 miles of the site provide drinking water for about 1,500
people. The Columbia Slough, which drains into the Willamette River, lies about 600 feet
northeast of the site.
Cleanup Progress: Removed from NPL
Early Actions: In 1992, the EPA conducted an early action during which 1100 cubic yards of
contaminated soil and sludge were excavated from the site and treated and disposed of off site.
Long-term Actions: In 1993, the EPA determined that no further actions were required at the
site. However, to ensure that groundwater is not used in the future, the EPA imposed a deed
restriction on the property.
The site was deleted from the NPL on November 11, 1994.
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Fremont National Forest/White King Congressional District: 02
and Lucky Lass Uranium Mines Listing: 04/25/95
Lake County, Lakeview, Oregon
Site Background:
The White King Mine is located in the mountains approximately 18 miles northwest of Lakeview
within the Lakeview Ranger District, Fremont National Forest, Lake County, Oregon. The mine
is situated on both National Forest land and private land. The Lucky Lass Mine is situated 1 mile
northwest of the White King Mine and is also on National Forest land. The site encompasses 140
acres affected by uranium mining activities which occurred during the 1960s: acid mine drainage
affected a wetlands and creek; radioactive ore and soil stockpiles cover, the site and pose some
risk under a recreational or residential exposure scenario. The nearest residence to the site is 12
miles away. The site is covered by snow 8 months of the year.
Cleanup Progress: Investigation Underway
Early Actions: Between September 1995 and April 1996, EPA performed an early action during
which erosion control measures were installed to protect the ore and soil stockpiles, and to
prevent further spreading of contaminants to site soils and the creek.
Long-term Actions: Investigations are underway by EPA to determine the extent of soil, surface
water, and groundwater contamination at the site. Final cleanup measures are expected to be
selected late in 1997.
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Gould, Inc. Congressional District: 01
Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon Listing: 09/8/83
Site Background:
The Gould, Inc. site covers about 10 acres in an industrial area in northwestern Portland, Oregon,
known as the Doane Lake area. A secondary lead smelter and lead oxide production facility
operated at the site from 1949 until 1981. Smelter waste and approximately 87,000 tons of
battery casings were disposed of on the site, and an estimated 6 million gallons of acid were
discharged to a lake remnant adjacent to the facility. Soil, debris, disposed casings, and lake
sediments are contaminated with lead from prior site operations. Organic contamination from a
former herbicide/pesticide production facility located adjacent to the site is commingled with the
waste. A few residences and rental units are located to the south and west of the site.
Approximately 270 people are employed by the businesses in the vicinity and on the site. About
10,000 people live within a mile of the site.
Cleanup Progress: Cleanup in Progress
The cleanup of the Gould site is being conducted by the site potentially responsible parties (PRPs)
in response to an Administrative Order issued by EPA in January 1993. Between 1993 and 1995,
an estimated 24,500 tons of battery casings were treated in a battery separation and treatment
process, with 88 tons of coarse lead and 244 tons of plastic recycled off site. Approximately
20,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and smelter waste were treated by stabilization and stored
on site. Based on operating experience and new information about conditions at the site, EPA
determined in 1996 that continued operation of the battery casing treatment process was no
longer appropriate for completing the cleanup at the site. EPA subsequently directed the PRPs to
evaluate alternatives for completion of the site cleanup. In May 1997, EPA issued a Record of
Decision (ROD) Amendment to modify the remedy selected in March 1988. The modified
remedy includes on-site treatment and containment. Design of the revised remedy is expected to
be completed and construction underway by the end of 1997. Construction is expected to take
approximately two years.
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Joseph Forest Products Congressional District: 02
Wallowa County, 1 mile northwest of Joseph, Oregon Listing: 03/31/S9
Site Background:
The 18-acre Joseph Forest Products site is located about one mile northwest of the City of Joseph
in Wallowa County. A wood treating facility operated at the site from 1974 until 1985.
Currently, wood cutting and planing are the only activities at the site. Contamination at the site
was caused by sloppy site operations and by a 1974 fire that destroyed the treatment building and
caused a release of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood treatment solution. Soil on site was
contaminated with copper, chrome, arsenic, and lead. Low levels of chromium and arsenic were
also detected in groundwater monitoring wells located on site. The company filed for bankruptcy
in 1984 and ceased operations in 1985. The site lies within the City of Enterprise watershed
protection area, and the City water supply springs are located less than one mile downstream.
Groundwater within 3 miles of the site provides drinking water to more than 2,000 people.
Approximately 1,000 people live within 3 miles of the site.
Cleanup Progress: Construction Completed
Early Actions: In the fall of 1991, EPA excavated approximately 1,068 tons of highly
contaminated soil adjacent to the treatment building and transported it to an off-site hazardous
waste disposal facility.
Long-term Actions: After conducting an investigation, EPA issued a Record of Decision (ROD)
in September 1992, which selected a final remedy for the site. The remedy included excavation of
contaminated surface and subsurface soils, demolition of the treatment building, decontamination
of the drip pad, off-site disposal of contaminated soil and debris, removal of asbestos from the
wood drying building, removal of underground storage tanks, and groundwater monitoring.
Construction of the remedy was completed by EPA in May 1993. A total of 6443 tons of
contaminated soil and debris were excavated and transported to off-site disposal facilities.
Groundwater monitoring, conducted by EPA and the Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality for the past three years, has not shown a need for any additional cleanup.
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Martin-Marietta Aluminum Company
Wasco County, The Dalles, Oregon
Site Background:
Congressional District: 02
Listing: 06/10/86
The 350-acre Martin-Marietta Aluminum Co. site is located in Wasco County, The Dalles, Oregon.
The site is within an 800-acre area used primarily for heavy industry, manufacturing and agricultural
purposes. Martin-Marietta acquired the facility in 1970 from Harvey Aluminum, Inc. and continued
aluminum processing operations until 1984, when the plant was shut down. In 1986, Martin-
Marietta leased the plant and an adjacent portion of the property to Northwest Aluminum Company,
which resumed aluminum operations in 1987. The site consisted of 28 areas of significant
contamination which resulted from treatment, storage, and disposal practices at the site. A 15-acre
landfill, now capped, contains approximately 200,000 cubic yards of waste and construction debris,
including asbestos, metallic wastes, and 5,000 tons of spent potliner materials (cathode waste)
containing cyanide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and arsenic. Leachate emanating
from the landfill prior to the installation of a leachate collection system contaminated the area
groundwater. Groundwater beneath the site was found to be contaminated with cyanide. In
addition, approximately 64,670 cubic yards of cathode waste material were deposited in the
unloading area and the cathode waste management areas, which cover 15 acres and contain
contaminated sludge and subsoil. Sediments and soil contain fluoride, asbestos, PAHs, and arsenic.
Fewer than 20 homes and businesses are located in the vicinity of the site. The nearest residence is
located approximately 1A mile from the site. Groundwater provides drinking water to 14,000 people
in The Dalles and Chenoweth. The wells in the immediate vicinity are also used for industrial
purposes. Because the site is located within the Columbia River flood plain, flooding could have
potentially affected groundwater flow patterns and contaminant distribution.
Cleanup Progress: Removed from NPL
In 1988, the EPA selected a two-stage cleanup. The first stage of the cleanup, completed in 1990
by the potentially responsible parties under an EPA Consent Decree, consisted of: excavating the
cathode waste material and placing it into the existing landfill; installing a soil cap over scrubber
sludge ponds 2 and 3; and groundwater monitoring. The second stage was completed in 1991 by
the PRPs, also under an EPA consent decree, and included: capping the landfill; collecting and
treating on-site landfill leachate and groundwater; plugging and abandoning nearby production
wells and connecting groundwater users to the City of The Dalles water supply system; establishing
a contingency plan to recover groundwater in the event further contamination is detected; and
implementing site deed restrictions or fencing following the cleanup. In early 1992, Martin
Marietta, the major site PRP, informed the EPA of a problem with the remedy. There was an
excessive amount of water in the leachate collection system around the landfill. The PRPs
conducted several studies and construction activities around the landfill in 1992 and 1993 which
determined that 1) the cap was operating as designed, and was not allowing surface water into the
landfill; and 2) the water in the leachate collection system was infiltrating in from the fractured
bedrock beneath the landfill. As a result in early 1995, Martin Marietta upgraded the leachate
treatment system to accommodate additional volume over the long term. The PRPs continue to
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McCormick and Baxter Creosoting Co. Congressional District: 03
Multnomah County, Portland, Oregon Listing: 05/31/94
State Lead (activities conducted under the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality)
Site Background:
The McCormick and Baxter site is a former wood treatment facility located on the Willamette River
in Portland, Oregon. The site encompasses approximately 43 acres on land and 15 acres in the
river. Wood treatment operations were conducted on the site between 1944 and 1991. Wood
treating products used at the site include creosote/diesel oil mixtures, pentachlorophenol
(PCP)/diesel oil mixtures, and a variety of water- and ammonia-based solutions containing arsenic,
chromium, copper, and zinc. Between 1945 and 1969, waste water and non-contact cooling water
were discharged directly into the Willamette River. Prior to 1971, boiler water, storm water, and
oily wastes were disposed of in the western portion of the site. The facility ceased wood treating
operations in 1991. Approximately 4,500 people live within one square mile of the site. The City of
Portland recently purchased 27 acres immediately north of the site for a greenway.
On-site soils are contaminated with heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and PCP to a
depth of 80 feet; shallow groundwater is contaminated with pure product in the form of light and
dense non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL); migration of site contaminants has contaminated
Willamette River sediments to a depth of 35 feet.
Cleanup Progress: Cleanup in Progress
The site is a state-lead cleanup and is being funded under a Cooperative Agreement between the
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and EPA.
Early Actions: ODEQ conducted early actions at the site in 1994. These actions included
excavation and off-site disposal of site structures, including retorts and buildings; disposal of wood-
treating process waste; treatment of stormwater collected from retort sumps; installation of NAPL
extraction wells; recovery of NAPL and treatment of NAPL-contaminated groundwater.
Long-term Actions: The final site remedy, selected in April 1996, includes enhancements to the
NAPL extraction/treatment system, on-site soil treatment and/or a soil cap over the entire site, and a
sediment cap. ODEQ is currently designing the final remedy and construction activities are
expected to begin in 1998.
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Northwest Pipe and Casing Co.
Clackamas County, Clackamas, Oregon
Site Background:
Congressional District: 05
Listing: 10/14/92
The Northwest Pipe and Casing Company is 53 acres in size and located in an industrial park in
Clackamas, Oregon. Pipe manufacturing and coating operations were conducted at the site from
1956 to 1985. Waste disposal activities included using trenches and pits to bury drums, wastes, coal
tars, ashes from open burning and spills. Groundwater, surface water and on-site sediments are
contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and
polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). On-site surface water flows into the Willamette River, which is
used for fishing. Wetlands and endangered species are found along this river. Private and municipal
wells within 4 miles of the site supply drinking water to an estimated 6,100 people; the nearest of
these wells is within a mile of the site. Approximately 5,200 people reside within a mile of the site.
Cleanup Progress: Threat Mitigated, Investigation Underway
Early Actions: In the fall of 1993, EPA took an early action, that included the demolition of on-site
buildings, and constructed a fence to prevent public contact with materials on the site.
Long-term Actions: In 1996 EPA initiated the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study
(RI/FS), to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the site. The EPA expects that the
RI/FS will be completed in 1998.
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Reynolds Metals • Congressional District: 03
Multnomah County, Troutdale, Oregon Listing: 12/16/94
Site Background:
The Reynolds Metals site is a primary aluminum reduction plant where alumina from bauxite ore is
converted to aluminum. The site includes the 80-acre plant area and approximately 700 acres
surrounding the plant currently owned by Reynolds Metals. The facility is located approximately 1
1/4 miles north of the city of Troutdale, Oregon, and is bordered by the Columbia River to the north
and the Sandy River to the east. The United States government built the plant in 1941 to support its
war-time operations. Reynolds first leased the plant from the government in 1946, and purchased it
three years later. Large quantities of wastes were generated by the plant during the production of
aluminum. Operations at the plant ceased in November 1991. The current operation is limited to
casting ingots from molten aluminum transported from the Reynolds reduction plant in Longview,
Washington. Currently, about 100 employees maintain and administer the facility, including
security. The City of Troutdale airport is south of the plant, and the area to the west is a mix of
undeveloped/farm land and commercial facilities.
EPA sampling has detected elevated levels of fluoride, cyanide, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), and metals in the soil, sediment, and groundwater at the facility.
Cleanup Progress: Threat Mitigated, Investigation Underway
The Reynolds Metals cleanup is being addressed in two phases: early and long-term actions.
Early Actions: Under a September 1995 Consent Order with EPA Reynolds Metals completed six
early actions during 1995 and 1996. These actions addressed the following areas:
Cryolite ponds: 13,900 tons of cryolite, a production waste with high levels of fluoride,
were excavated and disposed off site.
East potliner area: 11,000 tons of spent potliner, a production waste with high fluoride,
cyanide, and PAHs, were excavated and disposed off site.
PCB spill area: 580 tons of PCB-contaminated dust, soil, and debris from inside and outside
the casthouse were removed and disposed off site.
Diesel spill area: 2,600 tons of contaminated soil were excavated and disposed off site.
Bakehouse sumps: 21 dewatering sumps contaminated with fluoride, cyanide, and PAHs
were cleaned, and surface water runoff was redirected to prevent further contamination.
Production wells: 7 out of 18 deep wells no longer in use were decommissioned.
Long-term Actions: Under the same Consent Order, Reynolds Metals is conducting the Remedial
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and debris areas, wastewater discharge areas, and surface water and sediments. Groundwater
I monitoring wells have been installed and quarterly sampling of the wells is underway. The RI/FS
should be completed by 1999.
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Teledyne Wah Chang Congressional District: 05
Linn County, Millersburg, Oregon Listing: 09/8/83
gite Background:
The Wah Chang plant (formerly Teledyne Wah Chang) is one of the world's largest producers of
zirconium and other rare earth metals and alloys. The site is located in Millersburg, Oregon and
includes two areas: a 110-acre plant; and a 115-acre area comprised of four ponds containing
sludges from the plant's wastewater treatment facility, and a 60-acre field where sludges containing
radium were used as a soil amendment. Production at the site began in 1957. Process wastes
disposed of on the site contained radionuclides, heavy metals, and chlorinated solvents. Solids
generated from the process wastewater treatment system have been stored in a number of surface
impoundments. Until 1980, sludges were taken to seven unlined storage ponds on site, including
the Lower River Solids Pond and Schmidt Lake, both located adjacent to the Willamette River.
Approximately 20,000 people live within 3 miles of the site. About 1,100 employees currently work
on site; as many as 2,000 people were previously employed at the plant. The Willamette River,
Truax Creek, and Murder Creeks border the facility and are used for recreational activities,
irrigation, watering of livestock, and fishing. Municipalities downstream from the site do not use
the Willamette River as a drinking water source.
On-site sludge was contaminated with thorium, uranium, radium, and heavy metals. Creek
sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Shallow groundwater is
contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radium, and heavy metals.
Cleanup Progress: Threat Mitigated, Construction Underway
Early Actions: The Solids Area was addressed as an early action prior to the completion of the
remedial investigation. In 1990 EPA selected a remedy for cleanup of the sludges which included
removing approximately 110,000 cubic yards of sludges from the Lower River Solids Pond and
Schmidt Lake, solidifying the sludges, and removing the mixture to a permitted off-site disposal
facility. Cleanup activities were initiated by Teledyne under an EPA Administrative Order in 1991,
and were completed in 1993.
Long-term Actions: Groundwater/Sediments/Soils: Wah Chang, under an Administrative Order,
completed the remedial investigation in 1995. EPA selected a remedy for groundwater and
sediments in 1994. The selected remedy called for pumping and treating contaminated
groundwater, and excavation and disposal of PCB-contaminated sediments. The remedy for soils,
selected in 1995, included excavation of radium-contaminated soils, and institutional controls to
mitigate risk from radon. Wah Chang began to design the remedy for groundwater, sediment, and
soil in 1997 under an EPA Consent Decree.
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Umatilla Army Depot (Lagoons) Congressional District: 02
Umatilla County, Hermiston, Oregon Listing: 07/22/87
Site Background:
The Umatilla Army Depot site occupies about 20,000 acres in Hermiston, Oregon, and has operated
as a storage depot for conventional munitions and chemical warfare agents since 1941. Areas of the
site were contaminated with explosives and metals as a result of past demilitarization and disposal
operations. About 85 million gallons of wastewater from explosive washout operations were
discharged into two unlined lagoons from the 1950s to 1965. The lagoons cover about 1/2 acre. A
groundwater contaminant plume is estimated to cover 350 acres. Access to the site is restricted.
There are about 100 people living at the post, and approximately 900 people live within 3 miles of
the site. The nearest drinking water well is located about 6,500 feet from the disposal area.
Commercial agriculture is conducted within the vicinity of the depot, and crops are irrigated with
area groundwater.
On-site groundwater and soil are contaminated with explosives including trinitrotoluene (TNT) and
cyclonite. The soil also contains heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and barium.
Cleanup Progress: Cleanup in Progress (>
The site is being addressed through seven long-term cleanup actions addressing the cleanup of the
following Work Areas: Work Area 1-Deactivation Furnace; Work Area 2-Washout Lagoons Soils;
Work Area 3-Active and Inactive Landfills; Work Area 4-Washout Lagoons Groundwater; Work
Area 5-Explosives Washout Plant; Work Area 6-Ammunition Demolition Activity; and Work Area
7-Miscellaneous Areas.
A site-wide Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) to determine the nature and extent
of contamination at the site was completed by the Army in 1992. Remedies were selected for all
seven specified Work Areas by the summer of 1994. Information on each is provided below.
Work Area 1-Deactivation Furnace: The remedy was selected in December 1992, which included
on-site solidification/stabilization of 6,000 tons of lead-contaminated soil. Treatment residues were
placed in the on-site Active Landfill. Construction activities were completed by the Army in 1996.
Work Area 2-Washout Lagoons Soils: The remedy was selected in September 1992. It included on-
site bioremediation (composting) of 15,000 tons of explosives- contaminated soils. Treatment
residues will be backfilled on site. The Army completed construction activities in the fall of 1996.
Work Area 3-Active and Inactive Landfills: After completing investigations at both the active and
inactive landfills, it was determined that they pose no risks to public health or the environment. No
further action was selected in August 1993.
Work Area 4-Washout Lagoons Groundwater: The remedy was selected in July 1994. It included
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a groundwater pump and treat system that uses granular activated carbon (GAC) to reduce the level
of contamination in a 350-acre explosives-contaminated groundwater plume. The Army completed
construction of and began operating the 1500-gallon per minute system in early 1997. Explosives-
laden GAC is treated by off-site thermal regeneration. The system reinjects clean groundwater at
the site, and its operation is estimated to be necessary for 27 years.
Work Area 5-Explosives Washout Plant: The washout plant posed a hazard due to potentially
reactive quantities of explosives that remained in the process equipment, and residue of explosives
within the building. Under those existing conditions, the building was unstable. The remedy,
selected in July 1994, included steam cleaning, treating by flash flaming, and demolishing the
building. These activities were completed by the Army in 1996.
Work Area 6-Ammunition Demolition Activity Area: The remedy, selected in July 1994, included
excavation, solidification/ stabilization, and on-site landfill disposal of 30,000 tons of soil
contaminated with metals and explosives, off-site removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO), and
implementation of institutional controls to prevent public access to the area. In early 1997, surface
clearance of UXO was completed and treatment of soils is nearing completion. Additional work
will be conducted to map subsurface UXO. All work is being performed by the Army.
Work Area 7-MiscelIaneous Areas: The remedy, selected in July 1994, also addressed several
remaining areas where soils were contaminated with metals. The remedy included, excavation,
solidification/stabilization, and on-site landfill disposal of 400 tons of metals- contaminated soil.
These construction activities were completed by the Army in 1996.
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Union Pacific Railroad Company Tie Treating Plant Congressional District: 02
Wasco County, The Dalles, Oregon Listing: 08/30/90
State Lead (activities conducted under the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality)
Site Background:
The Union Pacific Railroad Co. Tie Treating Plant site covers 83 acres in a mixed commercial and
residential area approximately 500 feet south of the Columbia River in Wasco County, The Dalles,
Oregon. Union Pacific owned the wood treatment facility from 1926 until late 1987, when
equipment and structures were purchased by Kerr-McGee Chemical Corporation. However, Union
Pacific retained ownership of the land and responsibility for all pre-1987 contamination of soil and
groundwater. The plant primarily treated railroad ties for Union Pacific, but also treated wood for
other commercial users across the United States. From 1959 to 1987, J. H. Baxter Co. operated the
plant for Union Pacific. The facility treated wood with copper arsenate, creosote, a creosote/fuel
mixture, and pentachlorophenol. Spills of treatment solutions and wastewater ponds in use were the
main sources of contamination. Groundwater is used by over 11,000 people located within 3 miles
of the site. The City of The Dalles has increased its monitoring of municipal water supply wells.
The groundwater and soils contain creosote components, polychlorinated phenols, fuel oil,
ammonia, and arsenic. Contamination by arsenic and volatile organic compounds is greatest in the
shallow and intermediate aquifers beneath the site. Deep groundwater aquifers contain
phenanthrene and naphthalene.
Cleanup Progress: Remedy Selected
Early Actions: A small area contaminated with creosote was found on the shoreline of the
Columbia River in early 1991. As a temporary control measure, and under a State Consent Order,
Union Pacific covered the contaminated soil with a heavy synthetic liner.
Long-term Actions: Union Pacific, under a Consent Order with the State of Oregon, has completed
an investigation to determine the nature and extent of contamination at the site. The State selected
a site remedy in 1996. The final remedy consists of product removal, groundwater extraction and
treatment, soil vapor extraction and treatment, and surface drainage controls. The remedy is
currently being designed by Union Pacific. Construction is expected to start in 1997.
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United Chrome
Benton County, Corvallis, Oregon
Site Background:
Congressional District: 05
Listing: 09/21/84
The 2 1/2-acre United Chrome Products, Inc. site is a former chrome plating facility located in an
industrial complex adjacent to the Corvallis Municipal Airport, 3 1/2 miles south of the City of
Corvallis, Oregon. The company conducted electroplating operations from 1956 to 1985. Plating
wastes were discharged into a dry well. The indoor plating tanks leaked plating solution directly to
subsurface soils. Groundwater, surface water, sediments and on-site soils were contaminated with
chromium. Approximately 42,000 people live within 3 miles of the site. The closest residence is
approximately 900 feet northeast of the site. Corvallis obtains some of its water from the
Willamette River, which formerly received drainage from ditches and surface water from the site.
Cleanup Progress: Construction Completed
Early Actions: In 1985, EPA removed 8,000 gallons of chrome-contaminated liquids and 11,000
pounds of hazardous waste off site for disposal.
Long-term Actions: After conducting an investigation to determine the nature and extent of
contamination at the site, EPA selected a final remedy in September 1986. The remedy was
implemented in 1988, which included the installation of a groundwater extraction and treatment
system and demolition of buildings. Chromium contamination in groundwater has decreased
significantly. In December 1991 EPA issued an Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) to the
1986 Record of Decision. The ESD modified the groundwater cleanup levels and included the off-
site treatment of extracted groundwater by the publicly owned treatment works (POTW). EPA
expects the target cleanup levels to be achieved in 1998.
The City of Corvallis, the owner of the site, signed a Consent Decree in 1992 for partial
reimbursement of EPA's past response costs and for operation of the groundwater extraction
system.
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NAS-Whidbey
Auit Field
;ft^:M^: ::£ Si:! !
Port Hadlock
Detachment (USN)
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Amencan Lake Sarcfens
HE. Levws LogisSb Geraer
FtLewiaLandfillSS
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