United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office o'
Public Affairs (A-',07)
Washington DC 20460
JANUARY — FEBRUARY 1984
Environmental News
Superfund Status Report
The Comprehensive Environmental Response. Compensation and Liaoility Act ot 1380 iCERCL-1! prcvcea "re
authority and a trust funo (the "Superfund") so that EPA and State governments can respono ;o nazarcouS
substances emergencies and uncontrolled hazardous sites wnere longer-term cerrranent ren-ec'es are rea>j
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CUMULATIVE CLEANUP TOTALS as of January 31, 1984: Removals—emergency
type actions—have been approved for 244 sites (196 are
completed) . Longer-term remedial work has been initiated
at 157 of the sites on the current National Priorities
List and proposed update, with six completed. Completed
sites are: Chemical Metals Industry (Baltimore, Md. ) ,
Walcott Chemical Co. Warehouse (near Greenville £ ,Mi,ss.),
Luminous Processes (near Athens, Ga.), Butler Tunnel
(near Pittson, Pa.), Chemical Minerals (Cleveland,
Ohio), and Gratiot County Golf Cours.e (St. Louis, Mich.).
See under heading for each EPA Region the number of
remedial projects that have reached the 'construct:ion
phase.
CLEANUP WORK THIS WEEK was being carried out at 195 hazardous
waste sites across the nation (49 removal actions and
157 long-term remedial actions; both kinds of actions
are going on at some of the sites).
SUPERFUND ENFORCEMENT APPROACHES: Superfund sites are grouped in
one of three enforcement categories:
o First, those to be financed completely by the
Trust Fund because insufficient responsible-
party participation is anticipated
o Second, those to be financed by private parties
responsible for placement of the hazardous
wastes at the sites
o Third, those where financing will be negotiated
with private parties (whether before or after
cleanup is begun).
In all cases where Superfund money is spent, EPA takes
whatever action is necessary to recover costs from
responsible parties found to be financially capable.
CUMULATIVE ENFORCEMENT ACTION TOTALS: Since December 1981, federal
and state authorities have reached settlements for
$277.3 million worth of cleanup at Superfund sites.
In addition, cost recoveries, totalling some $17 million
to date, are being placed in the fund via suits by fed-
eral ($3.6 million) and state ($13.6 million) authorities.
EPA has also issued (since December 1981) Admin-
istrative Orders for cleanups at 92 uncontrolled or ab-
andoned sites—39 of these under the Resource Conservation
and Recovery Act and 53 under Superfund. Since 1977, EPA
has referred 113 cleanup cases to the Department of
Justice, and 85 of these have been filed in the courts.
CERCLA enforcement activities carried out by EPA
and states are summarized on the attached list.
TRUST MONIES: As of December 31, 1983, total receipts were about $885
million; $884.5 million from the Trust Fund is now
appropriated by Congress for EPA's use in the Superfund
program. As of December 31, EPA had obligated a total of
$492 million for program work.
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OFFICE OF WASTE PROGRAMS ENFORCEMENT
SUMMARY OF ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS
FISCAL YEAR
§3013 (RCRA)
§7003 (RCRA)
§106 (CERCLA)
'81
1
'82
6
3
4
'83
15
3
26
'84
8
2
23
FY '84 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS
§3013
McGraw-Edison/Olean Wellfield
Monsanto (Region III)
Monsanto (Region I)
M & T Delisa (Equitable Life
Assurance)
Saunders Leasing (Tulane Road)
Saunders Leasing System, Inc
(Jeffery Crawford)
Johnson & Towers, Inc.
Envirosafe Services of Idaho
Consent
Consent
Unilateral
Consent
Unilateral
Unilateral
Consent
Consent
§ 106
§7003
GE Moreau
Dallas Lead, RSR
Lynden Transportation
Marshall Landfill
St. Regis Paper
John Sludge Pond
Charles George/
Dorothy George Landfill
GE Wiring
Wade Sandvik
Big John's Salvage
Gulf Battery Exchange
United Creosote
Union Pacific Baxter, WY
Fike
Lackawanna Refuse
Ambler Asbestos
Tybouts
Lowry
Russell Bliss
Henry and Santina Marnati
Stobar, inc.
Catherine Emery
Earl Butler
Canob
Canob
Park
Park
(Mobile)
(Exxon)
Consent/Remedial
Consent/Remedial
Unilateral/Removal
Unilateral/Remedial
Consent/Remedial
Consent/Remedial
Ac cess/Removal
Consent/Remedial
Consent/Remedial
A.0./Removal
Unilateral/Removal
Removal
Consent/Remedial
Consent/Remedial
Consent
Unilateral/Removal
Consent/Access
Consent
Unilateral/Removal
Unilateral/Removal
Unilateral/Removal
Unilateral/Removal
Unilateral/Removal
Consent/Remedial
Consent/Remedial
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FISCAL YEAR
Settlements 8] 82
Number Settlements 10 23
$ Value of Settlements $3] .3 $49.4
(Dollars in Millions)
$ Value of Cost Recovery — 2.3
( Federal)
$ Value of Cost Recovery
(State)
(Dollars in Millions)
NPL Sites
Cleanup Settlements 8] 82 83 84
Total Cleanup 2 9 13 3
Surface Cleanup 11 2 -
Partial Cleanup 12 11
Studies 2 43
Immediate Removals
(Spills) - 14
SETTLEMENTS
(w/states &
Partial) 4 2 -
Cost Recovery - - 1
TOTALS 4 ]8 23 ]2
83 84 Total
31 12 76
$91.1 $100.5
.7 .600
13.6 .031
Non-NPL Sites Total
81 82 83 84
64 3-40
1-5
5
<\
1 3-]3
5
1 - - 7
1
75 7 0 76
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FY '84 FILINGS
Berncolors, NY
Baird McGuire
Goose Farm, NJ
York Oil
FY '84 SETTLEMENTS
GE Moreau
G.E. Wiring Device
S-Area
Homestake
Wade-Sandvik
John's Sludge Pond
United Cresote -
Petro Processors
Metal Bank
Lowry
Big John's
Dallas Lead
FISCAL YEAR
CASE REFERRALS H 78. 7_9 8JD 8J_ {^2 ilii TOTAL
Referrals 1 2 8 42 6 23 27 7 116
Filings ] ] 4 31 18 4 25 4 87
Settled - ] 2 12 12 12 39
Dismissed ___ _ i i 2- 4
Withdrawn ---!-- 11 3
Appeal _€---_i_ i
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EPA REGIONAL
SUPERFUND
ACTIVITIES: (Please see accompanying regional EPA news releases.)
Region 1 MAINE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, VERMONT, MASSACHUSETTS,
RHODE ISLAND, CONNECTICUT
(Call EPA at 617-223-5752 for more information)
As of December 31, Region 1 had three ongoing
Superfund remedial projects in the construction phase.
News Releases; o EPA and State of Maine settle suit
against Maine Metal Finishing Inc.
o EPA to complete decontaminating tanks
at Cannons Engineering NPL site in
Plymouth, Mass.
o Public meeting announced on work progress
at Silresim Chemical Waste site
o Public meeting announced for Hocomoco
Pond remedial action master plan (RAMP)
o Public meetings announced for Western
Sand & Gravel site, Burrillville, R.I.
o EPA allocates additional funds for
Cannons Engineering tank decontamination
o New Bedford firms sued for cleanup costs
o Lagoon emptied by EPA and N.H. at Keefe
Environmental Services site
o EPA and Rhode Island enter into agreements
with Exxon and Mobil Oil to supply water
to Canob Park area residents
Public Meetings Held; o Jan.l8/0n Silresim (Mass-) progress
o Feb.2 and 9/On remedial invest-
igation and feasibility study for
Western Sand & Gravel site (R.I.)
o Feb.l5/0n Hocomoco (Mass.) RAMP
Region 2 NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PUERTO RICO, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
(Call EPA, at 212-264-2515, for more information)
As of December 31, Region 2 had four ongoing
Superfund remedial projects in the construction phase.
News Releases; No reports available
Region 3 PENNSYLVANIA, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, DISTRICT
OF COLUMBIA, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA
(Call EPA at 215-597-9370 for more information)
As of December 31, Region 3 had two ongoing
Superfund remedial projects in the construction phase
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EPA's first multi-site Superfund Cooperative Agree-
ment was made Feb.21 with Pennsylvania and covers 12 sites.
The grant will be $4.7 million in total, with 5672,254
as the first allocation.
In February, a consent agreement was signed by EPA
and Paul Rhinehart, owner of the Winchester, Va., property
where nine million tires have been burning since Oct.31.
Mr. Rhinehart assumed responsibility for controlling the
runoff from the melting tires with earthen constructions.
News Releases; o EPA and Pennsylvania announce more
funding for Dracup Warehouse site
o EPA orders Nicolet Industries to sta-
bilize asbestos-containing waste pile
near playground in Montgomery County, Pa.
o Londonderry (Pa.) permanent water supply
completed under Superfund
o EPA and Pennsylvania report on remedial
investigation at Lackawanna Refuse site
o EPA and Delaware report on remedial in-
vestigation at Harvy-Knott Drum site
o EPA and Pennsylvania report on remedial
investigation at Drake Chemical site
o EPA and Pennsylvania sign multi-site
agreement
o EPA announces PCB test results on wastes
stored at Old Ordnance Works in West Va.
Region 4 ALABAMA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI, NORTH CAROLINA,
SOUTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, KENTUCKY
(Call EPA at 404-881-3004 for more information)
As of December 31, Region 4 had no ongoing
Superfund remedial projects in the construction phase.
Immediate removals began in January at the following
sites: Gulf Battery Exchange, Gautier, Miss.; Dockery site,
Cordova, N.C.; Rockbridge Road site, near Stone Mountain,
Ga. In February, immediate removals were begun at: the
Tri-City Oil site, Hillsborough County, Fla.; Swains-
boro Printworks site, Swainsboro, Ga.
News Releases; o EPA and Georgia announce start of
cleanup in DeKalb County
o EPA and Mississippi announce start of
cleanup at Gulf Battery Exchange
o EPA undertakes emergency cleanup at
former printing plant in Georgia
o EPA undertakes emergency cleanup in
Florida
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Public Meetings Held; o Feb.S/Press briefing on Swains-
boro cleanup
Region 5 MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, MICHIGAN, ILLINOIS,
INDIANA, OHIO
(Call EPA at 312-353-2072 for more information)
As of January 31, Region 5 had one ongoing
Superfund remedial project in the construction phase.
On February 29, a Record of Decision on the remedy
selected for the Berlin & Farro site was signed by EPA's
Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency
Response.
News Releases; o Research scientists receive EPA Gold
Medal
o EPA scientist group receive Silver Medal
o Dr. Klee receives EPA Bronze Medal for
"MOOSE" program
o EPA issues administrative order for
cleanup by Battle Creek, Mich., firm
Public Meetings Held; o Jan.l2/On Morris Arsenic site,
with University of Minnesota
Region 6 TEXAS, LOUISIANA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO, OKLAHOMA
(Call EPA at 214-767-2630 for more information)
As of January 31, Region 6 had no ongoing Superfund
remedial projects in the construction phase.
In February EPA began a $425,000 study of chemical
contamination at the Mid-South Wood Products NPL site
in Mena, Ark.
News Releases; o EPA completes $900,000 cleanup at
Barker Chemical Co. site, in Texas
o Tar Creek site announcement
o MOTCO, Inc., site,La Marque, Texas
o EPA completes surface cleanup at Geneva
Industries site, Texas
o EPA starts study at NPL site in Arkansas
Public Meetings Held; o Feb.9/On Tar Creek (Okla.) site
o Feb.28/0n United Creosoting
Co. (Texas) site
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Region 7 IOWA, KANSAS, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA
(Call EPA at 816-374-5894 for more information)
As of January 31, Region 7 had no ongoing Superfund
remedial projects in the construction phase.
In January, dioxin contamination was confirmed
at three additional sites in Missouri, bringing the
total in the state to 36.
EPA provided copies in January of the Record of
Decision and a responsiveness summary on the Times Beach
interim storage facility to the Missouri Department of
Natural Resources for distribution to courthouses, city
halls, and various libraries in the eastern Missouri
sites area where the public could review the documents.
Copies of the documents were also mailed to all those
who had submitted comments on the proposed Times Beach
Storage facility.
News Releases:
o Dioxin contamination confirmed at
three new sites
o Aidex feasibility study available for
public comment
o Statement on ruling for Denney Farm site
Public Meetings Held;
o Jan.6/EPA and the Centers for
Disease Control met with three
families, local county judges,
and representatives of the
Missouri Highway Department
concerning an expanded area of
the Rosati site.
o Jan.20/Representatives of the
Missouri Department of Natural
Resources met with the Castle-
wood dioxin task force to dis-
cuss Sontag Road site problems.
Region 8 COLORADO, NORTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, WYOMING, UTAH,
MONTANA
(Call EPA at 303-837-5927 for more information)
As of January 31, Region 8 had no ongoing Superfund
remedial projects in the construction phase.
News Releases: Ho report available
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Region 9 ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, GUAM, HAWAII
(Call EPA at 415-974-8088 for more information)
As of January 31, Region 9 had one ongoing Superfund
remedial project in the construction phase.
News Releases: o EPA approves Superfund study by
California for Purity Oil Sales
site in Fresno County
o EPA announces meeting on Montrose
Chemical Corporation's cleanup
plan to remedy DDT contamination
Public Meeting Held; o Jan.30/0n Montrose Chemical's
cleanup plan, in Torrance, Calif.
Region 10
ALASKA, IDAHO, OREGON, WASHINGTON
(Call EPA at 206-442-1465 for more information)
As of January 31, Region 10 had one Superfund remedial
project in the construction phase.
News Releases:
o Federal and State officials begin
negotiations in Seattle with parties
potetially responsible for Western
Processing site cleanup
o EPA orders operator of Williams & Son
Transformer Salvage Company to immedi-
ate action and plans for cleanup
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PR Maine Metal Finishing Inc. in Gorham 2/6
BOSTON—Attorneys for the federal government and the State of Maine,
and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency have settled a suit
against Maine Metal Finishing, Inc. of Gorham, Maine. The company
has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $35,000.
The company was sued for discharging wastewater to the Stroudwater
River without a federal permit. Under the terms of the Clean Water
Act, an industry or municipality which discharges to a waterway
must have a permit that sets strict limits on the type and amount
of pollutants discharged.
Michael R. Deland, EPA Regional Administrator, said that Richard S.
Cohen, U. S. Attorney for Maine, filed the suit at the request of
EPA. The Attorney General for the State of Maine, James E. Tierney,
subsequently filed a motion with the court to intervene in the action
on the side of the federal government.
The company operates a facility in Gorham for the electroplating of
metal parts, but intends to relocate in the City of Westbrook and
tie its discharge into the municipal treatment plant. The discharge
from the Gorham facility consisted of approximately 40,000 gallons
per day of process wastewater.
The settlement of the suit takes the form of a consent decree which
has been lodged with the court and is subject to a federally required
public notice and comment period.
According to Deland, the suit against Maine Metal Finishing came as
part of an enforcement campaign against companies discharging waste-
water without permits. EPA intends to seek substantial penalties
and other relief in all such cases, Deland added.
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30* esttac^ 9fi:H 69/38
United Stales Office af
Environmental Protection Public Affairs
Agency John F Kennedy Federal Building
Region I Boston, Massachusetts 02203
&EPA Environmental
News
Release
January 9, 1983 For more information call 223-7223 or 223-5752 David Pickman
BOSTON — The emptying and decontamination of a 250,000 gallon waste
oil tank at the Cannons Engineering sice in Plymouth will tie com-
pleted about January 27, it was announced today by the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
Paul G. Keough, Deputy Regional Administrator of EPA, said the Agency
had expected to complete the task this week, but had encountered
problems with pumping out the last of three tanks at the Cordage Park
site. Cannons Engineering operated an oil recycling company at the
site from 1971 -to 1976 and later declared bankruptcy.
"We have pumped out moat of the liquids from the tank, but the sludge
at the bottom was too thick to pump. We added the solvent toluene,
which thins the sludge and also makes it possible to dispose of it
by incineration, which is more environmentally acceptable than land
disposal," Mr. Keough said.
"The incinerator to which the sludge is being trucked is accepting
5,000 gallons a day oE the Plymouth waste. About 33,000 gallons
remain," he said.
The Agency has spent ?245,000 o£ a $330,000 Superfund authorization
for preliminary cleanup at the site.
"However, due to the higher cost of incineration and the subfreezing
weather that has delayed the work, additional funds may be needed to
complete the job," Mr. Keough concluded.
The site is one of 15 from Massachusetts on the national priority
list of hazardous waste sites eligible for Superfund assistance.
A study of contamination will be undertaken to determine what long-
term cleanup will be necessary,
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60/39
United States • Office of
Environmental Protection Public Affairs
Agency John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Region 1 Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Environmental
News
Release
January £, 1984 For more information call 223-7223 Or 223-5752 David Piekman
../. • - •'
/ I
- ' NOTICE
A public meeting of the Siiresim Task Force will be held at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 18 to review recent developments at the Siiresim
Chemical Waste site and the schedule for capping the area.
The meeting will be held at the home of Robert and Janet Brand, 334 '
Lincoln Street, Lowell. Richard Leigh ton, project officer assigned
to Siiresim by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will report
on the progress on work at the Superfund site, and outline plans for
future work.
Dr. John Cutler of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will
answer questions about the Commonwealth's recent health study if it
is available.
A full report on the meeting will be mailed to residents in the affected
area. Space is llmited to about forty persons for comfortable seating.
Chairing the meeting will be Allan Danley.
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UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION I
J. F KENNEDY FEDERAL BUILDING. BOSTON. MASSACHUSETTS 02203
PUDLIC MEETING ANNOUNCED
Plans for the Superfund cleanup sturjy at the Hocomonco
Pond site in Westborough, MA, will be presented at a public
meeting February 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Westborough Town Hall,
it was announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A representative of EPA will explain the Remedial Action
Master Plan and the work plan for a remedial investigation to delineate
pond, groundwater, and soil contamination and a feasibility
study leading to selection and design of long term remedial
action.
Copies of the RAMP are available for public inspection and
at cost copying at the Westborough Town Hall and Public Library.
The liocoraonco Pond site is included on EPA's National Priority
List of hazardous waste sites'eligible for Supyrfund money. The
<£ Too?1?8 ™Site of a wood treatin9 operation that was open
from 1928 to 1946. Creosote and related wastes were discharged
to an unlined lagoon near the shore of the pond and may have
migrated to the pond itself and a lowland east of the laqoon.
During periods of warm weather and high water an oily liquid
enters a sewer pipe through open joints and discharges to the
pond. Attempts to seal the joints have been unsuccessful.
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69/38
United States Office of
Environmental Protection Public Affairs
Agency John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Region I Boston, Massachusetts 02203
&EPA Environmental
News
Release
4923
January 23, 1984 For more information call 223*3883 or 2234Z&4 Christine Spadafor
EPA TO HOLD MEETINGS ON WESTERN SAND AND GRAVEL SITE
Boston -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold
successive meetings February 2 and 9 to present plans for
cleanup at the Western Sand and Gravel hazardous waste site in
Burrillville, Rhode Island, and to hear citizens' comments.
At the first meeting EPA will present the results of a
remedial- investigation at the site and a feasibility study of
cleanup alternatives. At the second meeting the Agency will
seek the town's comments on the alternatives. Both meetings
will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Burrillville Town Hall.
The former sand and gravel quarry accepted various liquid
wastes, including chemicals and septage, between 1975 and 1979.
The wastes infiltrated through the soil and have contaminated
9K°Uv 2^™; Previ°usly, EPA spent about $475,000 to remove
about 60,000 gallons of chemicals from open lagoons. The state
spent about $300,000 for installation of a temporary groundwater
recirculation system. EPA has identified parties potentially
responsible for waste associated with the site and is seeking
thexr cooperation in the cleanup.
Copies of the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility
Study, which outlines cleanup alternatives, will be available
S£nPt£nC inHP!£fciSu 2fc rh? Burrillville and North Smithfield
Town Halls and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental
Management, 75 Davis Street, 204 Cannon Building, Providence,
starting the week of January 30. The Rhode Island DEM conducted
feasibilit* stud* ""der a cooperative
EPA will accept written comments on cleanup alternatives
from February 2 to 23. Comments should be sent to
Christine Spadafor
Waste Management Division, Room 1903
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
Boston, MA 02203
-IS"-
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90 JO 90# 09frfr0Si! 8S:M 613/30
United States Office of
Environmental Protection Public Affairs
Agency John Fi KennedV Federal Building
I Boston. Massachusetts 02203
&EPA Environmental
News
Release
January 19, 1984 For more information call ____ ZZ3-5246 ______ Chris Jendras
BOSTON --- The tl . S. Environmental Protection Aqency has allocated
an additional $85,000 from Superfund to finish a sludge pumping
operation at a hazardous waste site in Plymouth, Massachusetts .
Work began on January 18 to pump out the remaining 18,600 gallons
of sludge from a tank in Cordage Park.
"Although work at the situ was temporarily halted pending approval
of the additional funds, the Agency hopes to have the work completed
by January 30. By that time the oil tank should be empty and
decontaminated," said Michael R. Deland, EPA Regional Administrator.
Aproximately 25-ftyOOfl gallons of oily wastes a-n* solvents, and
5500 gfllletra- o£ sludge have already been pumped at a cost of
$280,000. The wastes have been trucked to a licensed hazardous
waste disposal facility where the sludge has been incinerated.
"The additional funds were needed due to higher than anticipated
costs for the sludge incineration along with problems caused by the
subfreezing weather," Mr. Deland said.
Cannons Engineering operated an oil recycling company at the site
from 1971 to 1976 and later declared bankruptcy. The site is one
of 15 from Massachusetts on the national priority list of hazardous
waste sites eligible for Superfund assistance. A study of contam-
ination will be undertaken at the site to determine what long-term
cleanup will be necessary.
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O'ted Slates 0*-ce of
Environmental Protection Public Affairs
Agency J°nn F Kennedy Federal Building
Region I Boston. Massachusetts 02203
EPA Environmental
News
Release
February 27, 1984 For more information call 617/223-1951 Gerard Sotolongo
NEW BEDFORD COMPANIES SUED FOR PCS CLEANUP COSTS
BOSTON An amended lawsuit filed today seeks to recover several
million dollars in past and future expenses incurred by the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency, the Coast Guard and other agencies
to cleanup PCB contamination in New Bedford Harbor.
The suit was filed by the United States against six corporations under
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, commonly known as Superfund. The defendants are AVX, Inc.,
Belleville Industries, Inc., Aerovox, Inc., the Federal Pacific
Electric Company, Cornell-Dubilier Electronics Corporation, and FTE
Corporation, which have operated one or the other of two capacitor
manufacturing plants at various times on the Acushnet River in
New Bedford.
The complaint alleges that the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were
discharged into the harbor from the plants from the 1940s to the
1970s, directly and also by way of the municipal sewer. EPA and
other federal agencies have already spent or committed more than
§3.5 million in order to develop appropriate remedies.
This new action amends a pending suit filed by the United States in
December 1983 against the same corporations in behalf of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to recover damages for injury
to natural resources caused by the release of PCBs. The suit also
seeks an order requiring the defendants to remedy the PCB contamination.
EPA is conducting a remedial investigation and feasibility study which
will lead to recommendations for long-term remedial action under Super-
fund. A fast-track feasibility study for dealing with the PCB hot spot:
in the Acushnet River above the Coggleshall Bridge has been completed,
and alternative remedial actions are being reviewed as to engineering,
scientific and financial feasibility.
(more)
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PCB contamination extends over about 18,000 acres of productive fish-
ing and lobstering waters. There is a ban on fishing and lobstering
in the contaminated area. Concentrations of PCBs in the harbor and
estuary range up to 190,000 parts per million, or 19 percent.
Ccfrnell-Dubilier and Aerovox agreed in 1982 to consent orders by EPA
to clean up their respective properties as far as the water line.
Cornell-Dubilier has completed its clean up and is now working to
clean the sewer lines under a unilateral administrative order issued
by EPA. Aerovox is still working on the clean up at its site.
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PR Keefe Environmental Services, NH 2/16
BOSTON—Governor John H. Sununu and Michael Deland, Regional
Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region I,
announced today completion of the Lagoon Decommission Project at the
Keefe Environmental Services (KES) hazardous waste site in Epping,
New Hampshire.
The work was undertaken as part of a contract awarded to D'Appolonia
Waste Management Services, Inc. of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Approximately 600,000 gallons of contaminated liquids held in the lagoon
were removed and transported to the Dupont Hazardous Waste Treatment
Facility in Deepwater, New Jersey. Sludges at the bottom pf the lagoon
were solidified and transported to SCA Services in Model City, New York
for disposal in a secure landfill. The lagoon has been dismantled to
allow for proper drainage of the area to avoid accumulation of rainwater
and spring runoff.
The total cost of the lagoon removal project is now estimated at
$575,000, up from the earlier estimate of $350,000. This will bring
the lagoon and barrel waste removal cleanup costs to approximately
$2,500,000.
The KES site is on the National Priority List for hazardous waste sites
and is, therefore, eligible for funding through Superfund. A 90% grant
was awarded to the State of New Hampshire by U.S. EPA to cleanup this
site. Michael Deland, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator, said, "This is
an important milestone in cleaning up the hazardous waste site at Epping
a good demonstration of State-Federal cooperation. This has been a New
Hampshire project carried out with Federal funds in accordance with
Superfund regulations. I look forward to further progress in the re-
medial investigation which will lead to the selection, design and con-
struction of a long-term solution."
Governor Sununu said, "This State site cleanup administered by the Water
Supply and Pollution Control Commission, with hazardous waste removal
assistance from the Office of Waste Management, is a good example of how
Superfund cleanup should proceed at all sites in the State.
(MORE)
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A remedial investigation (RI) is ongoing at the site to determine
potential risks to the environment and extent of groundwater con-
tamination. This study is scheduled for completion in the summer
of 1984.
Questions regarding the completion of Lagoon Decommissioning should
be directed to Kathleen E. Barlow at 271-3301.
BOSTON—Residents of the Canob Park area of Richmond, Rhode Island,
are assured of a permanent water supply under agreements reached by
state and federal agencies and two major oil companies.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state of
Rhode Island entered into agreements with Exxon Company and Mobil
Oil Corporation, owners of two gasoline filling stations on Route
138 in Richmond.
The agreements provide for a permanent water supply by September 1,
1985. Residents with contaminated wells will be supplied with bottled
water until September 1, 1984, when bulk tanks will be installed.
The cost of constructing the permanent water supply and the bulk
tank for the area residents will be shared equally by the two firms
and the state up to a maximum of $1.1 million under a memorandum
of agreement. Each firm is liable for a maximum of $366,666 of
the cost with any excess to be paid by the State.
"The consent orders agreed to with EPA also require the companies
to test private wells in the Canob Park area periodically for ben-
zene, toluene and xylene," said Paul G. Keough, EPA Deputy Regional
Administrator in announcing the agreements.
"The test results must be submitted promptly to EPA for review, and
if they show that additional wells have been contaminated, water
must be supplied to the affected households," Keough added.
Both companies have voluntarily supplied bottled water to affected
residents since June 20, 1983. Both companies earlier removed con-
taminated soil from the vicinity of gasoline storage tanks. Exxon
conducted a study to learn whether downgradient surface water was
at risk of contamination and determined that it was not. EPA con-
curred in Exxon's findings.
(MORE)
-------
The actions required under the consent orders for Exxon and Mobil
are identical except that Mobil is required to install a temporary _
groundwater interceptor while the construction of the water system
is in progress.
Sampling and analysis of private well water by Rhode Island Department
of Environmental Management and others from 1979 through 1982 revealed
the presence of toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene and xylene in several
wells, and affected residents were advised not to drink it. Neither
Exxon nor Mobil admit to causing the contamination, although hydro-
geological studies revealed that plumes of these chemicals typically
found in gasoline were moving toward the affected wells from the di-
rection of Exxon and Mobil tanks. EPA also observed that soil beneath
the tanks was contaminated by the same chemicals.
-------
63:60 60/30
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4>EPA Environmental News
Concact: Janet Luffy
(215) 597-9825
84-1, January 6, 198*
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EPA REMOVES PCB CONTAMINATED SOIL FROM YOUNGSVILLE
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources have announced that an additional $50,000 has
been allocated from Superfund for the final removal of contaminated soil from Che
former Dracup warehouse site in Youngsville, PA. Pennsylvania will pay ten percent
of the coat of this action.
The funding will be used to excavate approximately 400 cubic yards of soil
contaminated with low levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). The work, which
will be performed by CECOS International, the EPA contractor on the site, is expected
to take approximately one week to complete. The soil will be transported to an
approved hazardous waste landfill out-of-state.
EPA and DER have expended over one million dollars during the past four years
for the removal of PCB contaminated soil, oil in drums and the demolition and removal
of the warehouse where they had been stored, EPA first discovered that PCBs were
stored at the warehouse during an investigation of a waste hauler who had disposed
of PCB contaminated oil along North Carolina roadsides.
f // *
-------
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&EPA Environmental News
Contact: Janet Luffy
(215) 597-9825
84-5, January 17, 1984
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LONDONDERRY PERMANENT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM COMPLETED UNDER SUPERFUND
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Federal and state environmental officials were present today
as a new water supply was turned-on ending a contamination problem which has affected
residents along Route 441 in Londonderry Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The
system was made available utilizing 5250,000 in Superfund money.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Thomas P. Eichler
and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources Secretary Nicholas DeBenedictis
officiated along with state and local representatives as the new system began supplying
drinking water to 12 homes whose water had been contaminated by chemicals.
"This project is the first using the new EPA and Department of Defense agreecent
which addresses problems at current and former DOD hazardous waste sices," said Eichler.
"We are pleased with the cooperation and support wa have received from DER and local
officials In our efforts to make life more livable for these families."
"DER's vigorous investigation after being contacted by the State Department of
Transportation last February at Harrlsburg International Airport led to the discovery
of chis contamination," said DeBenedictis. "With the aid of Senator John Shumaker (R-
Dauphln) and other area legislators and EPA, we have been able to provide safe water
for these homes very swiftly."
- more -
-------
60/30
Water sample testing done by the atate had verified the presence of
trichloroethylene and vinyl chloride in the wells of 12 Londonderry homes. Studies
also showed that the source of the contamination was a disposal site which was part
of che former Ohmstead Air Force Base. To expedite actions, the Air Force signed an
agreement with the EPA to use Superfund money to supply water to the homes. The Air
Force also agreed to implement a complete search of their records in an attempt to
determine the types, quantities, and disposal history of wastes generated at the
portion of the former Air Force base known as Sunset Golf Course,
EPA began the project on October 21, 1983. While the water supply was being
installed, EPA arranged for portable tanks to provide a temporary drinking water
supply for the affected residences. The Middlacown Water Authority and the Borough
of Royalton expeditiously approved an agreement with Londonderry Township to allow
che 4600 foot water main to be installed and operated.
* * #
-------
r£:6Hi 60.-30
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vvEPA Environmental News
Contdcc: Janet Luffy
(215) 597-9825
84-7, January 18, 1984
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LACKAWANNA REFUSE SITE PROGRESS AND PLANS - JANUARY 198& UPDATE
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ehe Pennsylvania
Department of Envi ronmencal Resources report che following progr^a and plans under
the Remedial Investigation phase of the Uckawanna Refuse Site.
Progress in December".
The drilling and tnstallaclon of monitoring veils continued. Information obtained
trom previously drilled wells was used to determine the number and location for
additional wells.
To assure the safety of the community, additional air inonitoring was performed -ic
the site and in the vicinity of che site during drilling activities. Mo air
contaminants have been detected which would present a threat to the workers on
site or the community.
The air around each borehole was monitored continuously during drilling activities.
Low levels of air vapors were detected directly over boreholes near the disposal
pit, but the vapors quickly dissipated within 20 feet of the boreholes.
Test results from previous sampling were studied as the data were received-
Additional meteorological (weather) and air monitoring studies wera conducted at
the request of EPA to help determine actual meteorological and atmospheric conditions
r
Additional studies of geophysics (characteristics of che ground) were conducc-sd.
These studies will be used with data obtained during ehe previous aagnaeowcer
- more -
-------
Plans for January?
0 The drilling and installation of monitoring wells will be completed. Air around
each borehole will be monitored continuously.
0 Monitoring wells will be developed and sampled after the wells are drilled and
tnatalled.
0 Data obtained during the meteorological study will continue to be studied.
0 Data which have been studied will be used to establish the objectives and criteria
for remedial actions. Potential alternatives for remedial action at Che site will
be identified.
° The need for additional site activities will be evaluated. Whether or not test
pits are needed will be determined.
# # *
-------
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Environmental News
Concact: Janec Luffy
(215) 597-9825
84-3, January 18. 1984
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARVEY-KiNQTT DRUM SITE PROGRESS AND PLANS - JANUARY 1984 "UPDATE
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and che Delaware
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control report the following progress
and plans under the Remedial Investigation phase of the Harvey-Knott Drum Sice.
Progress in December:
The preparation of all necessary field equipment haa been completed. The command
trailer has been set up and the telephone lines have been connected.
Sampling of selected residential wells and existing monitoring wells was completed.
bampUnj? of surface vater and sediment was also completed. Samples have been senc
to laboratories to be analysed.
The selected subcontractor completed the aerial photography and -oncinued with
ground survey activities. This will result in the preparation of topographic' maps
flandforms) for the site and the vicinity. ^ * r K
Plans for January;
Because of problems in obtaining a subcontractor, the disposal of drums which was
planned for December is now planned for January. When an approved subcontractor
is hired, surface drums will be removed from the site and will be disposed of at
an approved facility. *j.»^o5,ea «
- more -
-------
68/36
Permission for access to properties bordering the site La being sought.
A qualified company will be selected to drill monitoring wells on and off Che site
(pending receipt of access from affected property owners). These wells will
provide Information on geology and possible groundwater contamination.
Mapping of the topography (landforma) will be completed.
Survey grids will be established. This grid will be used to pinpoint exact
locations on the site for the sampling of surface soils and tha geophysical
investigations (conditions of the ground).
# * #
-------
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&EPA Environmental News
Contact: Janet Luffy
(215) 597-9825
84-9, January 20, 1984
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DRAKE CHEMICAL SITE PROGRESS AND PLANS - JANUARY 1984 UPDATE
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The IKS. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Resources report the following progress under the remedial
Investigation phase of the Drake Chemical site. Proposed plans for for January are
also noted:
Progress In December
* Preparation of the remedial investigation report was started. Information from
testing of samples Is b«ing organized and studied for this report.
9 All major field work has been completed. Ground water levels in monitoring wells
continue to be measured on a periodic basis.
Plans for January
0 Samples have been sent to laboratories to be tested. Test results will be analyzed
when the results are received.
" Preparation of the remedial investigation reports will continue. Information
gathered during the field investigation phase will be completed and evaluated for
the remedial investigation report. The investigation report for the leachate
stream will be prepared in advance of the entire remedial investigation study tc
expedite corrective measures for the contaminated stream. The report will be
available in April.
* An appraisal of the value of buildings, equipment, and real estate is to be
scheduled. This appraisal will be used to determine the resale or salvage
value for the property and equipment.
-------
Contact: Bruce Dallas (DER)
(717) 787-1323
or
George Bochanski (EPA)
(215) 597-9370
84-18, February 22, 1984
FORIMMEDIATERELEASE
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Pennsylvania has been allocated $4.7 million in federal
Superfund assistance to accelerate the cleanup of at least eight hazardous waste
sites in the Commonwealth under an unprecedented agreement finalized today by Governor
Dick Thornburgh and Thomas Eichler, Region III Administrator of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
The agreement marks the first time EPA has delegated its cleanup investigation
and planning responsibilities for more than one site under one agreement to a state
government .
"This agreement puts into action our commitment to share federal funds and
responsibilities with the states for cleanup of hazardous waste sites. The message
is simple: we want to be full partners with Pennsylvania, and this historic document
demonstrates our joint and cooperative effort to this end," Eichler said. "Pennsylvania's
commitment to addressing hazardous waste sites makes it an appropriate choice to
receive this authorization."
Thornburgh said the agreement and the initial $4.7 million in planning funds
could cut project preparation time by as much as half a year and give Pennsylvania a
substantial head start in claiming the additional federal funds needed for actual
cleanup.
"That's the key to this agreement," Thornburgh said. "It will help us move much
faster in removing these blights on our environment and in assuring that the legacy
of the past will not be paid by future generations of Pennsylvanians."
-3,1-
-------
Citing the Commonwealth's status as a major recipient of illegal clumping,
Thornburgh was among the early supporters of Congressional action to deal with the
problem.
After Congress approved the Superfund in December of 1980, Pennsylvania, through
its commitment of state funds, has qualified for about $30 million in federal funds
for cleanup activity. The state could qualify for another $45 million in federal
funds under the Governor's 1984-85 budget proposal.
Subsequently, EPA and DER have identified 39 sites in Pennsylvania among the 546
now on the National Priorities List qualifying for Superfund. The eight sites affected
by today's agreement are:
Berks Sand Pit, Longswamp Township (Berks County)
Brodhead Creek, Stroudsburg (Monroe County)
Dorney Road Landfill, Upper Macungie Township (Lehigh County)
East Mt. Zion Site, Springettsbury Township (York County)
Havertown PCP Site, Haverford (Montgomery County)
Henderson Road Site, Upper Merion Township (Montgomery County)
Voortman Farm, Upper Saucon Township (Lehigh County)
Walsh Road Site, Honeybrook Township (Chester County)
Additional sites may be added as agreed upon by EPA and DER. Besides the eight
sites included in today's agreement, federal-state cleanups are underway at three
sites, 10 are being cleaned up by private parties and 18 are in various stages of
investigation and planning.
Among the 10 sites being handled by private parties, the Osborne Landfill in
Mercer County is being cleaned up under an agreement between DER and Cooper Industries
that EPA considers a model for voluntary Superfund cleanups nationally.
-------
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Environmental News
Contact: Joe Donovan
(21 ) 597-9905
84-20, February 24, L9S4
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EPA ANNOUNCES PCB TEST RESULTS AT MQRGAHTOWN ORDNANCE WORKS
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today announced
that a short-term significant health risk has been temporarily mitigated in the
Southeast portion of the Morgancown Ordnance Works. The current owner has voluntarily
confined several dozen drums, some of which may contain high levels of polychlorinated
blphenyls (PCBs). Once these drums are safely Inventoried and disposed of in
conformance with state and EPA requirements, this potential short term threat will
be eliminated. EPA will closely monitor all activities by the current owner. No
other short-term health risk has been found at the site.
EPA also announced today its finding that a limited area of the Morgantown
Ordnance Works may present a potential long-term threat to public health and the
environment. This finding is based in large part on the results of an investigation
conducted hy an EPA contractor. The contractor's report found a potential for the
release of PCBs via runoff from the site. This may cause the contaminant to migrate
into the Monongahela River, a source of drinking water In the area.
The investigation involved sampling of drums, soil, surface water and a pelletieed
material. Of the ten drums sampled, three contained PCB; some 40 other drums were
not sampled. One drum contained 83 percent (834 .OOOppm), or nearly pure PCB; a second
was more than 1 percent PCB (10,700ppm); the third drum contained 16.8ppm PCB. A
sample of a blue pelletized material taken from the old landfill area was found to
contain 7,500ppm of a PCB mixture. None of the soil or surface water samples taken
at the site revealed PCBs, within limits of analytical detection.
- more -
-33-
-------
- 2 -
EPA's finding of a potential long-term public health threat is the first step in
investigating the site for possible inclusion in the federal government's Superfund
Program. The next step is the development of a hazard ranking score to compare the
site to other sites nationally in terms of relative risk. If the site ranks high
enough, it would be included on the Superfund's National Priority List and become
eligible for funding under Superfund.
# # #
-------
UnittdStUM Region 4, Alaoama Mia
Sivironmantal Prancaon- Offte» of Public Attain Ronaa Norm Carolina
Agency 346 Courtand Strati N6 Georgia Sown Carolina
Aflum. GA 30385 KantucKy Te
Environmental News
381-3004
January 3, 1984
Gordon Kenna
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTA, GA - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
cTnd the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)
announced today the clean-up of approximately 200 drums which
have been found in a wooded area in northeast DeKalb County.
The drums contain primarily waste paint sludge and solids and do
not seem to present any immediate health threat, but are
being cleaned up to prevent any possible spread of contamination
to nearby streams and lakes. The site, which is southeast of
Stone Mountain near Rockbridge Park, was discovered and
reported by neighborhood children. The drums appear to have
been in place for at least two years.
The clean-up, using federal "Superfund" resources, will
begin January 3 and should be completed within a week.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation
and Liability Act of 1980, popularly known as Superfund, is a
$1.6 billion tax on oil and chemical products administered by
EPA to clean up abandoned hazardous waste sites.
-------
United States Region 4 Alabama Mississippi
Environmental Protection Office of Public Affairs Flonda North Carolina
Aaency 345 Courtland Street, NE Georgia South Carolina
• Atlanta. GA 30365 Kentucky Tennessee
&EPA Environmental News
MX fa- - J3S4
Gordon Kenna 404/881-3004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Ga. - Removal of contaminated soil and treatment of
acidic surface water has begun at the former site of the Gulf
Battery Exchange in South Mississippi between Gautier and Ocean
Springs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Mississippi Bureau of Pollution Control are working together on
the cleanup which is federally financed by the Superfund program.
The Mississippi Department of Health has also investigated health
related issues at the site. No off-site contamination has been found,
The facility had been used as a battery recycling operation
until mid-1983. High levels of lead have been found in the soil,
and acid from the batteries has contaminated the surface water.
The cleanup -of the site is expected to take two weeks and cost
approximately $100,000. Soil excavated from the site will be
disposed of in a secure landfill located out of state.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980, popularly known as Superfund, is a $1.6
billion tax on oil and chemical products administered by EPA to
«
clean up abandoned hazardous waste sites.
####
-------
United Stain Region * Alaoama Mlsaiaaoei
Snvttqnmanai Pnaaului Cfflc* of Puolic Atfsira Honda Norm Carolina
Agency 346 Courtand Streat Ng Georgia Sown Carolina
Atlanta. QA OQ6S Kentucky Ta
3EPA Environmental News
February 1 , 1984
Gordon Kenna
Hagan Thompson
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Ga. - Hazardous waste left at the site of a former
printing company, Swainsboro Print Works, Inc., in Swainsboro,
•
Georgia, ( Emanuel County) will be cleaned up with money from the
federal Superfund, Charles R. Jeter, EPA Regional Administrator,
said today.
Jeter said some 600 drums containing a variety of chemical
wastes -and five tanks were found in the company's abandoned and
partially burned warehouse.
The cleanup, Jeter said, "will begin during the second week
of February, and could take two to three weeks to complete".
Federal, state and local officials will work closely together to
assure that the material is removed safely and that area residents
are informed about the status of the project. County Manager
Roger Shaw will serve as local coordinator for the cleanup.
The facility, damaged by a December 15, 1983, fire, closed in
February 1980 after 18 years in operation. The plant's primary
production involved th% bleaching , dyeing, and printing of cloth.
The abandoned waste was discovered by the Georgia Environmental
Protection Division ( EPD) during an inspection related to the
fire. Following the state's investigation, EPD Director J.
•
Leonard Ledbetter requested EPA's assistance through the Superfund
program to assure that the waste was removed and disposed of as
-more-
-------
-2-
promptly as possible. The state will provide laboratory analysis
for characterizing the waste and assist EPA in supervising the
decontamination of the site.
###
(NOTE TO EDITORS: A press briefing will be held February 8 at
10:00 a.m. at the site, 412 South Circle Drive in Swainsboro.)
-------
-.egicn *
environmental Protacaon Crtlca of Puoiic Attain rlorwa Norm Carolina
Aganey 346 Courtand Streat NS Georgia Soutn Carolina
Atlanta, GA 30366 - Kantucky Ten
Environmental News
381-3004.
February 13, 1984
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gordon Kenna
ATLANTA, GA - An1 "immediate removal" of waste oil, contaminated
soils and liquid waste at a Hillsborough County, Florida, hazardous
waste site is scheduled to begin today. The U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency will supervise the cleanup.
Presently, about 260 cubic yards of contaminated oil and sludge
cover the grounds of the Tri-City Oil Conservationist Corporation
in Temple Terrace. Tri-City Oil, a waste oil recycling facility was
recently added to the U. S. EPA "Superfund" list which catalogues
more than 400 uncontrolled hazardous waste sites throughout the U. S.
The "Superfund" list is used to direct priorities for action, including
site study and cleanups, voluntary action from responsible parties
and enforcement measures.
Florida Department of Environmental Regulation officials requested
the "immediate removal" action in January because of potential
health risks that the Tri-City Oil facility poses to residents and
employees of surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Eight private
drinking water wells are in immediate proximity to the site. The
closest well is less than thirty-five feet away.
The "immediate removal" action is limited to six months time or one
million dollars in expenditures and is designed only to prevent immediate
and significant harm to health and environment. A long-term solution to
the Tri-City Oil pollution problem will be initiated at a- later date.
####
-------
vvEPA
United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Research
Center
Cincinnati OH 45268
Environmental
Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 31,1984
PATI COOKE 513/684-7935
RESEARCH SCIENTISTS
RECEIVE EPA GOLD
MEDAL
Six members of the Municipal Environmental Research
Laboratory (MERL) at the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's Field Station located in Edison, New Jersey,
have been awarded the EPA Gold Medal for Exceptional
Service.
In ceremonies held in Washington, D.C., Ira Wilder,
Frank J. Freestone, John E. Brugger, Michael Gruenfeld,
Uwe Frank, and James J. Yezzi, Jr. were honored for
exceptional achievement in the development of the EPA
Mobile Incineration System.
The six scientists, all from the Office of Research
and Development's Solid and Hazardous Waste Research
Division, MERL, in Edison, New Jersey, contributed to the
design, construction, and evaluation of the 3-trailer,
15-million BTU per hour, prototype EPA Mobile Incinera-
tion System, which will be used for the ultimate disposal
of toxic chemicals, such as PCB's and dioxin, at field
sites where transport of the wastes is inappropriate. In
performance tests conducted to date with liquid PCB's,
carbon tetrachloride, and chlorobenzenes, the system far
exceeded the TSCA and RCRA regulation-required standards
for combustion efficiency, destruction and removal
efficiency, and particulate emissions and levels of
hydrochloric acid and sulfur and nitrogen oxides in the
stack gas. The plans, specifications, reports, and
permits-to-construct/operate this system will be made
available to interested organizations to stimulate and
encourage the use of mobile or transportable equipment
as alternatives to other approaches for cleanup and
disposal of hazardous wastes and releases.
Each year EPA honors the competence and dedication
of its employees for significant acts and achievements
which materially aid or affect the successful accom-
plishment of the Agency mission or serve the public
interest. The Gold Medal is the highest honor given by
the Agency.
-------
vvEPA
United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Research
Center
Cincinnati OH 45268
Environmental
Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 1984
Pati Cooke (513) 684-7771
EPA SCIENTISTS
RECEIVE SILVER
MEDAL
A group award was presented to the Environmental
Response Team. Two members of the Team are located
at the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)
Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center
in Cincinnati, Ohio. The EPA Silver Medal was awarded
for Superior Service.
John M. Gilbert and Thomas C. Sell were honored
for outstanding dedication, perserverance, and
technical excellence in the effective response to
numerous complex emergency and remedial episodes.
The two scientists along with 11 other members
of the national team, located in Edison, New Jersey,
provide technical assistance to EPA regional response
organizations. At the request of the regional office,
members of the team are available around-the-clock to
support the efforts of EPA and other agencies response
to oil and hazardous material incidents. The Environ-
mental Response Team also provides incident response
training to personnel working in the area of hazardous
materials response.
Each year EPA honors the competence and dedica-
tion of its employees -for significant acts and
achievements which materially aid or affect the
successful accomplishment of the Agency mission or
serve the public interest. The Silver Medal is the
second highest honor given by the Agency.
-------
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Research
Center
Cincinnati OH 45268
Environmental
Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21. 1984
Pati Cooke (513) 684-7771
DR. ALBERT J. KLEE
RECEIVES EPA BRONZE
MEDAL
Dr. Albert J. Klee, Acting Chief, Hazardous Waste Treatment
Group at the D.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Andrew W.
Breidenbach Environmental Research Center in Cincinnati, Ohio,
has been awarded the EPA Bronze Medal for Commendable Service.
In a presentation held Thursday, February 9, Dr. Klee was
awarded the EPA Bronze Medal in recognition of his highly
meritorious service in the development of the "MOUSE" (Modular-
Oriented Uncertainty System Emulator) program. "MOUSE" is
a computer program that deals with the uncertainties that analysts
are confronted with when modeling environmental phenomena. It
is designed to incorporate quantitative measures of uncertainty
into environmental measurements, reducing much of the arbitrariness
that analysts confront when modeling environmental phenomena. The
program contains important routines for the economic appraisal of
projects and regulatory programs as well as a wide selection of
statistical distributions. It has great potential for assisting
decision-making in the Agency at all levels, since it gives decision
makers numbered and graphical information on decision-making under
uncertainty.
This program is currently being used by the Industrial
Environmental Research Laboratory-Cincinnati, the Office of Solid
Waste, and Office of Solid Waste contractors as well as the
University of Monterray (Mexico). The program's versatility
assures that it will be used more and more as analysts recognize
its potential.
Each year EPA honors the competence and dedication of its
employees for significant acts and achievements which materially
aid or affect the successful accomplishment of the Agency mission
or serve the public interest. The Bronze Medal is the third
highest honor given by the Agency.
Dr. Klee resides in Fayetteville, Ohic^with his wife. He has
been a federal employee for 19 years, 17 of which he has spent
working for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its
predecessor agencies. He also holds the rank of Adjunct Associate
Professor of Quantative Methods at Xavier University.
-------
United States Region 6 Arkansas
Environmental Protection Office Of Public Awareness (6AA) Louisiana
Agency First International Building JJS"1.Me>"eo
1201 Elm Street
Dallas. TX 75270
&EPA Environmental News ROGER MEACHAH
(214) 767-2630
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 10. 1984
The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comments on
several strategies for dealing with Oklahoma's highest priority hazardous
waste site, Dick Whittington, EPA's Regional Administrator, announced today.
Known as Tar Creek, the site is located in the Picher Mining Field
in northeastern Oklahoma. It extends north from Ottawa County into
Cherokee County, Kansas and covers a 40 square mile area.
EPA will hold a meeting to get public comments on the alternatives
for controlling the discharges of highly acid, heavy metals-contaminated
water from the abandoned lead and zinc mines.
The public meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. February 9, in the Ottawa
County Courthouse Annex, Courthouse Square, Miami, Oklahoma. People who
wish to speak should bring a written copy of their comments or questions
to the meeting. Written comments on the proposed remedies will be accepted
from January 26 through February 16, 1984 and should be mailed to:
Mr. Ron Jarman, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, P.O. Box 53585, Oklahoma
City, Oklahoma 73152.
"EPA will select the final remedy for the water pollution problems
at Tar Creek after careful consideration of the public comments,"
Whittington said.
EPA and the State recommend the following as an environmentally
sound solution:
- Plug the subsurface, abandoned wells (in the Oklahoma and Kansas
portions of the site) to reduce the downward migration of contaminated
water into the Roubidoux Aquifer, a source of drinking water for the area.
- Divert the surface inflow water away from open mine works at
specific sites in Kansas and Oklahoma to reduce the outflow of acid mine
water discharges.
- Initiate a groundwater monitoring program that will measure
the effectiveness of the well-plugging and diversion actions.
A description and analysis of the five alternatives, along with the
reasons the preferred alternative was selected, are in a document entitled,
"Tar Creek Remedial Alternatives Analysis Information Package." This
document, the feasibility study report and related information are available
for review, before the public meeting, at these locations:
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Miami Public Library
200 N. Main Street
Miami, Oklahoma 74354
Quapaw High School Library
300 West First Street
Quapaw, Oklahoma 74363
Johnston Public Library
210 W. 10th Street
Baxter Springs, Kansas
Oklahoma Water Resources Board
Library, 12th Floor
1000 N.E. 10th Street
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73152
Commerce High School Library
420 D. Street
Commerce, Oklahoma 74339
Picher High School Library
West A. Street
Picher, Oklahoma 74360
Missouri Southern University Library
Newman and Duquesne Roads
Joplin, Missouri 64803
EPA Library
28th Floor, Interfirst Two Building
1201 Elm Street
Dallas, Texas 75270
"The work should begin next summer, and we expect to complete the project by
the fall of 1985 at the latest," Whittington said.
The work on the Tar Creek site is being done under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), passed by Congress
in 1980. Commonly called "Superfund", the Act established a $1.6 billion trust
fund to deal with abandoned hazardous waste sites that threaten public health or
the environment.
"The Act requires that we find the best solution for the money we spend,
and that solution has to protect the public so we can assure people that their
health is not threatened," Whittington said.
Small-scale mining of lead and zinc began at the Tar Creek site in the early
1900s. Major mining activities ceased in the mid-1960s, and the last operation
stopped in 1976. The vacant mines began filling with groundwater, and hig^y acid
water, contaminated with heavy metals, began flowing from the mines, polluting
surface water in the area. Investigative work began in 1982.
The investigation and feasibility studies for the site, leading to the
proposed alternatives, were done by the State under an EPA grant of $525,368.00.
i i i
United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 6
Office of Public Awareness (6AA)
First International Building
1201 Elm Street
Dallas TX 75270
-------
United States Region 6 Arkansas
Environmental Prelection Qflice of Public Awareness (6AP) Louisiana
Agency Firsl International Building Ne» Me«ico
1201 Elm Street Oklahoma
Dallas. TX 75270 Te*as
€€PA Environmental News $5!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 16. 1984
Beginning today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is doing
a partial cleanup of surface contamination at the MOTCO hazardous waste
site located near LaMarque, Texas.
The cleanup at the 11-acre site, also known as the Texas City Wye
Chemical Waste Dump, will cost an estimated $300,000 and is expected to
take six weeks, Dick Whittington, EPA's Regional Administrator, said.
"We are doing this cleanup now to protect people from the wastes in
deteriorating storage tanks on-site," Whittington said.
Ninety percent of the work will be paid for with EPA Superfund
money, and the State of Texas will pay ten percent of the cleanup costs.
The work will concentrate on liquid organic wastes, contaminated
with heavy metals, vinyl chloride, some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
and other hazardous wastes that are now contained in nine above-ground
storage tanks in a diked area of the site.
The tanks contain some 69,000 gallons of contaminated liquid which
will be sampled, characterized and removed.
After the wastes are removed, the tanks will be decontaminated,
dismantled and disposed of. Two of the tanks will stay on-site for use
during future work at the site. Contaminated surface soil and debris
around the tanks also will be removed.
Then the area will be backfilled with clean soil and the surface
will be graded to control water runoff.
The PCB-contaminated wastes will be sent to the Rollins Environmental
Services facility in Deer Park, Texas for incineration. The non-PCB wastes
will go to the TECO hazardous waste disposal site in Robstown. Texas.
The MOTCO site, which began operating in 1959, reclaimed styrene
tars generated by local industries. In 1961, flood tides from Hurricane
Carl a inundated the site, destroying the operation. The site then was used
as a waste disposal site for various solid and liquid industrial wastes.
ihi§ tneer .1 you do NOT «i»h to receive inn materiel O or if cnenge el ecMree* u needed O (Indicele Cheng*. Including lie code)
-------
The City of LaMarque passed an ordinance in 1968 prohibiting the disposal
of liquid industrial wastes in pits within city limits and disposal at
the site ceased.
In August of 1983, heavy rains and flood tides from Hurricane Alicia
threatened to trigger an overflow of the hazardous wastes held in disposal
pits at MOTCO.
In an emergency Superfund action, beginning the first of September,
EPA "pumped-down" excessive, contaminated rainwater from the pits,
attaining approximately two and one-half feet of freeboard. Freeboard is
the distance from the top of a pit to the highest level of waste. The
contaminated wastewater was neutralized on-site and discharged. This
action prevented the spread of the wastes to the surrounding area at a
cost of $39,000.
The current work, originally scheduled to begin last October, was
delayed because of the impact of the hurricane - and the original bids
were considerably higher than EPA's top estimate of what the work should
cost, which necessitated further contract negotiations. That process and
other planning for the project were completed last week.
Investigation and feasibility studies at the site, which will lead
to a long-term solution to the pollution problems at MOTCO are expected
to be finished in early February.
A final rep.ort, detailing several alternatives, will be available
for public review, during a three-week comment period, before the most
environmentally sound solution is selected.
# # #
United states Region 6
Environmental Protection Office Of Public Awareness (6AA)
*enc First International Building
1201 Elm Street
Dallas, TX 75270
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
Postage and
Fees Paid
Environmental
Protection
Agency
EPA-335
^^^ ^*(
^Sjt****
^Fq_
US.WAJL
-------
United Slates Region 6 Arkansas
Environmental Protection Office of Public Awareness (6AP) Louisiana
*9encV First International Building N«* Mexico
1201 Elm Street Oklahoma
Dallas. TX 75270 Teias
Environmental News
ROGER MEACHAM
(214) 767-2630
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 3. 1984
The Environmental Protection Agency has finished its surface
cleanup of the Geneva Industries hazardous waste site at an
estimated cost of $1.6 million. The 13-acre site is located one
mile east of Houston's Hobby Airport, at 9334 Caniff Road.
The work, which began October 27, was completed on February 1.
Dick Whittington, EPA Regional Administrator, said, "We did this
cleanup to prevent an undue risk to public health from deteriorating
conditions at the site.
This work takes us one step closer to a long-term, scientifically
sound solution to the contamination problems at the Geneva site,"
he said.
The cleanup was paid for with money from EPA's Superfund and
done under contract by Chemical Waste Management, Incorporated of
Oak Brook, Illinois.
The work included the treatment and removal of 1.5 million
gallons of contaminated stormwater held in storage tanks and lagoons
on-site, the removal of 30 tons of PCB-contaminated asbestos, 4,000
gallons of PCB-contaminated oil from another tank, 500 drums of
waste that were scattered around the site, 50 cubic yards of PCB-
contaminated, flammable sludge from a warehouse on-site, several
hundred small jars of flammable solvents and PCBs from a warehouse
and 50 cubic yards of waste chemicals and debris containing PCBs
in a wooded area south of the plant.
Further actions included the excavation of 3,400 tons of PCB-
contaminated sludge and sediments from the main waste lagoon,
installation of a bottom liner and backfilling the lagoon with
clean, compacted clay. The lagoon was then covered with a top
plastic liner, another layer of clay and protective topsoil.
One PCB-contaminated pond was also cleaned out, backfilled,
covered with a plastic liner, clay-capped and covered with top soil.
(more)
Return inn ihwi if you do NOT •lift to r«c*lv* inn miiwW O. or If onwig* of Mdrw II nnd«d d (lndlc«» ching*. Including up ood«l
-------
The area of greatest surface PCB-contamination, covering about three
acres, was clay-capped to prevent release of the PCB wastes.
After the surface wastes were cleaned up, the protective clay cap was
graded to improve and control stormwater runoff:
Three monitoring wells were installed to help determine the depth of
groundwater contamination.
All of the waste was sent to the Chemical Waste Management Company in
Emelle, Alabama, an approved hazardous waste disposal facility.
On December 28, EPA awarded a $569,997 grant to the Texas Department of
Water Resources to carry out investigation and feasibility studies at the
site which will lead to a long-term solution to the contamination problems at
Geneva, Whittington said. This phase of the Superfund work at Geneva is
scheduled to begin in April.
The studies will identify the kinds and amounts of hazardous wastes that
are still on site and develop alternatives from which the most effective
solution will be chosen.
Before the best alternative is selected, there will be a three-week public
comment period. Next comes the design phase during which the work is planned,
and the final step is the construction phase when the work is done.
The Geneva Industries site ranks number three on EPA's list of priority
Superfund sites released last September. Previous owners manufactured and
processed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), contaminating soil, surface water
and groundwater in the area with PCB wastes. Last June, using $75,000 of
Superfund money, EPA fenced an area adjacent to the site and tested an
abandoned tank that was believed to contain chlorine. Testing showed that
the tank was empty.
# # f
United Slates Region 6
Environmental Protection Office Of Public Awareness (6AA)
A9ency First International Building
1201 Elm Street
Dallas. TX 75270
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
Postage and
Fees Paid
Environmental
Protection
Agency
EPA-335
-^CU
2j&*
~^E
US.MAJL
L^ _J
-------
United Slates
Environmental Protection
Agency
Region 6
Office of Public Awareness (6AP)
First International Building
1201 Elm Street
Dallas. TX 75270
Arkansas
Louisiana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Texas
nvironmenfal News
ROGER MEACHAM
(214) 767-2630
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 23. 1984
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun extensive
studies at the Mid-South Wood Products hazardous waste site in Mena,
Arkansas that will lead to a long term solution to the pollution
problems there.
The multi-phased work, called investigation and feasibility
studies, began February 20 and will take approximately ten months to
complete at an estimated cost of $425,000.
Dick Whittington, EPA Regional Administrator, said, "The work
we're beginning now is important because it will provide a foundation
of information that will help us do the best job possible at Mid-South.
The investigation phase of the studies will determine the nature
and extent of contamination at the site and identify the possible
pathways for off-site contamination, while the feasibility study
part of the work will propose long term remedies from which we will
select the most environmentally sound solution."
Mid-South was placed on EPA's national priority list of
Superfund sites in October of 1981. It now ranks number 178 on a
list of 546 proposed and final Superfund sites.
The site was developed in the late 1930s to produce wood poles
and posts. Wood treatment operations began there in 1962 and continue
today.
EPA believes that, because of past operations at the site,
nearby surface waters are contaminated with pentachlorophenol ,
creosote, arsenic, copper and chromium. These wastes also may have
contaminated subsurface waters in the area.
Mid-South Wood Products purchased the 57-acre wood processing
facility in 1978.
(more)
Agiurn inn idem II you do NOT vith to rccilv* inn material Q or II cfwngo ol Mdr«i II n«*d«d O (Inoluio Chang* Including up eod«l
-------
Under the planning and direction of EPA and its lead contractor,
CH2M Hill of Corvallis, Oregon, the on-site studies are being done by
Soil and Material Engineers, Inc. of Raleigh, North Carolina.
The work at the site is being paid for with money from EPA's
Superfund, the $1.6 billion trust fund created by Congress in 1980 to
provide emergency and long term cleanups of hazardous waste sites
like Mid-South.
# # #
United States Region 6
Environmental Protection Office Of Public Awareness (6AA)
A9encv First International Building
1201 Elm Street
Dallas. TX 75270
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
Postage and
Fees Paid
Environmental
Protection
Agency
EPA-335
f*l
~jE
US.MAjL
L^ j
-5*0-
-------
United Stales
Environmental Protection
Agency
.
324 East Etevi'iiih Si
Kiinsiis City Mo 64106
Environmental
News
Iowa
Kansas
Missouri
Nebraska
Contact: Rowena L. Michaels
(816)374-5894
THREE NEW DIOXIN
SITES CONFIRMED
IH MISSOURI
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 1984
Dioxln contamination has been confirmed at three additional
sites in Missouri bringing the total to 36. The U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency (EPA) has submitted quality assured
sample analysis data to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
and state health officials confirming low-level dioxln con-
tamination at the three sites.
The newest sites in eastern Missouri (both in St. Louis County)
are the driveway of the Erxleben property on Booness Lane near
the intersection of Highway 100 and Highway T, and both road
shoulders of East North Street in Eureka, Missouri, between
North Central Street and Highway 109. The third siie is the
Royal Talley farm near Marionville in southwest Missouri.
The dioxln contamination on East North Street is confirmed in
only two samples at levels of 1.4 parts per billion (ppb) and
1.8 ppb. Those samples were taken on each side of the street
where a path crosses the street. The dioxin contamination at
the Erxleben property was confirmed at 5.8 ppb and ranged from
1 ppb to 6.2 ppb on the Talley farm.
Morris Kay, EPA Regional Administrator, stated that more
extensive sampling will be done on the eastern Missouri
sites to determine the limit and extent of contamination.
The farm site in southwest Missouri is isolated and provides
little opportunity for human exposure. As in all cases of
dioxin contamination, the public is urged to avoid long-
term exposure.
-------
United States
£nvir2: E i t f h-veiim bi
Lily. Mo 64106
&EPA Environmental
News
towa
ansas
Contact; Rowena I. Michaels
(816)374-5894
AIDEX FEASIBILITY
STUD? AVAILABLE
FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 1984
Morris Kay. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional
Administrator, announced today that the draft.Remedial Investi-
gation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for the Aldex Superfund
aite has been completed and will now be available for public
Inspection. Major objectives of the RI/FS Include coat esti-
mates for feasible remedial action alternatives, assessment of
those alternatives, and a cost-effective final remedial action
plan.
Kay said the 21-day public comment period, which will'begin
March 8, 1984. is being provided to allow the public an
opportunity to review and comment on the RI/FS before EPA makes
a final decision.
The Aldex site, located near Council Bluffs, is on EPA's.
national list of over 400 top priority waste sites targeted
for action under Superfund, a five-year, $1.6 billion federal
clean up program. Superfund la the name given to the Compre-
hensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act passed by Congress in 1980.
Copies.of the RI/FS are available during business hours at the
following locations for inspection and copy by the public:
Mills County Auditor's Office
Mills County Courthouse ' '
Glenwood, Iowa 51534
City Hall
Glenwood, Iowa 51534
Council Bluffs Public Library
200 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501 •
(More) .. -
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Public Health Office
Malvera, Iowa 51S51
Iowa Department of Water, Air
and Waste Management
Henry A. Wallace Building
900 East Grand
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Iowa Department of Water, Air
and Waste Management
Regional Office
316 Walnut
Atlantic, Iowa 50022
Written comments will be accepted, but must be received by close of business,
March 29, 1984. Please send comments to Stephen P. Wurtz, Office of Public
Affairs, EPA, Region 7, 324 East llth Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Olfice o< Public Involvement
Region 7
324 East 11 th Street
Kansas City. Mo. 64106
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use
$300
Postage and
Fees Paid
Environmental
Protection
Agency
EPA 335
^ ^^^ ^
^PTL
U&MAIL
^"^^""igj
- 53-
-------
FEB.09 'S4 10:03 EPA kHlSSnS CIi.
1/31/84
PBHSS STATEMENT
Russell G. Clark, Chief Judge of Che United States District Court
for the Veatern District of Missouri, ruled on January 31, 198A, that the
North Eastern Pharmaceutical and Chemical Company, Inc. (NEPACCO), and it*
officers, Edwin B. Michaels and John W, Lee, and Ponald Mills, a former
employee, are Jointly and severally liable for response costs incurred by
th« Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) In clean up of the Denney farm
site near Verona, Missouri. The action against NEPACCO, Edwards, Michaels
and lee Was brought by the Department of Justice at EPA's request for the
recovery of Che costs of investigations, monitoring and testing activities,
engineering studies leading to a response action, and the costs of litigation.
Judge Clark's ruling is the first opinion in the country to be issued after a
full trial on the merits involving an action under the Comprehensive Environ-
mental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) or "Superfund."
This ruling la consistent with three earlier court decisions issued within
the last several months which have found that CERCLA provides for Joint
and several liability for clean up costs at hazardous waste sices. The
trial on the eaae took place in Springfield, Missouri, during the week of
October 3, 1983.
Judge Clark ruled that CEFCLA provides for strict liability against
"past non-negligent off-sice generators and transporters." Judge Clark
alao ruled that the parties are Jointly and severally liable for the
reimbursement of costs Incurred by EPA in responding to the hazard pre-
sented by the presence of the dioxln wastes.
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FEB.09 '84 10:03 EPft KnNSHS CITY
NEPACCO is a corporation which did business in Missouri from 1969 Co
1974, when It voluntarily dissolved and distributed its assets Co Its
shareholders, Hoffraan-Taff, Inc., from which NEPACCO leased space, had
manufactured Agent Orange at the same facility. NEPACCO manufactured
hexaehlorophene, known to involve the production of 2,4,5-trlehlorophenol
(TCP). During this production process, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
(dioxin or TCDD) was formed as a byproduct.
Hoffaan-Taff later ceased operations and sold out Co Syntex Agribusiness,
Inc. Syntex was named aa a defendant in che action, and entered a consent
decree with EPA on September 3, 1980, whereby Syntex agreed to undertake
responsibility for the removal, storage and disposal of waste* from the fac-
tory, which had heen moved to an area known as the Denney farm site*
Investigations at the Denney farm site revealed approximately 85 55-gallon
drums containing wastes, from which composited samples showed dioxin contamina-
tion as high as 319 parts per million.
During the trial, Dr. J. Williams, a geologist with the Missouri Department
of Natural Resources, indicated the Denney farm site could not be suitable for
the disposal of hazardous wastes due Co the presence of an underground terrain
of limestone bedrock with underground screams, sinks, and caverns. This geology
could penult the movement of particles, water and leachate tapidly through
the soil to the water table below, possibly threatening drinking water and
agricultural water supplies in the vicinity. Dye studies conducted in the
area showed the movement of dye from test holes to area springs, wells and
Calton Creek.
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FEB.09 '84 10:04 EPfl KANSfiS CITY
Under the terns of Judge Clark's order, the EPA is given 30 days Co
itemize all costs which It incurred after December 10, 1980, and to pre-
sent those coat* to the court. The defendants are granted 20 dayi to
respond to the itemliation. Judge Clark's orders specifically limited
costi for which the government may claim reimbursement to those incurred
after December 11, 1980, the date of enactment of CKRCLA.
I 9 #
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995m*:
SO-'SO
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Regional Admmist-ator
215 Prsmont Street
San Francisco CA 9-41C5
Region 9
Arizona California
Hawan, Nevada
Pacific islands
Environmental
News
U JOINTLY BY Tlth U.S. ENVIRGMMENUL PROTECTION ACEKLY A.'.'U
THE CALIFORNIA DLPARTMENT UF haALTii SEa.vlL£S
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, januar/ U, i9b<+
Contacts: Al Zeusky, U.S. EPA
(415) 9~A-bO;jj
Florence Pearson, CA OuKS
LPA AFPROVLS
SUPERFUtib
STUDY AT
PURITY OIi.
HAZARDOUS
WASlt SITE
(San Francisco) — The U.S. Environmental Protection A
and Che Calilornia Departmeiit of healch Services today announced
approval of a proposal by Che btate of California ror
investigation mid feasibility btudy at ihn Purlt> uil Sales,
in the town of Malaga, in t'resno County.
The Departraent of Health Servii.es. (DOhS) , through a. Coopera-
tive Agre'enienL with EPA, will receive $b9d,5by or federal
Superfund raonies for this, project. Uhile a. private consulting
tins will he hired to pertorm the study, DOhb will uaintain
responsibility tor overall uanagemenc. Apjirovrtl or this
Cooperative Agreeoent wau granted by Lee H. Thoniau, EPA dbbibt-
ant aduinibtrator tor solid waste and emergency rebpont,e.
The purpose ot the remedial investiyatioti is Lo determine
the possible sources., extent of groundwater and soil con Lamina-
tion, and any air pollution hazards at the site. In audition,
data obtained for the study *»ill be used to develop and evaluate
cleanup alternatives. Some of the activities authorized lor
this portion of the project include an air emissions survey,
faoil borings, installation of groundwater monitoring wells,
ana laboratory analyses of soil and water samples.
Following the remedial investigation, a feasibility study
Is scheduled. This study will assist, in iaentirying, developing,
and evaluating potential methods tor cleanup and preparing
cost estimates. EPA and DOHS will utilise the feasibility
study along with community input and public corunitnt as the
basis In determining final cleanup alternatives.
- more -
-51-
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S0tt 993fr0£^ 8fr:68 S9/S9
Purity Oil Sales is a six acre site located two ratios south of Fresno.
It was che location for a waste oil refinery and reclaiming facility from
1940 until 1974, when the site was closed.
Oily liquids and sludges were disposed on the site for many years, Sone
liquid wastes remain in a concrete pond and some former sludge disposal ponds
have been filled with construction debris. Soil samples containing signit leant
concentrations of lead, copper, zinc, and various volatile organic coupounds
have been collected at the site.
Purity Oil Sales is one of 546 sites on EPA's current and proposed National
Priorities List targeted for cleanup under the Superfund law. it is also on
the California State Superfund list.
-------
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Regional Administrator
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco CA 94105
Region 9
Arizona, California
Hawaii, Nevada
Pacific Islands
Environmental
News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20,
Contact: Terry Wilbon
U.S. EPA 10
HOLu PUBLIC
MEETING ON
MONTROSE
CHEMICAL
CORPORATION'S
CLEANUP PLAN
(San i'rancisco)—The J.S. Envii-o mental Protection Agency
will hula & public meeting on Monday, January 30, 1984
*
to receive public comment on the Agency's review of the
remedial treasures proposed by Montrose Chemical Corporation
to remedy UbT contamination at its Torrance, Caliiornia,
facility. The Meeting, scheduled to begin dt 6:30 p.u. ,
will be held in Che 2nd Hour Board Room of the Torrance
School District Educational Materials Building at
2335 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, California.
In November 19&2, EPA't> Technical Assistance Team
sampled soils and runoff immediately southeast of the
Sontroae property In the vicinity of au unllned ditch
chat carried scoriuwater runoff away from the Mont rose
property. This investigation formed the basis for EPA
Enforcement Order No. 8J-0\, which required Montrose to
cease discharges of stormwater and to undertake an
investigation Co determine the extent of" contamination.
To control surface water run-on ana subsequent
run oil: of UD'1-contaaiinated sediuients, tlontrose Chemical
Corporation has proposed a remedial plan that involves
surface sealing of the property (.capping) and storuiwater
control.
-more-
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On January 3, 19b4, EPA made available tor public review
and comment, a. report which reviews the Montroae proposed
remedial plan. Copies of the report are available at the
following locations;
Carson Public Library
Reference Desk
151 East Carson Street
Carson, CA 90745
and
Civic Center Library
Reference Desk
3031 Torrance lilvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
and
Toxics Substances Control Division
CA Department of Health Services
107 South Broadway, Room 7128
Los Angelea, CA 90012
-bo -
-------
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. EPA TO
HOLD PUBLIC
MEETING ON
MONTROSE
CHEMICAL
CORPORATION'S
CLEANUP PLAN
January 20, 1984
Contact: Terry Wilson
415/974-8083
(San Francisco)—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
will hold a public"meeting on Monday, January 30, 1984
to receive public comment on the Agency's review of the
remedial measures proposed by Montrose Chemical Corporation
to remedy DDT contamination at its Torrance, California,
facility. The meeting, scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.,
will be held in the 2nd Floor Board Room of the Torrance
School District Educational Materials Building at
2335 Plaza Del Amo, Torrance, California.
In November 1982, EPA's Technical Assistance Team
sampled soils and runoff immediately southeast of the
Montrose property in the vicinity of an unlined ditch
that carried stormwater runoff away from the Montrose
property. This investigation formed the basis for EPA
Enforcement Order No. 83-01, which required Montrose to
cease discharges of stormwater and to undertake an
investigation to determine the extent of contamination.
To control surface water run-on and subsequent
runoff of DDT-contaminated sediments, Montrose Chemical
Corporation has proposed a remedial plan that involves
surface sealing of the property (capping) and stormwater
control.
-nore-
-6,1-
-------
-2-
On January 3, 1984, EPA made available for public review
and comment, a report which reviews the Montrose proposed
remedial plan. Copies of the report are available at the
following locations:
Carson Public Library
Reference Desk
151 East Carson Street
Carson, CA 90745
and
Civic Center Library
Reference Desk
3031 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90503
and
Toxics Substances Control Division
CA Department of Health Services
107 South Broadway, Room 7128
Los Angeles, CA 90012
-------
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Kiuauuajwuj 5 n
Xoueoy
injnuoadO i«i03 uy
DOES MO aiBAUd xii Aiieuad
sousng ,ma
-------
A key presentation will be made by Jackson Fox, an assistant U.S. Attorney
from Seattle. Fox will urge the potentially responsible parties to make use
of the Rainier Room this afternoon to meet by themselves to discuss who among
them will represent the parties in negotiations with EPA. EPA will rely on
the parties to work out among themselves how to split the liability.
Fox will be available to reporters outside the Rainier Room following the
morning session.
When responsible parties reach settlements with EPA for Superfund
clean-ups, they can avoid litigation. The attached EPA news release,
describing the outcome of successful negotiations with responsible parties for
a Superfund site near Indianapolis, points out that those who did not
participate in the settlement were being sued by the Department of Justice in
Federal court.
*
In the Indianapolis case -- as at other Superfund sites where responsible
parties have reached clean-up settlements with EPA -- it should be noted that
all negotiations were restricted to only the parties involved. Excluding
outside observers is a national EPA practice. EPA. wants its discussions with
responsible parties to be frank, forthright and candid, and wants to avoid any
extraneous influence that would inhibit such discussions.
#
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WESTERN PROCESSING COMPANY POTENTIALLY RESPONSIBLE PARTIES MEETING
January 11, 1984
Raimer Room in the Northwest Rooms, Seattle Center
Seattle, Washington
8:30 Registration
9:30 Welcome
Federal Legal Overview
State Legal Overview
Chronology/Site Conditions
Investigations Leading to Emergency
Removal and Actual Removal
Department of Ecology Involvement
The Future & Negotiations
Summation
Ernesta Barnes
Regional Administrato1-,
EPA
Gene Anderson
U.S. Attorney,
DOJ
Charles Oouthwaite
Ass't. Atty. General,
State of Wash.
Ken Feigner
Chief, Waste Mgmt. Branch,
EPA
Gary O'Neal
Dir. Env. Services Division,
EPA
Jerry Jewett
Environmental Planner,
DOE
Jackson Fox
Ass't. U.S. Attorney,
DOJ
Ernesta Barnes
Regional Administrator,
EPA
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Contact: Jin Merrill
EPA/Seattle
(206) 442-4152
Chuck Shenk
EPA/Seattle
(206) 442-5153
February 16, 1984
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today ordered David Williams
of the Williams and So. Transformer Salvage Co. to immediately respond to
the agency with plans to sample, analyze, and clean up the facility
operated by the company in the Bucoda-Tenino area. Other persons, as yet
unknown, may also be subject to the Order issued under Sections 104 and
106 of the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act
(CERCLA).
The Williams company has handled, stored and disposed of hazardous
substances including polychloi inated biphenyls (PCBs) contained in
electrical capacitators and electrical transformers which were scrapped
and salvaged at the facility. EPA has previously determined that "any
exposure of human beings or the environment to PCBs as measured and
detected by any ... acceptable method is a significant exposure."
Mr. Williams is ordered to immediately operate in a lawful manner and
not later than 72 hours after receipt of the Order to provide EPA a plan
for sampling, analysis and cleanup. If such plan is not provided or is
not acceptable, the agency may move forward to do the cleanup.
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