Return to Use Initiative
2006 Demonstration Project
Corporation: Newport, Tennessee
THE SITE: The Flura Chemical Corporation Superfund site was once home to an industrial chemical manufacturing
and synthesizing laboratory. While in operation, the Flura Corporation used a large volume and variety of chemicals.
including a variety of gases, acids, caustics, flammable liquids, reactive compounds, volatile organic compounds, and
halogenated compounds. In 2000, EPA conducted a time-critical removal action to remove and treat hundreds of shock-
sensitive, friction-sensitive, and/or explosive waste containers filled with toxic and lethal chemicals and gases. Hundreds
of cylinders containing highly reactive or poisonous gases were also removed from the site and treated. EPA excavated
contaminated soils from hazardous waste burial areas, removed containers that had leaked wastes and chemicals, and
repaired a contaminated drainage sink. The excavated area was then filled with clean soil and wildflowers were planted
on the site. In total, thousands of containers and drums were removed, and hundreds of pounds of liquid acids were
neutralized. A fence was placed around the perimeter to deter trespassers from accessing the site.
THE OPPORTUNITY: The On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) has said that the
site is ready for recreational reuse. Trees and flowers now grow on the hilltop
where the laboratory once stood. The State of Tennessee has expressed interest
in purchasing the site for recreational reuse. The local community has also
expressed interest in a public recreational use for the property.
THE BARRIER: At one time, national media cited EPA officials calling the
Flura Corporation site one of the southeastern United States' five worst-ever
sites. Due to the nature of the contaminants on the site and the publicity the
site received, a heavy stigma shrouds the property and surrounding area.
Barrier:
Superfund site stigma
Solution:
Ongoing efforts to provide clear
and understandable information
about the site and its reasonably
anticipated future land uses
THE SOLUTION: To help address stigma issues with the site, the OSC noted that the cleanup process was well
documented, and public involvement during the cleanup process ensured that the local community was informed and
satisfied with the cleanup efforts. With the support of the Return to Use initiative (RTU), the OSC thinks the site will
be put into successful reuse. EPA will work with interested site users to clarify liability information. A number of
informational documents are available to help to answer prospective purchasers' or other stakeholders' questions.
THE SITE NOW: The Flura Corporation site is now a scenic hilltop covered with wildflowers at the base of the Smoky
Mountains. A local Boy Scout troop reportedly uses the hilltop as a campsite. Some would like to make the area into an
official public campground; others in the community would like to see an RV
park. Fencing remains around the site to deter trespassers and vandalism, and
there is an ATV trail around the perimeter of the fence.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dean Ullock, Region 4
On-Scene Coordinator at (251) 441-5913 or ullock.dean(g),epa.gov: or Bill
Denman, Region 4 Superfund Redevelopment Coordinator at (404) 562-8939
or denr n.bill@epa.gov.
Before:
Cleaned up open hilltop in the
Smoky Mountains, plagued by high-
profile media coverage of its former
hazardous and toxic waste
After:
Potential future recreation area for
community members
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
updated August 2009
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