Return to Use Initiative
2006 Demonstration Project
WOOd Preserving: Dixiana, South Carolina
THE SITE: The 3.67-acre Palmetto Wood Preserving site was home to a
wood preserving facility from 1963 to 1985. During the plant's operation,
wood treating solutions containing arsenic, copper, and chromium spilled
and dripped onto the ground, eventually leading to soil and ground water
contamination. Cleanup began in 1988 and included the installation of a
municipal water line, as well as the excavation, treatment, solidification,
removal, and covering of 12,700 cubic yards of contaminated soil. A full-
scale ground water extraction system and ground water treatment plant
were constructed and a sewer line was built connecting the site to the City
of Cayce's wastewater treatment plant.
THE OPPORTUNITY: The site is located just outside of Columbia, the
state capital, and had been vacant since cleanup was completed in 1997.
THE BARRIER: South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) had expressed interest in acquiring the
site in order to expand their facilities. However, the company had concerns about liability, liens on the property,
remediation costs, past remedial activities, and whether their intended future use would be appropriate.
Barriers:
Superfund site stigma and liability
concerns
Solution:
Open communication between
EPA and potential purchaser; status
letter issued by EPA Region 4
THE SOLUTION: On April 28, 2005, EPA Region 4 participated in a
conference call with SCE&G. EPA addressed the company's concerns
during this call and issued a Status Letter that contained background
information on the Superfund program, the history and status of the site,
and remedial goals and actions taken to clean up the site. The Status Letter
also memorialized SCE&G's agreement to take actions to ensure protection
of the site's remedy through specific measures, should SCE&G acquire the
property. EPA stated it did not intend to file a Superfund lien or windfall
lien on the property.
Before:
Cleaned up, vacant former wood
preserving facility
After:
3.67 acres of available property,
equipped with sewer line to City
wastewater treatment plant
THE SITE NOW: SCE&G eventually decided against purchasing the
site. EPA Region 4 remains commited to reuse of the site by providing key
information to any new prospective purchasers and other stakeholders interested in its reuse. EPA will continue to
facilitate discussions with any interested parties regarding the site's possibilities and limitations. In addition, the
Status Letter may also be provided to any future interested parties.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Bill Denman, Region 4 Superfund Redevelopment Coordinator, at
(404) 562-8939 or denman.bill@,epa.gov.
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
updated June 2009
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