2009 Demonstration Project
Conroe Creosoting Company:
Con roe, Texas
THE SITE: From 1946 until 1997, Conroe Creosoting Company
processed wood for use as lumber, railroad cross-ties, poles, and fence
posts. Wood treating solutions containing pentachlorophenol (PCP),
creosote, and copper chromated arsenate (CCA), were stored in
containers and drums at the 147-acre property. In 2003, when ground
water and soil contamination was traced to leaking containers at the site,
EPA added it to the Superfund National Priorities List. Cleanup
removal actions addressed soil contamination at on-site and off-site
locations. Investigations determined that contamination only impacted
the ground water beneath the facility and did not affect surrounding
private water supply wells. A long-term monitoring program continues
to track contaminant levels in ground water.
THE OPPORTUNITY: The cleaned up site is ready to accommodate
industrial reuse and is well located amid transportation infrastructure.
Found 30 miles north of Houston in Conroe, Texas, the site borders
Highway 105 and has access to a rail line. Industrial and residential
activities buffer the site to the west and south. The current site owner is
motivated to sell the property, and a prospective purchaser has
expressed interest.
THE BARRIERS: Several barriers confront this site. First, back taxes
are owed on the property. In addition, institutional controls (ICs) are not
yet implemented. ICs are typically land use restrictions required by
EPA and implemented by States that define types of activities permitted
and are necessary to limit the potential for human exposure to
contamination. ICs at Conroe Creosoting will prevent on-site drilling,
which could lead to exposures to contaminated ground water. Finally,
prospective purchaser confusion remained regarding appropriate
redevelopment options and potential liability associated with the site
due to its Superfund status.
THE SOLUTION: To address these barriers, EPA prepared a Ready
for Reuse (RfR) determination. The RfR determination provides
information about the environmental status of the site, including current
site conditions, and describes appropriate reuses for the site. The
document states that the site is safe, as long as drilling does not occur.
The RfR determination will also serve as an informational 1C until the
Abandoned infrastructure at the Conroe
Creosoting site prior to remediation.
Barriers: Prospective purchaser
confusion regarding appropriate
redevelopment and liability; required
ICs are not in place.
Solution: RfR determination issued
to help address reuse concerns and
provide information about current site
limitations until ICs are put in place.
Open space at Conroe Creosote site subsequent
to cleanup.
Before: Cleaned up former wood
treating facility with a long-term
ground water monitoring program
After: Open space close to
transportation infrastructure that can
support industrial reuse; readily
available site reuse information for
prospective purchasers.
erfund Redevelooment Initia
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ICs required by the remedy are put in place.
THE SITE NOW: The ground water at the site continues to be monitored. In 2008, EPA conducted pilot tests
for in-situ treatment of contamination in shallow ground water aquifers. The effectiveness of the pilot tests will
be evaluated at the site in conjunction with additional monitoring. Currently, no official plans for the site's
reuse have been put in place. Regional EPA, city, and state officials are using the RfR Determination in
ongoing discussions with prospective purchasers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Gary Baumgarten, Remedial Project Manager, at
(214) 665-6749 or baumgarten.gary@epa.gov: or Casey Luckett, Region 6 Superfund Redevelopment
Coordinator, at (214) 665-7393 or luckett.casey@epa.gov.
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
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