Solitron Microwave:
Port Salerno, Florida
THE SITE: The 20-acre Solitron Microwave site was used by various
electroplating and manufacturing companies from 1963 until 2000,
when EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Quality
investigations found high levels of contaminants in soil and ground
water. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in solvent and
cleaning operations on-site led to the site's listing on Superfund's
National Priority List in 1998. Remedial action began in 2000 and
included soil removal and monitored natural attenuation of ground
water contaminants. By 2004, cleanup activities were complete, and
EPA continues to monitor ground water annually.
THE OPPORTUNITY: The northern portion of the site borders
Cove Road, a primary transportation corridor in the rapidly expanding
town of Port Salerno. In March 2003, Port Salerno Industrial Park
LLC (PSIP) purchased the property with the intention of providing
eight lots for commercial and industrial use.
THE BARRIERS: The vacant, overgrown site was subject to
dumping and vagrancy and remained stigmatized due to its Superfund
status. PSIP needed assurance that the property it was buying was safe
and appropriate for reuse.
THE SOLUTION: EPA and PSIP worked together to return the
property to use. During EPA's remediation, PSIP decided to demolish
the on-site building. This allowed EPA to remove contaminated soil
located under the building and elimated the need for property use
restrictions. Prior to the purchase of the property, EPA provided PSIP
with a Status Letter, which assured the community and potential buyers
that the land was safe for reuse and a Prospective Purchaser Agreement
to address liabililty and property lien concerns. During the
redevelopment of the property, PSIP located lot lines to correspond
with EPA's ground water monitoring wells as much as possible. This
will make future monitoring of ground water much easier and less
expensive for EPA.
Abandoned building at Solitron Microwave
prior to reuse.
Barriers: Superfund stigma
Solution: EPA Status Letter and
facilitation of the land reuse process;
proactive prospective purchaser
New Stuart Web Inc. building at Port Salerno
Industrial Park.
Before: Overgrown, vandalized site
in prime location
After: Industrial park whose
redevelopment enhanced EPA's
cleanup
United States
Environmental
1 Agency
lerfund Redevelopment Initiat
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THE SITE NOW: Port Salerno Industrial Park now bears little resemblance to the Solitron Microwave
Superfund site. A new road, grass, and retention pond have dramatically improved the property. In December
2008, construction was completed on a new building at one of the PSIP lots. Groundbreaking at a second lot is
expected to begin soon. EPA presented Janet Kozan, president of PSIP, with an "Excellence in Site Reuse"
award in 2008, honoring PSIP's efforts to work with EPA toward the site's successful reuse.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Bill Denman, Remedial Project Manager and Region
4 Superfund Redevelopment Coordinator, at (404) 562-8939 or denman.bill@epa.gov.
INDUSTRIAL
United States
Environmental i
.Agency
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
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