Return to Use Initiative 2006 Demonstration Project Palmetto Wood Preserving: Dixiana, SC

Return to Use Initiative
2006 Demonstration Project
Palmetto Wood Preserving: Dixiana,sc
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 OPPORTUNITYtThe 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)
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.
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.
THE SITE NOW: Pending the purchase of the site by SCE&G, the company hopes to develop the site as part
of its facility expansion plan. SCE&G's eventual purchase and development of the site would be the result of
EPA Region 4's commitment to providing key information about the site. This information helped prospective
purchasers and other stakeholders interested in reuse move forward
with the reuse of the site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION,CONTACT: Bill Denman, Region 4 Superfund B®fore:
Redevelopment Coordinator, at 404.562.8939 or denman.bill@epa.aov. ^eane up, vacant ormerwoo
preserving facility
After:
Potential site of future expansion
of the South Carolina Electric and
Gas Company
Barriers:
Superfund site stigma and liability
concerns
Solution:
Open communication between
EPA and potential purchaser; sta-
tus letter issued by EPA Region 4
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative

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