Return to Use Initiative
2006 Demonstration Project
Union Chemical Co., Inc.: Hope, me
THE SITE: From 1969 until 1984, the 12-acre Union Chemical Company Inc. site was home to a paint and
coating stripper formulator that also handled and recovered petrochemical-based solvents. When the State
of Maine closed the waste treatment operations in 1984, approximately 2,000 drums and 30 liquid storage
tanks containing hazardous waste were stored on the site.The on-site
soil and ground water contamination resulted from improper handling
and operating practices such as leaking stored drums, spills, and use of
a septic tank and a leach field for process wastewater disposal. Cleanup
activities have included the decontamination and demolition of the site
facilities with off site disposal, soil vapor extraction, and ground water
extraction. Subsequent to the construction of the remedy, the ground
water restoration effort has been enhanced by four seasons of in-situ
chemical oxidation and two seasons of in-situ chemical reductions.
THE OPPORTUNITY: Cleanup of the source area soils was completed in
1998 and substantial progress has been made in addressing the ground
water contamination. As a result,significant portions of the site could be
ready for reuse. Although the property is currently held in receivership by the State of Maine,theTown of Hope
as well as other parties have made inquiries about the property.TheTown of Hope, which is the largest of the
three communities near the site, has expressed interest in acquiring the property for use as a fire station.
THE BARRIER: The Town of Hope is concerned they might incur liability if they acquire the site. The Town
needs assistance in understanding limitations associated with the property and how they will affect the
potential future uses.
THE SOLUTION: EPA and the Town of Hope are working together to
develop a project scope that evaluates future land uses that maintain
protectiveness and are available under the remedy chosen for the site.
In order to address liability concerns, EPA is providing the Town with
information about the Superfund liability scheme and landowner
protections.
THE SITE NOW: EPA continues to work with the Town of Hope and
remove barriers to reuse at the site.Once the project scope is completed,
EPA and theTown of Hope will initiate a community involvement process
to ensure comprehensive community input.
FOR MORE INFORMATION,CONTACT: John Podgurksi, Region 1 Superfund Redevelopment Coordinator, at
617.918.1296 or podaurski.john@epa.gov.
Barriers:
Uncertainty regarding appropri-
ate future uses of the property;
liability concerns
Solution:
Ongoing open communication
between U.S. EPA and the Town;
future reuse planning process
Before:
Cleaned up former chemical
processing facility
After:
Future municipal amenity for the
Town of Hope and surrounding
communities
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
1

-------