Return to Use Initiative
2006 Demonstration Project
Rose Township Dump: Rose Township, Ml
THE SITE: The 110-acre Rose Township Dump site was used for the unauthorized disposal of paint sludges
and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from 1966 until 1968, and intermittently in 1970. During this time,
drummed wastes were transported from Detroit area industries and disposed at the site. In 1979 and 1980,
the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) removed 5,000 55-gallon drums of wastes from
the site. In 1985 and 1986, EPA fenced portions of the site and removed an additional 31 drums of wastes plus
about 20 cubic yards of soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). EPA selected a remedy in
1987, and reached a cleanup agreement with 12 Detroit area compa-
nies in 1989. Cleanup activities included treating PCB-bearing surface
soils with a mobile incinerator at the site, constructing and operating
an interim ground water pump and treat system to contain the ground
water contaminant plume during incineration, and installing a soil vapor
extraction unit.Cleanup activities concluded in February 1996.
THE OPPORTUNITY: Daimler Chrysler, one of the primary responsible
parties at the site, is participating in a new agreement between Biodie-
sel Industries Inc.and NextEnergya non-profit corporation that seeks to
advance Michigan's alternative energy technology industry. The Coop-
erative Research and Development Agreement will address the develop-
ment and technological innovation of biodiesel fuels. Daimler Chrysler is a national leader among automo-
bile manufacturers in using and promoting renewable biodiesel fuel sources. The company has committed
to finding and developing sites for growing crops for biodiesel research and production. Recently, Daimler
Chrysler approached EPA about using 80 acres of the Rose Township Dump site to grow genetically engi-
neered soybeans for biodiesel production.
THE BARRIERS: Daimler Chrysler would need to negotiate an agreement with the site owner in order to use
the property for soybean farming.The site is currently owned by the State of Michigan. Any reuse option must
be protective of the site's remedy.
THE SOLUTION: In an effort to bring all stakeholders together on the
same page, EPA is facilitating discussions among various stakeholders to
maintain a productive dialogue about the next steps necessary to allow
for the site's future use.
THE SITE NOW: Once the regulatory agencies determine what steps
need to be taken to ensure that the remedy is protective of future ag-
ricultural use, stakeholders may begin planning for future soybean pro-
duction at the site.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:Tom Bloom, Region 5 Superfund
Redevelopment Coordinator, at 312.886.1967 or bloom.thomas@epa.gov.
Barriers: Uncertainty about
whether the proposed future
use option is available under the
remedy
Solution: Maintaining an active
ongoing dialogue with the stake-
holders
Before: Underutilized 110-acre
former PCB site in a rural area
After: Agricultural use for an envi-
ronmentally friendly purpose
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
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