Return to Use Initiative
2004 Demonstration Project
ROSS MGt3lS: Rossville,TN
THE SITE: The Ross Metals site in Rossviile,Tennessee, constitutes
approximately 15 acres. From 1979 to 1992, Ross Metals Inc.
operated a secondary lead smelter on the site. Approximately 80
percent of the raw material processed in the smelter came from
automotive and industrial lead-acid batteries. The remaining
20 percent of material consisted of lead plates, lead oxide, scrap
metal, and various business and industry lead waste. The smelting
process resulted in lead contamination in slag, surface soil, and
ground water. Remedial construction at the site was recently
completed.
THE OPPORTUNITY: Rossviile, Tennessee is a growing suburb
of Memphis; with the community on the rise, interest in nearby
athletic fields is growing. The flat 15-acre Ross Metals site is well-
suited to field construction and access to the site is convenient for
local residents.
THE BARRIER: Because of its relatively rural location, the site had
not historically presented itself as a recreational opportunity for
the rapidly-growing area. In addition, no one knew whether the
site and the remedy could support the construction of an athletic
field. Currently, the property is encumbered with Superfund liens
for past cleanup costs.
THE SOLUTION: Through the Return to Use initiative, EPA has
connected the local stakeholders to the U.S. Soccer Foundation.
A field construction expert visited the site and confirmed its
suitability for soccer fields. Local soccer enthusiasts are considering
the site as a potential location for community soccer fields.
FUTURE REUSE: EPA has confirmed the site's suitability for
recreational uses and the town of Rossviile is aware that the site
can provide space for recreational activities, should local officials
and residents decide that such a municipal amenity is needed. In
addition to soccer, recreational possibilities could include baseball
and softball, field hockey, and model airplane flying.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Derek Matory at (404) 562-
8800 or matorv.derek@epa.gov.
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
Barriers:
Uncertainty about appropriate
future uses of the site
Solution:
Formation of partnership with
U.S. Soccer Foundation; dialogue
with community members to an-
swer questions about the site
Before:
Cleaned-up manufacturing plant;
15 acres of flat, vacant land appro-
priate for recreational use
After:
Potential soccer fields for local
residents
updated December 2005

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