Return to Use Initiative
2006 Demonstration Project
Flura Corporation: Newport,TN
THE SITE:The Flura Chemical Corporation Superfund site was once home to an industrial chemical manufacturing
and synthesizing laboratory. While in operation, the Flura Corporation used a large volume and variety of chemicals,
including a variety of gases, acids, caustics, flammable liquids, reactive compounds, volatile organic compounds, and
halogenated compounds. In 2000, EPA conducted a time-critical removal action to remove and treat hundreds of
shock-sensitive,friction-sensitive, and/or explosive waste containers filled with toxic and lethal chemicals and gases.
Hundreds of cylinders containing highly reactive or poisonous gases were also removed from the site and treated.
EPA excavated contaminated soils from hazardous waste burial areas, removed containers that had leaked wastes
and chemicals, and repaired a contaminated drainage sink.The excavated area was then filled with clean soil and
wildflowers were planted on the site. In total, thousands of containers and drums were removed, and hundreds of
pounds of liquid acids were neutralized. A fence was placed around the perimeter to deter trespassers from accessing
the site.
THE OPPORTUNITY:The On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) has said that the site
is ready for recreational reuse.Trees and flowers now grow on the hilltop
where the laboratory once stood. The State of Tennessee has expressed
interest in purchasing the site for recreational reuse.The local community
has also expressed interest in a public recreational use for the property.
THE BARRIER: At one time, national media cited EPA officials calling the
Flura Corporation site one of the southeastern United States'five worst-ever
sites. Due to the nature of the contaminants on the site and the publicity the
site received, a heavy stigma shrouds the property and surrounding area.
THE SOLUTION: To help address stigma issues with the site, the OSC noted that the cleanup process was well
documented, and public involvement during the cleanup process ensured that the local community was informed
and satisfied with the cleanup efforts. With the support of the Return to Use initiative (RTU),the OSC thinks the site
will be put into successful reuse. EPA will work with interested site users to clarify liability information. A number of
informational documents are available to help to answer prospective purchasers'or other stakeholders'questions.
THE SITE NOW: The Flura Corporation site is now a scenic hilltop covered with wildflowers at the base of the Smoky
Mountains. A local Boy Scout troop reportedly uses the hilltop as a campsite.
Some would like to make the area into an official public campground;others
in the community would liketo seean RV park. Fencing remains around the
site to deter trespassers and vandalism, and there is an ATV trail around the
perimeter of the fence.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Dean Ullock, Region 4 On-Scene
Coordinator at 251.441.5913 or ullock.dean@epa.gov; or Bill Denman,
Region 4 Superfund Redevelopment Coordinator at 404.562.8939 or
denman.bill@epa.gov.
Barrier:
Superfund site stigma
Solution:
Ongoing efforts to provide clear
and understandable information
about the site and its reasonably
anticipated future land uses
Before:
Cleaned up open hilltop in the
Smoky Mountains, plagued by
high-profile media coverage of its
former hazardous and toxic waste
After:
Potential future recreation area for
community members
Superfund Redevelopment Initiative
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