U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Proposed TSCA Approval For Ongoing Maintenance and Monitoring of the 327B Landfill Ascend Performance Materials Chemical Plant Cantonment, Florida 32534 EPA ID # FLD071951966 Fact Sheet for Public Comment January 2023 &EPA Introduction This Fact Sheet is to notify the public of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Approval of continued environmental maintenance and monitoring of a landfill at the Ascend Performance Materials Chemical Plant, located in Cantonm ent, Florida. The purpose of the Approval is to ensure Ascend Performance Materials Operations, LLC (Ascend) monitors and maintains the 327B Landfill in a manner that protects human health and the environment and complies with federal regulations. In February 1997, the EPA issued an Approval to the former owners of the chemical plant, the Monsanto Company, to close a former 327B Surface Impoundment by consolidating and disposing of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated sludge and construct a landfill cell within the same footprint. By 2002, both the 327B Surface Impoundment was closed and the 327B Landfill was constructed and closed in accordance with the EPA's 1997 Approval and the Closure/Post Closure Permit HI 7-190438, issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The closure plan described the removal of all water from the impoundment and disposal of the sludge and contaminated clay liner material and subsoil into the new lined 327B Landfill constructed within the southern portion of the impoundment. Since it is closed, the 327B Landfill no longer accepts waste. Monsanto was purchased by Solutia Inc. in September 1997, who in 2009 sold plant operations, including the 327B Landfill to Ascend Performance Material Operations, LLC. Aerial View of the Ascend 327B Landfill, Escambia Countv. Florida EPA Approval for the continued maintenance and monitoring of the 327B Landfill is required because of the presence of PCBs in the 327B Landfill and per the authority of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The proposed EPA TSCA Approval covers only activities related to PCB wastes and associated activities. This Approval would be in effect for 10-years At this time, the EPA has determined that the continued maintenance and monitoring of PCB waste in accordance with the proposed TSCA PCB Approval, and all federal and state requirements, will not pose an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment. What is TSCA? TSCA stands for the Toxic Substances Control Act. The Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 provides the EPA with authority to require reporting, record-keeping and testing requirements, and restrictions relating to chemical substances and/or mixtures, which include PCBs. ------- Upcoming Public Comment Period This fact sheet provides an opportunity to learn about the TSCA Approval process, as well as the upcoming public comment period for this proposed TSCA PCB Approval. The EPA is committed to fostering meaningful public involvement in environmental decision making. The draft TSCA PCB Approval document is open for a 30-day public comment period from January 17, 2023 to February 16, 2023. Below, you will find the link to the proposed TSCA PCB Approval on the EPA's public notice website and the address of where the hard copy of the proposed TSCA PCB Approval and application may be reviewed. The public may provide written or oral comments during the 30-day comment period as described below. We want to hear from you! The 30-day public comment period for the proposed PCB Approval is: January 17, 2023, to February 16,2023 Follow the instructions to submit your comments. Please submit your comments by email no later than February 16, 2023 to the EPA Project Manager. If email is not accesible, comments can be made over the phone (number and email address information is provided below). The EPA will evaluate public input andfinalize its decision after responses have been prepared to all comments received. Background Under the TSCA regulations, Ascend must obtain a PCB Approval from the EPA to manage PCB waste and conduct associated monitoring and maintenance activities at the 327B Landfill. The EPA has reviewed all relevant documents regarding the disposal of PCB waste from the former surface impoundment and construction, closure, maintenance and monitoring activities at the Ascend 327B Landfill. The Landfill must be managed to not impede monitoring and maintenance and routine inspections carried out by Ascend as required by the proposed TSCA PCB Approval. The proposed TSCA PCB Approval is comprised of sections, including: • General Conditions - Ascend must monitor and maintain the Ascend Landfill in compliance with the requirements of 40 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 761; ~ Monitoring and Maintenance Requirements - Groundwater and surface water samples are collected from around the 327B Landfill and surrounding areas. Ascend will provide the EPA with monitoring reports annually. EPA Contact: EPA Project Manager Edmond Burks U.S. EPA Region 4 61 Forsyth St, SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 404-562-8587 burks.edmond@epa.gov FOR MORE INFORMATION Public Notice Website: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/about-epa-region-4-southeast Information Repository for Ascend Landfill: Tryon Branch Library 1200 Langley Avenue, Pensacola, Florida 32504 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 10am - 7 pm Saturday: 10am - 4pm Sunday: Closed Tips on Effective Written Public Comments: https://go.usa.gov/xUyPS ------- |