vvEPA

Superfund Construction Project - Funding Pending

Van der Horst USA Corporation Superfund Site
Terrell, Texas

Site Description

The Van der Horst USA Corporation Superfund site is in Terrell, Texas. The previous corporation operated a
chromium (tri- and hexavalent) and iron electroplating facility at the site from the 1950s until 2006. As part of the
plating operations, the company generated spent kerosene, wastewater treatment sludge, and chromium-
contaminated wastewater. These generated wastes were released into groundwater and surface-water transport
pathways. Elevated concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) was also encountered in the groundwater during the
remedial investigations. The site is in a mixed-use area with commercial, industrial and residential development.

The operation, which occupied a four-acre plot, was permanently abandoned in 2007. EPA added the site to the
National Priorities List in 2010.

Site Status and Cleanup Actions to Date

•	Removal actions in 2009 addressed structural damage to the former electroplating facility and excavated
two lagoons east of the wastewater treatment facility to about two feet below ground surface.

•	EPA signed a record of decision in 2014. The remedy included controls for subsurface soil, excavation and
offsite disposal of sediment, and permeable reactive barrier walls consisting of injection wells to promote
bioremediation for groundwater.

•	Groundwater, sediment and subsurface soil samples were collected in additional field efforts in 2015 and
2016. The results of the subsurface soil sampling indicated potential source material near the former
wastewater treatment facility and main electroplating facility.

•	The remedial design, which addresses contaminated creek sediments posing ecological risk as well as
contaminated groundwater, was completed in 2016.

Project Pending Funding, as of the end of Fiscal Year 2019

This work includes excavation of contaminated soils and sediment in drainage areas and along Kings Creek.
Injection wells are also planned to address TCE and chromium-contaminated groundwater that is migrating offsite.

Funding Through Fiscal Year 2019

EPA has provided approximately $7 million for cleanup activities at the site.

May 2020


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