Region 5 Superfund (SF)

U.S. EPA REGION 5
KENT COUNTY
GRAND RAPIDS

Congressional District # 03

FOLKERTSMA REFUSE

EPA ID# MID980609366
Last Updated: October, 2007

Site Description

The eight-acre Folkertsma Refuse site was operated as a licensed yet improperly zoned landfill, accepting mostly foundry sand and some construction debris. The property was sold in 1969 and operated as an industrial disposal site, until the former owner repurchased it in 1972. Between 1969 and 1972, additional foundry sand and other unidentified wastes were deposited at the site. A pallet repair and manufacturing company erected three pole buildings and started a pallet manufacturing business that is currently in operation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) was notified of past waste disposal activities at the site in 1981. In 1983, U.S. EPA examined information that described the disposal activities on the property and determined that an onsite investigation of possible contamination should be conducted. The investigation was conducted in 1984. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources also investigated the property in 1985 and found 40,000 cubic yards of landfilled waste, consisting of foundry sand, chemical products, construction debris, and other industrial wastes from heavy manufacturing operations. However, a later investigation conducted by U.S. EPA estimated that there are 57,000 cubic yards of landfilled waste. Approximately 8,000 people live within one mile of the site. 

Site Responsibility

This site is being addressed through federal and potentially responsible parties' actions.

Threats and Contaminants

Groundwater beneath the landfill was contaminated with arsenic. Sediments from two drainage ditches on the property and landfilled materials contained polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead. Possible health threats could have occurred from direct contact with or ingestion of contaminated groundwater, sediments, or landfilled materials as well as from inhaling contaminated dusts. Contaminated sediments posed an environmental risk because of the possibility of bioaccumulation of chemicals. 

Cleanup Progress

In 1988, U.S. EPA initiated an investigation to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site and to identify alternative technologies for cleanups. The study was completed in 1990, and a final cleanup remedy was selected in 1991. The final cleanup remedy involved excavating contaminated sediments and placing these sediments in the landfill. A clay cap was constructed over the contaminated sediments and landfill materials. In addition, improved drains provided for continued drainage of the site, and gas vents were placed on each side of the landfill to prevent the buildup of gases. The pallet manufacturing company was relocated to an area north of the landfill limits. Fencing and deed restrictions control access and use of the site, while groundwater and drainage water monitoring ensure the effectiveness of the cleanup.

All construction of the cleanup remedies was completed in late 1994. This site was deleted from the National Priorities List on April 10, 1996.  EPA conducted five-year reviews for the site on February 17, 1999 and February 12, 2004.  Both five-year reviews included interviews, a site inspection and a review of monitoring data.  Both five-year reviews concluded that the remedy remains protective of human health and the environment and recommend continued groundwater, drainage water and gas monitoring.  EPA will conduct the next five-year review for the site in 2009.

Property Reuse

EPA determined the site is ready for use on September 20, 2007. 

Contacts

Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA
karen cibulskis (cibulskis.karen@epa.gov)
(312) 886-1843

Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA
stuart hill
(312) 886-0689

Site Profile Information

This profile provides you with information on EPA's cleanup progress at this Superfund site.