Region 5 Superfund (SF)

U.S. EPA REGION 5
CALUMET COUNTY
HARRISON

Congressional District # 06

SCHMALZ DUMP

EPA ID# WID980820096
Last Updated: November, 2007

Site Description

The Schmalz Dump site, located in Calumet County, Wisconsin, covers three-quarters acre near the northern shore of Lake Winnebago. Unauthorized dumping occurred at the site from 1968 to 1979. The site formerly included wetland areas. In 1972 through 1973, fly ash and bottom ash from a utility company were disposed of on the site. In 1978 through 1979, building demolition debris, contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), was disposed of on the site. Sixty residences and businesses are located within 1,000 feet from the site, and the site is 500 feet from Lake Winnebago, a source of drinking water for some communities. 

Site Responsibility

Remedial actions were implemented using federal funds.  PRPs have reimbursed some federal costs. 

Threats and Contaminants

Groundwater is contaminated by lead and chromium; soil, sediments, and surface water were contaminated with heavy metals and PCBs. A health threat would exist if the site or site groundwater was developed for residential usage in the future.

Cleanup Progress

In 1985, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) constructed a fence around the site. In 1988, U.S. EPA excavated and removed 3,500 cubic yards of PCB-contaminated soil and sediments. From 1984 to 1987, U.S. EPA conducted a remedial investigation/feasibility study at the site. In 1989 and 1993, private parties entered consent decrees with U.S. EPA to reimburse past costs.

In 1994 through 1995, U.S. EPA constructed the final remedial action, which primarily consisted of installation of a low-permeability soil cover over the site. The State of Wisconsin will be conducting the long-term operation and maintenance of the site. U.S. EPA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources completed a five-year review in September 2003.

A second Five Year Review is scheduled for July 2008.

Contacts

Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA
pamela molitor (molitor.pamela@epa.gov)
(312) 886-3543

Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA
bob paulson
(312) 886-0272

Site Profile Information

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