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Fact Sheet
December 2007
Performance Testing of New Response Action, Chemplex Superfund Site, Clinton, Iowa
INTRODUCTION
In December 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made the draft final Focused Feasibility Study for the Chemplex Superfund Site (“Draft Final FFS”) available for public review and comment. The Draft Final FFS evaluated potential changes to the Chemplex ground water remediation system.
Based in part on comments received from the community, EPA requested that Citigroup and ChevronTexaco (known as "ACC/GCC"), the parties conducting the Chemplex Site cleanup, revise the Draft Final FFS.
In July 2007, EPA approved the final Focused Feasibility Study (Final FFS) as revised by ACC/GCC. The revised remedy recommended in the Final FFS was the Exposure Control Alternative, which included treating hot spots of contamination and extending the municipal water supply.
Copies of the Final FFS have been placed with the Chemplex Site Administrative Record File in the following locations, and can be viewed during normal business hours:
Clinton Public Library
306 8th Ave. S.
Clinton, Iowa
And
Camanche Public Library
102 12th Ave.
Camanche, Iowa
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
EPA anticipated that the Final FFS would serve as the basis for making a final decision about changing the remedy currently in place. If EPA were to change the remedy, the next step in the process would be for EPA to make a Proposed Plan, with a description of the proposed remedy changes and an explanation of the basis for those changes, available for public review and comment. After considering the public's comments, EPA would then issue an amended Record of Decision (ROD Amendment) revising the remedy.
However, as the proposed remedy change was considered, EPA concluded that actual data showing how effective the revised remedy was in controlling contaminant migration would be valuable in making a final decision to revise the remedy. Therefore, EPA has asked ACC/GCC to performance-test the recommended alternative, Alternative 3 - Exposure Control, before EPA completes the ROD Amendment process.
The performance test will include:
- Placing the current pump and treat system into temporary standby condition.
- Monitoring natural degradation processes.
- Treating in place the areas with high concentrations of contaminants.
- Extending the municipal water line to residents down gradient of the Site.
- Land use controls to prevent activities that might interfere with these actions.
NEXT STEPS
EPA is working with ACC/GCC to develop a plan to conduct the performance test. When EPA approves this plan, it will be an enforceable requirement of the existing Consent Decree. Because a final decision to change the remedy is not being made at this time, the performance testing can go forward as soon as EPA approves ACC/GCC’s plan.
EPA anticipates using the information obtained during this performance test to decide whether changes in the remedy are appropriate. At that time, if EPA believes a remedy change is called for, EPA will:
- Publish a Proposed Plan with a public comment period.
- Issue an amended ROD.
- Make changes, as necessary, in the Consent Decree.
Information relating to the performance test will be included in the Administrative Record files as it becomes available.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you have any questions or comments, or need further information, please contact:
Beckie Himes
Community Involvement Coordinator
EPA Region 7
Office of Public Affairs
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Toll Free: 1-800-223-0425
E-mail address: himes.beckie@epa.gov
