Region 2 Superfund

EPA added the Scorpio Recycling, Inc. (SRI) site in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico to the National Priorities List on February 4, 2000 because metals and other contaminants were found in the soil and ground water.  The nine-acre Superfund site, located in a commercial and residential area in Candeleria Ward, contained a metal recycling facility that bought, accumulated and processed scrap metal for resale to foundries. As a result of improper operation and disposal practices employed at the site for many years, the soil was contaminated with acids, lead and other metals.  Three public water supply wells exist within a two-mile range of the site, and approximately 5,500 residents live within that range.    

EPA has considered both ground water and soil contamination during cleanup and has determined that the ground water does not pose a risk to public health or the environment. Although no further actions need to be taken with respect to ground water, EPA is still investigating the magnitude and extent of soil contamination. The agency has removed, treated and disposed of several tons of contaminated soils and has taken additional actions to stabilize the soil while it is under investigation.