Region 5 Superfund (SF)

U.S. EPA REGION 5
WILL COUNTY
JOLIET

Congressional District # 11

AMOCO CHEMICALS (JOLIET LANDFILL)

EPA ID# ILD002994259
Last Updated: December, 2007

Site Description

The Amoco Chemical Joliet Landfill, located in Channahon Township, Will County, Illinois, consists of two inactive landfills, 26 acres in size. The site is located 600 feet west of the Des Plaines River and south of Amoco Chemical's 750-acre active chemical manufacturing facility which produces isophthalic acid, trimellitic anhydride, maleic anhydride, and polystyrene. The nearest population center is the village of Channahon, approximately two miles west of the site, with a population of 5,256 in 1993. About 5.9 million cubic feet of wastes from Amoco Chemical's manufacturing processes that include isophthalic, terephthalic, benzoic, toluic, and trimellitic acids, aromatic aldehydes, cobalt and manganese acetates, cobalt, manganese, cerium, sodium bromide, zinc, acetic acid, polystyrene, dimethylterephthalate, styrene, mineral oil, rubber, chromium, iron, and copper; activated carbon, construction materials, insulation, and general refuse were placed in the landfills from 1958 to 1976. Some wastes were contained in drums. Amoco Chemical is the owner, operator, and generator at this site.

Site Responsibility

This site is being addressed through federal, state, and potentially responsible party (PRP) actions.

Threats and Contaminants

The groundwater is contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that include benzene, toluene, and xylene. The leachate is contaminated with the heavy metals cadmium, copper, lead, and chromium. Coming into direct contact with contaminated groundwater may pose a potential health threat. The site is open to the river, making it possible for people and animals to come into direct contact with hazardous substances.

Cleanup Progress

Amoco Chemical and the State of Illinois have performed a remedial investigation (RI) and focused feasibility study pursuant to provisions of a consent decree (CD) with the state. Both were final in 1998. A record of decision (ROD) for the Landfill Operable Unit (LFOU)was signed in 1999.  A remedial design/remedial action RD/RA CD for the LFOU was lodged in April 2000.  Remedial action began in May 2000 and was substantially completed by January 2001. The final construction inspection for LFOU was conducted on August 23, 2001.  

Additional site investigations were performed in 2003 on the Slough Area to fill data gaps identified in the baseline risk assessment; the results of the investigation are pending.

The Groundwater Operable Unit will be evaluated under a separate feasibility study, proposed plan, and Record of Decision, yet to be issued.  The first Five-Year Review was completed on September 29, 2005.  Currently, there are seven residences using groundwater within one mile of the landfill.  Based on groundwater flow direction the wells are not expected to be affected by the landfills.

Contacts

Remedial Project Manager, U.S. EPA
Giang-Van Nguyen (nguyen.giang-van@epa.gov)
(312) 886-6726

Community Involvement Coordinator, U.S. EPA
janet pope
(312) 353-0628

Aliases

AMOCO CHEMICAL (JOLIET LANDFILL)
AMOCO CHEMICAL CORP
AMOCO CHEMICALS (JOLIET LANDFILL)
JOLIET LANDFILL

 

Site Profile Information

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