Region 5 Superfund (SF)

U.S. EPA REGION 5
MUSKEGON COUNTY
DALTON TOWNSHIP

Congressional District # 02

DUELL & GARDNER LANDFILL

EPA ID# MID980504716
Last Updated: November, 2007

Site Description

The 40-acre Duell & Gardner Landfill site, located in Dalton Township, Muskegon County, Michigan, was an operating municipal landfill from the 1940s to 1975. Before 1969, industrial waste and general refuse were accepted at the site. From 1969 to 1973, the landfill was operated as a licensed solid waste disposal facility. In 1971, the Michigan Department of Public Health (MDPH) stipulated that no liquid waste was to be disposed of in the landfill; however, in 1973, the MDPH noted that liquid waste disposal was occurring. The landfill ceased operations in 1975. Wastes were deposited on the soil surface and in surface depressions. 

Materials found on the site included: approximately 500 drums in various stages of deterioration, hundreds of laboratory bottles, areas of refuse and debris, and piles of unidentified sludge-like material. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, aniline, and N,N-dimethylaniline, have been detected in onsite groundwater. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), crystal violet, aniline, and N,N-dimethylaniline were detected in onsite soil. Potential health risks may exist for individuals who have direct contact with or ingest contaminated groundwater or soil. Approximately 140 people live within a one-mile radius of the site.

Site Responsibility

The site is being addressed through Federal and State response actions.

Threats and Contaminants

VOCs, including chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, aniline, and N,N-dimethylaniline, have been detected in onsite groundwater. PCBs, crystal violet, aniline, and N,N-dimethylaniline were detected in onsite soil. Potential health risks may exist for individuals who have direct contact with or ingest contaminated groundwater or soil. 

Cleanup Progress

In 1986, under Federal authority, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) removed approximately 550 drums, the laboratory bottles, sludge-like material, and general refuse and debris. The site was posted to reduce the potential for exposure to remaining contaminants.

In December 1986, the state began an investigation to determine the type and extent of groundwater and soil contamination which remained at the site and to identify alternative technologies for the cleanup. Based on the results of the investigation, a remedy, including low-temperature treatment of contaminated soil, carbon adsorption treatment of groundwater, and capping of the landfill, was selected in fall 1993. 

A Unilateral Administrative Order was issued by the U.S. EPA on June 22, 1994. The potentially responsible party (PRP), CPC International, began design of the remedy in 1994.  In July 1999, the PRP ceased all work, after receiving a favorable legal decision on the issue of its underlying liability at the site.  Currently, the U.S. EPA and the State of Michigan are addressing the remaining cleanup through fund-financed action.
 
Predesign work indicated that approximately 200 cubic yards of contaminated soil remains. Predesign groundwater investigations concluded that the contaminant concentrations have declined and have not migrated from the site. Based on these findings, a Record of Decision amendment was signed on 6/29/01 to include soil excavation with offsite disposal, groundwater, consolidation of landfill materials, and capping. The Remedial Action construction was completed in 2001.  The Long Term Remedial Action (LTRA) of groundwater extraction and treatment is currently on-going at the site.   A Five Year Review was completed in September 2005.  On October 30, 2007, a Restrictive Covenant was signed by the property owners and filed in the Muskegon County Michigan Register of Deeds office.

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

Aliases

DUELL & GARDNER LDFL

 

Site Profile Information

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