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Fact Sheet

August 2007

Proposed Cleanup Plan Released for Public Comment, TETRA Micronutrients, Fairbury, Nebraska

INTRODUCTION

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 7, in coordination with the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ), invites the public to comment on the proposed cleanup plan for the TETRA Micronutrients facility in Fairbury, Nebraska.

The public comment period will start on August 28, 2007, and end on September 27, 2007. All written comments should be sent to the address below. Also, EPA will hold a public availability session so the public can learn about the proposal. See next column for details.

PROPOSED CLEANUP PLAN

The proposed cleanup plan is outlined in a document called a Statement of Basis. The proposed cleanup plan includes:

BACKGROUND

TETRA Micronutrients uses processes to change zinc materials into supplements that are used in livestock feed and fertilizer. Hazardous waste sludge containing high concentrations of lead, cadmium, and other metals were produced and contaminated soil at the facility. This contamination moved to a nearby wetlands area and Brawner Creek. The facility followed EPA's order to cleanup the contamination. Also, the facility conducted more cleanup work as a result of a second EPA order. TETRA Micronutrients is located at 71025 569th Avenue, south of Highway 8, in Fairbury, Nebraska.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EPA has assembled investigation and cleanup reports, along with the proposed cleanup plan, in an Administrative Record. EPA encourages the public to review the Administrative Record at the following locations and comment on the proposed cleanup plan by September 27, 2007.

Fairbury Public Library
601 7th St.
Fairbury, NE 68352
402-729-2843
Mon., Wed., & Fri., 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tues. & Thurs., 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sat., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

EPA Region 7 Records Center
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 551-7166
Mon - Fri, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A formal public hearing has not been scheduled but will be held if there is sufficient public interest. Requests for a public hearing must be made in writing to the EPA contact on page 1 and must state the nature of issues to be raised at the hearing. EPA will evaluate requests and hold a formal hearing if it finds that a hearing will contribute to the decision-making process.

EPA will make a final cleanup decision at the conclusion of the public comment period only after all comments from the public have been reviewed. EPA may change the proposal or choose another one based on any new information or comments from the public.

PUBLIC AVAILABILITY SESSION

September 10, 2007
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
City Community Building
(located in the city park)
601 City Park Rd.
Fairbury, NE 68352

EPA representatives will be available to discuss the proposal and answer questions.  NDEQ and facility representatives also will attend.  Members of the public are welcome to attend any time between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

From August 28, 2007 to September 27, 2007, please submit your written comments to:

Michael B. Davis
EPA Region 7 (ARTD/RCAP)
901 N. Fifth Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Direct Phone: 913-551-7328
Toll free: 800-223-0425
davis.michael@epa.gov

If you wish to be placed on a mailing list to receive updated information regarding the cleanup process, please write to the EPA contact on page 1.

For more information, please contact:

Shawntell Martin
Office of Public Affairs
901 N. Fifth Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-551-7003 or 800-223-0425
martin.shawnell@epa.gov

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