News Releases from Region 04
B.F. Goodrich Site Among Updated List of Superfund Sites Targeted for Immediate, Intense Attention by Administrator Pruitt
Cleanup Advancing at Calvert City, K.Y., Site Since Being Added to the Administrator’s Emphasis List
ATLANTA – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an updated Administrator’s Emphasis List of Superfund sites targeted for immediate and intense attention. The B.F. Goodrich Site in Calvert City, K.Y., remains on the list.
“We are making tremendous progress expediting sites through the entire Superfund remediation process,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “The updated Emphasis List reflects our commitment to addressing Superfund sites as quickly and safely as possible.”
In elevating EPA’s focus on the Superfund program, Administrator Pruitt has been at the helm of efforts to streamline and improve the program, and accelerate the cleanup and reuse of America’s most contaminated sites. Administrator Pruitt has visited both the Anaconda Copper Mine and San Jacinto River Waste Pits as part of his effort to ensure timely decisions for cleanup of the sites to protect the health and environment of surrounding communities.
The updated Administrator’s Emphasis List, like the initial emphasis list, identifies Superfund sites that will benefit from Administrator Pruitt’s direct engagement. The emphasis list is intended to be dynamic. Sites will move on and off the list as appropriate. At times, there may be more or fewer sites based on where the Administrator’s attention and focus is most needed.
The B.F. Goodrich Site Public comment period has closed and Region 4 is currently evaluating alternatives based on comments received. EPA plans to issue a signed Record of Decision by Summer 2018.
Until the 1980s, chemical wastes were discharged to a series of unlined ponds in the floodplain where contaminants migrated into the soil, groundwater, and the Tennessee River. The site was listed on the National Priorities List in 1983. In addition to BF Goodrich, the site is the location of multiple chemical plants that have been operating along the south side of the Tennessee River since the mid-1950s. Currently, the facility manufactures ethylene dichloride (EDC), a feedstock for the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Background
The initial list – consisting of 21 sites across the country – was released on December 8, 2017 in direct response to the Superfund Task Force Recommendations. It is anticipated that this list will be revised quarterly.
EPA remains dedicated to addressing risks at all Superfund sites, not just those on the emphasis list. The Task Force Recommendations are aimed at expediting cleanup at all Superfund sites and Administrator Pruitt has set the expectation that there will be a renewed focus on accelerating work and progress at Superfund sites across the country.
The Task Force, whose work is ongoing, has five overarching goals:
- Expediting cleanup and remediation;
- Reinvigorating cleanup and reuse efforts by potentially responsible parties;
- Encouraging private investment to facilitate cleanup and reuse;
- Promoting redevelopment and community revitalization; and
- Engaging with partners and stakeholders.
The Task Force will provide the public with regular updates as it makes progress on the Administrator’s Emphasis list and other Task Force activities
The updated Administrator’s Emphasis List can be found here.
