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Applied Chemistry. Creative Solutions Solutia Inc. 10300 Olive Boulevard P.O. Box 66760 St. Louis, Missouri 63166-6760 Tel 314-674-1000 January 6, 1998 To: Mike Foresman - F2EA Bruce Yare - F2EA Brent Gilhousen - G4EK Loren Wassell - G4WA Kevin Cahill - F2EC Joe Nassif - Thompson Cobum Keith Miller -1740 Steve Smith - F2EA Re: "Gateway Initiative" newsletter Courtesy of Bob Hiller, attached is a December 1997 issue of a newsletter for the Gateway Initiative, "Partners for Gateway". The newsletter originated at Region V's Community Involvement group in Chicago. Sauget Area I is referred to as a Superfund Site, " ... to be finalized in January 1998". Area 2 is referenced as "...probably be proposed to the NPL in 1998". The Gateway Partners list is interesting. The list is primarily consists of all the directly and indirectly involved governmental agencies with just a dash of community groups. There are no industry representatives and no apparent representatives of the communities of Sauget or Cahokia. All the sites and initiatives other than Sauget Sites are just noise. They will neither singularly nor collectively feed the appetite of the bureaucracies involved. The Agencies' primary target and cornerstone of the Gateway Initiative strategy is clearly the listing of Sauget Area I, and if successfully completed, following that up rapidly with steps to list Area II. We will discuss further in our January 12 meeting. Mike Light' Formerly the chemical businesses of Monsanto Company OSW 134659 STLCOPCB4034617 Together, we can solve environmental problems with communities in common sense ways This Fact Sheet will tell you about: Superfund Sites in the Gateway Region The Superfund Process Emergency Response Removals The Brownfields Initiative Where to get more information Who are the Gateway Partners? U.S. EPA (Regions 5 and 7) Illinois EPA (IEPA) Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Superfund Activities in the Gateway Region East St. Louis Action Research Project (ESLARP) In the years before most people understood how certain wastes might East St. Louis Community Action threaten public health and the Committee (ESLCAN) environment, hazardous wastes were East St. Louis Housing Authority often disposed of at locations where they could either enter the ground, Missouri Department of Health water, or air. Now these sites are U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern being brought to the attention of the District of Illinois United States Environmental U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) by private citizens, and local and state Illinois Attorney General's Office agencies. In 1980, a law commonly St. Clair County Sheriff's referred to as Superfund was enacted Department establishing a program to investigate New Spirit Neighbors United for Progress Mississippi River Basin Alliance and clean up all potentially hazardous waste sites throughout the U.S. Both U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA supervise the investigation and Stop Polluting Illinois (SPILL) cleanup of Superfund sites. Currently there arc 25 potentially hazardous waste sites in the East St. Louis Area that are being investigated under the Superfund Program. (See The Superfund Process box on page 2.) Not all Superfund sites are on the National Priorities list (NFL). There are three ways in which a site may be addressed under the Superfund Program. NPL sites undergo an extensive investigation and cleanup process. Emergency Response sites involve a quick response to immediate threats from hazardous substances. (Typical Emergency Response sites invoive spills, explosions, fires, etc.) Brownfields sites involve quick investigations and cleanup and the removal of liability barriers to encourage redevelopment. DSifli 134660 STLCOPCB4034618 Sites in the Gateway Region The Superfund Process The East St. Louis area currently has three NPL sites, 21 Emergency Response sites, and one Brownfields site. NPL Sites There are three sites in the East SL Louis area that are on the NPL. NL Industries/ Taracorp Superfund Site Granite City, Illinois The NL Industries/Taracorp Site was used for metal refining, fabricating, and related work. Operations also included a secondary lead smelter used for purifying and reprocessing lead-containing scrap and used batteries. The site was identified as a potentially hazardous waste site, and in 1986, it was included on the NPL. People could be affected through potential direct contact with, and ingestion of, contaminated waste materials and soil and by potentially breathing contaminated dust from the site. Additionally, although it did not appear that the ground water beneath the site was being used as drinking water, it did not meet drinking-water standards. In 1995, U. S. EPA selected a cleanup plan for the site. It required hazardous material to be removed, treated, and disposed of at an approved facility. A landfill cap will be installed on top of contaminated materials at the industrial site to eliminate potential exposure to the public. Ground water underneath the main industrial area will be pumped and disposed of into the Publicly Owned Treatment Works for treatment with everyday waste. Cleanup is expected to be completed by December 1997. Jennison-Wright Corporation Super-fund Site Granite City, Illinois The Jennison-Wright facility treated wooden blocks and railroad ties using creosote and pentachlorophenoL Jemdte, an asphalt sealant, was also produced on site. (Words in bold are defined in the glossary on page 7.) The facility discontinued operations in June 1990; and the site was sealed in November 1990, eliminating any risk to facility workers. However, exposure to on-site rantaminantfi continues to occur due to surface contamination of sofl. Soil contamination also exists off site due to runoff, disposal, and through contaminants being blown off site. Residences are located within 50 feet of the site boundaries, and citizens have expressed concern over exposure to site contaminants, especially dioxins. U.S. EPA is responsible for investigating hazardous contami nation in the Gateway Region as well as throughout the nation. Hazardous waste sites are discovered bypeopie, like you, living in nearby communities. U.S EPA,: and local and state agencies then invesigate a site for contaminatiou and its potential impact on human health and the environment. If a site poses a serious enough threat to the community, it is placed on the NPL. The NPL is a listing of the nations worst hazardous waste sites. Some sites do not require action, while others are referred to the states, other programs; other agencies, or individuals for cleanup, or other action.; If the site is piaced on the NPL,.the U.S. EPA plans andconductsa two-part investigation.. The first part, a remedial investiga tion (RI),, identifies contamination and site-relaiecLthreats to the environment and public health. The secoadpart :of the investigation, the feasibility study (FS), evaluatesnvatious approaches: to dean up the site. Once U-S. EPA'selects a cleanup method, the community and state and local officials are given an-opportunity to comment on it. AfteHrconaiders the comments;. ILS. EPA selects the final, remedy fbrthe site. FoUowing the selection of a final remedy; U^lEPA'designs and implements the. .chosen remedy; US.. EPAvnegpriates With parties responsible for contamination o:the; site to design, implement, and pay for the final remedy, . If an agreement carraot be reached. U.S. EPA proceeds With the I final remedy. U.S. EPA may, through legal' action,-later recover costs from the responsible parties.. To report s hazardous waste site, problem or-Wagncy, you may call the hotline at 1-80CM24-8802, 24 hourj day, seven days a week ' -* , _ Initial sampling identified creosote, coal tar, pentachlorophenol, dioxins, and furans as substances of concern. Further sampling of soil, ground water, and air is warranted to fully quantify the risks present and develop alternatives for remediating the contamination problem. Sauget Area 1 Superfund Site Sauget (formerly the Village of Monsanto), Illinois This site includes three hazardous waste disposal landfills, a former waste impoundment, two abandoned gravel pits, and six segments of Dead Creek that stretch over 3.5 miles. The site contains very high levels of chlorinated aromatic compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These types of contaminants have been found within Dead Creek, in sediments, and in the landfills. There is also potential for exposure to contaminants in the air. This site was proposed to the NPL in June 1996, and is expected to be finalized in January 1998. In 1995, U.S. EPA consolidated soils at one landfill area and installed a ' DSW 134661 STLCOPCB4034619 *. / X, O / Of nui'i xu. ox rn-t ujl<j ij*. uoxo emporary landfill cover and some fencing to stabilize and secure the site. Investigations and cleanup activities are :ondnuing. National Stockyards Company (formally Evans Engineered Products), East St Louis, Illinois Sauget Area 2 This site, located west of area 1 and next to the Mississippi River, will probably be proposed to the NPL in 1998. The site includes a covered lagoon containing industrial sludges, two closed industrial landfills containing chemical wastes, and a suspected drum disposal area. One of the landfills was capped in 1979 by Monsanto. Investigations are still being conducted to determine the extent of the contamination related to the landfill. In 1995, U.S. EPA removed drums and contaminated soil from the other landfill. The drums contained high-leveis of metals (cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury) and PCBs. Since.PCBs can accumulate in fish, both U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA strongly recommend that residents not fish in the ponds along Cargill Road. Emergency Response Removal Sites Twenty-one of the 26 Superfund sites in the East St. Louis Area fall into this category. Allied Corporation East St Louis Works 2500 Kings Highway, Fairmount City, Illinois This site is an industrial site that primarily involves aluminum and gypsum residue. Contaminated ground water and soil will be cleaned up and air will be monitored for contamination. Shippers Car Line/ ACF Industries 100 Trendley Avenue, East St Louis, Illinois Shippers Car Line operated a railcar repair and servicing facility. Waste generated on site (other than removal of bulk materials from within rail cars) included used paint solvent paint solids, sludges, sand from sand blasting operations, and bulk waste. In 1992, ACF removed contaminated soils and dismantled buildings. The site is now heavily vegetated with no apparent waste piles or stained soil and a six foot chain link fence surrounds the site. The site is apparently clean, and Illinois EPA is currently reviewing the cleanup documents. Operations at this site consisted primarily of railcar maintenance and repair. Illinois EPA oversaw a voluntary cleanup of the property, which was completed in 1989. Further assessments indicate that no further cleanup of this site is necessary. Gateway Petroleum 3000 Missouri Avenue, East St Louis, Illinois Gateway Petroleum is a used oil solvent treatment and storage facility. The facility is currently being cleaned and closed. Lefton Iron and Metal 205 South 17th Street, East St Louis, Illinois Lefton Iron and Metal is an active scrap yard which has been operating since 1961. The site is littered with scrap piles and has acres of obvious stained soil and stressed vegetation. Trash and general refuse were removed from the site in 1989, but some PCS contamination remains in the soils on the property along Brady Avenue. Further studies are being conducted to determine how best to clean up the PCB contamination. Mobil Oil Sauget Terminal 2000 South 20th Street Sauget Illinois The Sauget Mobil Oil site was a petroleum refinery and is currently an active transfer terminal for fuel oil and gasoline. Waste generated at this site consists of hazardous solids and liquids from tank sludges and wash solvents. Past practices may have caused contamination to ground water, surface water, and soil. Site access is restricted, and the site is in the process of being cleaned up. Arkansas Post and Pole (formally Eagle Pfcher Paints) 301 St Clair Avenue, East St Louis, Illinois A site investigation indicated that high levels of lead were present in soils on the property. Illinois EPA and Arkansas Post and Pole are doing additional testing of soils to determine how best to clean them up. At present, the site is fenced since it presents a hazard to human health and the environment Soil samples horn nearby residential areas have shown contaminants below levels at winch cleanup is necessary. OSW 134662 STLCOPCB4034620 x4/za/a/ JlUi'i j.o.*;o vt\*x u jlo u kj a. \r wfVl^OX XA iM\/ Morris Paints 1445 Brady Avenue, East St. Louis, Illinois Tudor Works Sixth Street. East St. Louis, Illinois Morris Paints was purchased and operated by an individual who intended to manufacture paints and solvents. The facility was purchased with drums of waste material already present. Much of this waste has been removed. The facility is no longer active and has been turned over to the St. Clair County because of delinquent taxes. Illinois EPA is in the process of determining if further cleanup is necessary. Tudor Works operated from 1913 to 1965 and was owned by Republic Steel Corporation (now LTV Steel). In 1967, the property was sold to the State of Illinois and Union Electric Company. There is no evidence of waste at this location, and therefore no cleanup is necessary. Wastex Research, Incorporated # 1 30115th Street East St Louis, Illinois At this site, solvents were collected for reclamation and subsequent resale as fuel for fuel blending. Collier Oil Company was also located at the site. In 1980, Illinois EPA noted that waste was being disposed of in an on-site pit, and ordered that all waste drums, contaminated soil, and liquids be cleaned up. In 1995, an assessment of the site was conducted and the current site owner, J.H. Collier, has just completed (on November 30,1997) a cleanup of tank contents and asbestos at this facility per a U.S. Emergency Response Section Consent Order. An area that consisted of dumping of solvent waste into subsurface trenches will have to be investigated to determine if any further cleanup is necessary. The site is fenced. Drums ofhazardous waste were sampled and prepared for off site disposal at Morris Paints in April 1988. Moss American Sauget, Illinois The site was originally owned by Moss American, a subsidiary of Kerr McGee, and was later purchased by Lefton Iron and Metal. It was operated as a wood treatment facility and later as a facility for storing creosote and other wood preservative by-products. Contaminants leaked from storage containers and spilled on the site. During investigation, contamination was found in the soil and ground water in the area of on-site ponds. Contamination of concern includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Semi-VOCs;-and metals. In 1992, Kerr McGee obtained a permit from Illinois EPA to remove creosote-treated materials from the site for disposal at an approved facility. The site is completely fenced and posted. Kerr McGee is evaluating the feasibility study to determine the next course of action at the site. Wastex Research, Incorporated # 2 2000 Broadway Avenue, East St Louis, Illinois Wastex Research, Incorporated began operations at this location in 1981 as a solid waste management facility. During operations, many environmental violations were noted. In 1987, Wastex agreed to address their violations as well as conduct an inventory of drums transferred from Wastex Research # 1. In 1989, Wastex was required to properly store the drums and to sample the contents of the drums. Wastex also had to collect samples to determine the extent of site contamination. In August 1989, a spill of nearly 30,000 gallons of liquid and sludge resulted from vandalism of three on-site storage tanks. Since that time, many removal and cleanup activities have taken place. The ground water is being monitored, and at this time, meets drinking-water standards. The site is fenced, and while it is littered with debris, it no longer poses a threat to human health and the environment. Certain Teed Corporation 1700 Broadway, East St Louis, Illinois From 1904 to 1980, Certain Teed produced rolls of petroleum asphalt roofing paper and shingles, dry felt paper, and small amounts of cement and coatings. Air emissions from the site consisted of asphalt fumes, dust, DSW 134663 STLCOPCB4034621 Gateway Area Superfund Sites National Priority List Site O Emergency Response Removal Site wood fibers, and fly ash. Corder Equipment Company began operations at the site in 1981. The section of the site occupied by Corder is used to store tanks, scrap metal, electrical motors, electrical panels, production machinery and various other machine parts. United Packaging first occupied the site in 1987. The company accepts bulk nonhazardous chemicals for repackaging. Samples collected at the site and in nearby residential areas in 1994 indicated the presence of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Further site investigation is necessary to determine if any cleanup is needed. IP Town Gas Site 2002 Lynch Avenue, East St Louis, Illinois This is a low priority site that is being investigated by Illinois EPA It does not appear to pose an immediate threat to human health and the environment. IP Town Gas Site Brooklyn Avenue, East St. Louis, Illinois This is a low priority site that is being investigated by Illinois EPA It does not appear to pose an immediate threat to fannan health and the environment. Lanson Chemicai/Purex Corporation - Lanson Chemical Division, 800 South 31st Street, East St. Louis, Illinois This site has had a number of owners and operators. The current owner, Lanson Chemical began operations in 1962. Lanson Chemical produced paints and floor waxes. Illinois EPA investigated several residential complaints of dumping and offensive odors. The results of an investigation completed by U.S. EPA in 1985, indicated the presence of toluene, PCBs, and other chemicals in on site soils. The site was put on the State Priority List in 1988. A spill at the site in 1992 prompted an emergency response cleanup at the site. U. S. EPA removed contaminated soil and the contents of drums and tanks. The agency also removed asbestos from the building. These activities were completed in 1992. Since then, all of the container waste previously located on the site has been removed. Illinois EPA will be addressing any potential ground-water contamination. The site is currently fenced, although it is damaged in some locations. Illinois EPA will be assessing the damage in the near future. OSH 134664 STLCOPCB4034622 Jisji'i 10.00 r/i-*. oio 40^ ooio OULUUA lrtL Pfizer Pigments. Incorporated 2001 Lynch Avenue, East SL Louis, Illinois Pfizer Pigments, Incorporated conducted operations at the site from 1941 until 1990, when Harcros Pigments, Incorporated assumed ownership of the facility. The company produces organic paint pigments (colors), by using scrap iron and sulfuric add. Waste hydrochloric add and sulfuric add pickle liquor are also used in the production process. Waste materials are treated on-site and then disposed of at off-site permitted landfills. Although the company has been dted for minor violations with regard to standards for training and procedures, the company rectified the problems in a timely manner. No environmental problems have occurred as a result of facility operations, and the site poses no threat to human health and the environment. SCA Milam Landfill 1-55 and Route 203, East St. Louis, Illinois T andfill operations began at this site in 1965. It was run by several different companies, and is currently owned by Waste Management, Incorporated. The facility was inspected and cited for numerous violations such as open burning, lack of cover, open dumping, operating without a permit, depositing liquids and hazardous materials without approval, and other violations. In 1978, the landfill's operations permit was revoked. Subsequently, a new operating permit was obtained incorporating terms of an agreement reached with Illinois EPA This agreement required: thicker cover on the landfill; that the company pays for the cost of coming into compliance; and that the company continues to perform to code or risks losing its permit. In 1984, Illinois EPA and the facility owners entered into an agreement to conduct more cleanup work at the site, and hazardous waste drums were exhumed. Illinois EPA has indicated that this work is now complete and the facility is in compliance with all applicable regulations. Southern Railroad East St Louis, Illinois The site is a 100-yard stretch of property belonging to Norfolk and Southern Railroad along the bank of the Mississippi River. Over the years, drums and/or tires have been illegally dumped, and tires have been illegally burned on this site. Although the railroad was not believed to have been involved with these activities, it has taken responsibility for the removal of the drums and contaminated soil and tires. The railroad has also constructed barricades to prevent access to the site and has increased site security. No further action is deemed neccessary by Illinois EPA at this time, because of the efforts made by the railroad. United Steel Drum, incorporated 3105 Missouri Avenue, East St. Louis, Illinois The United Steel Drum, Incorporated site is an active drum recycling facility. In the past, drums that could not be recycled were deposited throughout the site and on adjacent properties. Many of the non-recyclable drums contained residues of paint, ink solvents, oil, food products, and trash. Illinois EPA first inspected the facility in 1979. After numerous investigations and legai procedures failed to induce the owner to clean up the site, Illinois EPA took legal action against the original owners of the drums. These companies then hired a firm to clean up the site. Cleanup activities were completed in 1989. Although the facility remains active, no further action is deemed necessary at this time. Brownfields Site Alcoa East SL Louis, Illinois Three communities known collectively as the Metro East communities, (East St. Louis, Alorton, and Centreville), have collaborated and received a $200,000 pilot grant from U.S. EPA to redevelop what is known as the former Alcoa site. The site is 270 acres, 220 acres of which is owned by and lies in the city of East St. Louis. The former manufacturing facility processed aluminum beginning in the 1850's and closed in 1963. Preliminary testing conducted by Illinois EPA revealed some heavy metal contamination in the soil. Significant ground-water contamination is also suspected. In the light of these findings, engineering and institutional controls will likely be needed as part of the cleanup plan, which has not yet been developed for the site. The goal of the pilot grant initiative is to develop an Eco-Industrial Park that will occupy one-third of the Alcoa site by the year 2002. The goal is to attract businesses that utilize a recycling approach, or remanufacture waste and scrap materials into other marketable goods. DSW 134665 STLCOPCB4034623 IZ/ZH/H/ MUIN t-AA 018 48i 001U aULUTIA INC The Brownfields Initiative Brownfields are abandoned or under-used industrial and com mercial sites where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. These sites have been investigated under the Superfund Program and either found to be dean, or are being deaned up by state programs. These sites are then available for economic redevelopment. With liability the only deterent to a potential purchaser of a Brownfield site, U.S. EPA issued its Prospective Purchaser Guid ance. This Guidance identified the situations under which U.S. EPA may enter into an agreement not to file a lawsuit against a prospective purchaser of a contaminated property for contamina tion that existed prior to the purchase. Additional Guidances provide the assurance that U. S. EPA will: site require further study and which pose little risk to human Health and may therefore be ready for redevelopment without expensive cleanup. Not pursue deanup costs from lenders that provide money to an owner or developer of contaminated property (so long as the lenders do not actively partidpate in the daily manage ment of the property). Release governmental units from liability that involuntarily take ownership of contaminated property. Qarifiy when a lender may be exempt from underground storage tank (U5T) liability, removing a major barrier to fi nancing the cleanup and redevelopment of UST sites. * Not sue property owners for ground-water contamination if the owners did not cause or contribute to the contamination. * Take into consideration the intended future use of a fadlity when developing deanup remedies. The Brownfields Initiative also includes U.S. EPA's committ ment to build partnerships with states, dries, and communities as well as workforce development through environmental educa tion and training programs. * Provide standards for soil in determining which portions of a Glossary Chlorinated Aromatic Compounds - Chemicals used in the manufacture of dyes, and other materials they can be toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or direct skin contact. chemicals, although severe and long-term exposure can cause liver damage. PCBs have also been found to causecancer in laboratory animals. Creosote - Chemicals used as wood preservatives. Ad verse effects to the skin, lungs, and nervous system may be caused by long-term exposure to creosote. Dioxin - Dioxins can be formed as unwanted by-products during the manufacture of certain pesticides, during com bustion of certain waste materials, and through reactions involving chlorine and organic chemicals. Based on ani mal test results, dioxins are considered a suspected cause of cancer in humans. Furans - Crystalline solids derived from coal tar some times used as insecticides or industrial solvents. Pentachlorophenol (PCP) - A synthetic, modified petro chemical used as a wood preservative because of its toxic ity to termites and fungi. It is a common component of creosotes and can cause cancer. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) - PCBs are com pounds used since 1926 in electric transformers as insula tors and coolants, in lubricants, carbonless copy paper, adhesives, and caulking compounds. PCBs are extremely persistant in the environment. PCBs can be stored in the fatty tissues of humans and animals. U.S. EPA banned the use of PCBs with limited exceptions, in 1976. In general, PCBs are not as toxic in high short-term doses as other Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (Semi-Volatiles) A group of chemicals which evapoarte in air at a slower rate than VOCs. Many are suspected or known to cause cancer or other illnesses. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - PAHs are a group of highly reactive semi-volatile organic com pounds, such as pyrene, which result from the incomplete combustion of organic substances. They are often found in motor oil, are common components of creosote, and can cause cancer. Toluene - A clear liquid with a sweet, pungent odor. Toluene is used as a solvent for paints and coatings, and is a component of automobile and aviation fuels. It can be toxic by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - A group of chemicals (often used as solvents) that have a tendency to evaporate when exposed to air. Due to this tendency, VOCs disappear more rapidly from surface water than from ground water. Since ground water does not usually come into contact with air, VOCs are not easily released and can be present for many years in ground water used for drinking water. When present in drinking water, VOCs may pose a potential threat to human health through inges tion, contact with skin, or inhalation of vapors._________ OSW 134666 STLCOPCB4034624 Mailing List If you did not receive this fact sheet in the mail, you are not on our mailing list. If you wish to be on the Gateway Initiative mailing list, please fill out this form and mail to: Gordie Blum (P-19J) Community Involvement U.S. EPA, Region 5 77 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, Illinois 60604 (312) 353-8501 Name Address__________________________________ CityState______Zip Phone___________________________________ Affiliation _____________________ For More Information Should you have any questions on the information in this fact sheet or seek more information on the Gateway Initia tive fed free to contact the following individuals: Gordie Blum (P-19J) Community Involvement U.S. EPA, Region 5 77 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, Illinois 60604 (312) 353-8501 United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 Office of Public Affairs (P-19J) 77 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, Illinois 60604 -- -------- - ' ' ' . \ ;, ^ ikU . .. -- ______ " . : y*' ROBERT HILLER MONSANTO CHEMICAL COMPANY 500 MONSANTO AVENUE SAUGET.IL 62201- Reproduced on Recycled Paper DSW 134667 STLCOPCB4034625