PHILADELPHIA, PA, Aug. 18, 2015 -- Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement involving 16 companies that have agreed to stabilize and cap waste and contaminated soils at the Central Chemical Superfund site in the city of Hagerstown, Md., for more than $14.3 million. In addition, the companies will reimburse the Agency $945,000 for past and future costs related to its ongoing oversight of the cleanup.
The 16 companies include: Arkema Inc.; Bayer Cropscience, LP; FMC Corporation; Honeywell International, Inc.; Lebanon Seaboard Corporation; Montrose Chemical Corporation of California; Occidental Chemical Corporation; Olin Corporation; Rohm and Haas Company; Rhone-Poulenc; Shell Oil Company; Syngenta Crop Protection, LLC; The Chemours Company FC, LLC; Union Carbide Corporation; Wilmington Securities, Inc.; and 21st Century Fox America, Inc.
The EPA-approved cleanup plan for contaminated soils and waste at the Central Chemical site includes on-site solidification and stabilization of a former waste lagoon; excavation, consolidation and capping of contaminated soils; and installation of a groundwater treatment system. The Agency and companies are still investigating cleanup of contaminated groundwater at the site.
From the early 1930s until the mid-1980s, Central Chemical Corporation blended agricultural pesticides and fertilizers at its Hagerstown facility. The pesticide-blending operation involved mixing inert materials with pesticides manufactured elsewhere to produce commercial grade products. Contaminants found at the site include pesticides and heavy metals.
The proposed consent decree, of which the State of Maryland is a party along with EPA, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval.
See also:
"EPA releases official update on Gold King Mine response efforts"
"EPA announces CWA settlement with one of the nation's largest coal companies"
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