The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it has finalized the steps it will take to clean up the Ellenville Scrap Iron and Metal Superfund site in Ellenville, N.Y.
In a press announcement, EPA says it will excavate contaminated soil from six different areas at the 24-acre site, consolidate the soil on the landfill portion of the site and securely cap the landfill, which is designed to prevent further groundwater contamination. Excavated soil or materials that are characterized as hazardous waste will be shipped off site for proper disposal. EPA says it will install a series of additional wells to monitor groundwater around the site to make sure it remains free of contaminants.
“After an extensive analysis of the contamination at the Ellenville Scrap Iron and Metal Superfund site, EPA has selected a plan that will result in a thorough and efficient cleanup,” says Judith Enck, EPA regional administrator.
The Ellenville Scrap Iron Metal site was added to EPA’s Superfund National Priorities List in 2002 after hazardous chemicals were found in the soil. The scrap yard operated from the 1950s until the 1990s. The yard is divided into upper and lower portions by a landfill. Soil samples at the site showed levels of semi-volatile organic compounds and various metals, according to the EPA.
From 1987 to 1998, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation inspected the site several times, conducted sampling and directed the owner to clean up on-site debris. The Village of Ellenville also removed a large number of tires from the site. During 2004 and 2005, EPA demolished all the buildings at the site and disposed of waste oil tanks and drums containing hazardous materials. In addition, soil contaminated with lead was removed and disposed of off site.
Beginning in 2007, EPA conducted an investigation at the site to determine the full nature and extent of contamination. The results of the EPA investigation led to this cleanup action. Currently, the facility is secure, unoccupied and unused, according to the EPA.
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