EPA Issues Order for Cleanup at Abandoned Foundry

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an order to the owners and former operators of an abandoned titanium foundry in Pomona, Calif. to remove hazardous substances left on the property.

TiTech International, Inc., facility operators Edward and Henry Chen and the property owner, Robert Hartman, have been ordered by the EPA to remove foundry sands contaminated with various heavy metals from the property.

The list of contaminants includes nickel, more than 8000 gallons of nitric acid solution, and other assorted acids, bases and reagents. The EPA estimates the proper removal of the materials will cost $529,929.

Rain already has spread some heavy metal contamination into a storm drain, and weather or vandals threaten to continue the spread of contamination from the abandoned facility.

"This site could pose a real health threat if left as is," said Keith Takata, the EPA's Superfund division director for the Pacific Southwest region. "It's imperative that the facility remove and dispose of the hazardous materials properly to ensure that the people in the area are protected."

A laboratory section of the facility contains peroxides and perchloric acid, which are unstable, shock sensitive, and also at risk of explosion.

If TiTech, the Chens and Hartman do not comply with the requirements of the order, the EPA will remove the waste and seek cost recovery from them.