An EPA Superfund Site in Troy to get cleaned up

An enviornmental hazard will get federal attention

Earlier this week, United States Senator Sherrod Brown announced that the East Troy Contaminated Aquifer Superfund Site in Troy will be undergoing a significant cleanup effort, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This project, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Superfund program, aims to excavate and dispose of contaminated soil at the East Water Street source area to prevent further contamination of potential drinking water sources. The area, impacted by volatile organic compounds, has already seen vapor abatement systems installed in 16 homes and an elementary school to mitigate indoor air health risks​​.

The Superfund program, established by Congress in 1980 through the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), was designed to address the most contaminated sites across the country. The program enables the EPA to clean up these sites when responsible parties are not found or cannot afford the cleanup. The process is comprehensive and involves several stages, including preliminary assessment/site inspection, the National Priorities List (NPL) site listing, remedial investigation/feasibility study, records of decision (ROD), remedial design/remedial action, construction completion, post-construction completion, NPL deletion, and site reuse/redevelopment​​.

In Troy, Ohio, there are two active NPL Superfund sites, including the West Troy Contaminated Aquifer, the East Troy Contaminated Aquifer, and the United Scrap Lead Site was deleted off the NPF Superfund list a few years ago. Each of these sites undergoes a detailed and systematic cleanup process to protect human health and the environment from the hazards of contamination​​.

The most recent clean up effort was the United Scrap Lead Site. From 1948 to 1983, lead from batteries was reclaimed on the 25 acre site. Approximately 32,000 cubic yards of crushed battery cases were generated and used as fill material. The battery acid and the rinse water that was produced because of the reclaiming activities was disposed of on site. Facility operations contaminated soil and debris on-site.

Ohio EPA first became concerned about the site conditions in 1979 when the State found levels of cadmium and lead in the groundwater well on-site which exceeded the interim Federal Primary Drinking Water Standards. Ohio EPA required United Scrap Lead Co., Inc. to comply with the State waste disposal regulations and dispose the chipped battery casings off-site. The site was listed on the National Priority List (NPL) in September 1984.

The soil cleanup of the USL site was completed in 2001 and groundwater monitoring at the site was discontinued in the same year after all monitoring wells were found to meet Federal Primary Drinking Water Standards. In September 2021 the site was deleted from the NPL.

Residents can expect the cleanup of the East Troy Aquifer site to follow this structured process, emphasizing safety, thoroughness, and community involvement. The large investment by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law bolsters the Superfund program, enhancing the EPA's capability to address some of the most complex environmental challenges effectively. This investment reflects a federal commitment to enhancing community health and promoting economic vitality of contaminated sites.

As the cleanup process unfolds over the next few years, residents will witness the transformation of the East Troy Aquifer Superfund Site from a source of contamination to a safer, healthier environment, mostly through the removal and safe disposal of contiminated soils.

This effort not only underscores the importance of addressing legacy pollution but also demonstrates the power of federal investment and community engagement in achieving lasting environmental remediation.

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