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EPA SUPERFUND REMOVAL UNDERWAY AT THE CAROLINA ASSOCIATED MILL SITE, NEWTON, CATAWBA COUNTY, NC

Release Date: 03/19/1999
Contact Information: Dawn Harris, EPA Press and Media, or call 404-562-8421

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that a Superfund hazardous substance removal is underway at the Carolina Associated Mill Site in Newton, Catawba County, NC. A removal is a short-term cleanup intended to stabilize or clean up a site that poses an imminent and substantial threat to human health or the environment. The removal was initiated on March 15, 1999 and is taking place under the authority and direction of the Agency’s Emergency Response and Removal Branch (ERRB).

The removal will include:

collection and securing of all drums and containers on site;

sampling and analysis of hazardous substances; and

transportation and disposal of waste.



The removal is expected to be completed by July 1999 at an estimated cost of $50,000.

Carolina Associated Mill, a former dyeing and manufacturing facility, began operation in the 1940s and has been closed for approximately 10 years. The EPA was contacted by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources in January 1999 to evaluate the site for a possible removal action. The property was not fenced and contained evidence of trespasser entry. Approximately 15 drums and several 5- gallon containers were found abandoned at the site. The drums contain acid and caustic materials, as well as, other hazardous substances including ethylbenzene, xylene, pentachlorophenol, and napthalene.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, also known as “Superfund”) and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) authorize EPA to respond to actual or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health, welfare or the environment.

Persons interested in obtaining additional information are encouraged to contact Steve Spurlin, EPA On-Scene Coordinator, at 404-562-8723 or Sherryl A. Carbonaro, Community Relations Coordinator, at 404- 562-8742 or 1-800-564-7577.