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Falls Creek Hazardous Waste Site Proposed to Superfund National Priorities List

Release Date: 4/27/2005
Contact Information: David Sternberg, (215) 814-5548

David Sternberg, (215) 814-5548

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the addition of Jackson Ceramix Falls Creek, Jefferson County, Pa. site to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL).

The NPL is a national list of sites where hazardous contaminants have or could impact the public and/or the environment. NPL sites undergo a thorough investigation to determine the full nature and extent of the contamination. EPA or the parties responsible for the contamination then address whatever risks the sites pose to human health and the environment.

The Jackson Ceramix facility manufactured and painted china with lead-based paint from 1917 until its closing in October 1985. Lead-contaminated wastewater from the production process was discharged into an unlined drainage ditch and lagoon on site. The wastewater contained a sludge that was white or gray in color. During site inspections, lead contaminated sludge was observed throughout the drainage ditch, lagoon, and wetland area into which the lagoon discharged.

EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have conducted several actions on site which addressed the removal of drums, contaminated soils, and discarded china waste piles; however approximately 20 acres of wetlands remain contaminated with lead. NPL listing will focus on the remediation of these wetlands, addressing the groundwater contamination on the property.

Once a site has been proposed for inclusion to the NPL, there is a 60-day comment period. The proposed listing becomes final once EPA has responded to all the public comments in writing. For additional information, please contact the EPA Region III Superfund Docket at (215) 814-5364. Selected materials and related information is also available on the Internet at www.epa.gov/superfund/new/newnpl.