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EPA picks cleanup plan for Allied Chemical and Ironton Coke Superfund site

Release Date: 10/15/2007
Contact Information: Mick Hans, 312-353-5050, [email protected] Bri Bill, 312-353-6646, [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 07-OPA180

CHICAGO (Oct. 15, 2007) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has decided on a cleanup and containment plan for the former tar plant area of the Allied Chemical and Ironton Coke Superfund site in Ironton, Ohio. The 27-acre tar plant area of the site is at 3330 S. Third St., along the Ohio River. A 30-day public comment period closed Aug. 14.

The $10 million plan includes capping of contaminated soil, land-use restrictions to ensure the cap remains intact, and a project to dredge and then cap contaminated river sediment. EPA evaluated several options and believes this approach is the best way to protect public health and the environment in terms of effectiveness, implementation and cost.

EPA's Record of Decision document contains written responses to comments the agency received. It is posted online at https://www.epa.gov/region5/sites/alliedchemical. It is also available for review at the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library, 321 S. Fourth St. For more information, contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Briana Bill at 800-621-8431, Ext. 36646 (weekdays), or [email protected].

The Allied Chemical and Ironton Coke site was added to the Superfund National Priorities List in 1983. The former tar plant area cleanup plan addresses one of three cleanup areas. Industrial activity on the property began in 1917. The last operating area, the tar plant, closed in 2000.