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EPA FORMALLY PROPOSES FORMER SCOVILL INDUSTRIAL LANDFILL TO SUPERFUND LIST

Release Date: 05/11/2000
Contact Information: Stacy Greendlinger, EPA Community Affairs Office, 617-918-1403

BOSTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today proposed the former Scovill Industrial Landfill located north of Meriden Road in Waterbury, CT to the EPA's National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL, also known as Superfund, is EPA's list of the hazardous waste sites that have been identified for possible long-term cleanup by the federal government. Superfund makes public funds available to cleanup toxic waste sites when private financing is unavailable.

"Adding the former Scovill Industrial Landfill to the NPL will enable EPA to address the contamination that exists at the site," said Mindy S. Lubber, EPA New England regional administrator. "The partnerships already established between the federal, state, and local environmental and health agencies will ensure a cooperative approach in cleaning up this site."

"We fully support the listing of the Scovill Industrial Landfill to the Superfund List and ask that EPA continue to expedite the evaluation process in order to remediate the site in a timely manner," stated City of Waterbury Major Philip A. Giordano.

"DEP has been working closely with EPA, the City of Waterbury and local residents to address concerns over the Scovill property and to make sure the property is added to the National Priorities List," said Arthur J. Rocque, Jr., Commissioner of the DEP. "With the addition of the NPL listing, more federal resources can be devoted to developing a plan for final cleanup. DEP looks forward to continuing the cooperative effort that has been established between all interested parties as the cleanup process moves forward."

EPA New England, CT Department of Environmental Protection, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the CT Department of Public Health will hold a public informational meeting in June.

The 30-acre site was used by the Scovill Manufacturing Company from 1919 until the mid-1970s for disposal of ash, cinder, and other wastes generated at the nearby Scovill Manufacturing facility. Approximately 23 acres have been developed comprising two- and three-story residential structures and small commercial buildings, including a landscaping firm, adult daycare facility, social club, department store, cab service, medical office, car repair shop, and a shopping plaza.

The remaining 7-acre parcel is undeveloped and was in the initial stages of development when industrial wastes were encountered. Construction was halted and in Spring 1998 2,300 tons of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) contaminated soil and an additional18 capacitors were removed from the surface. The area was temporarily capped with a backfill of a foot of top soil, hydro-seeded, and then fenced and posted. In April 1999 EPA conducted sampling and collected soil samples from the parcel and surrounding area. Soil samples showed elevated levels of organic chemicals; metals such as cadium, nickel, silver, and zinc; and PCBs.

The CT Department of Public Health has reviewed available soil data from the site. "Under current site conditions, the site does not present a public health threat. However, the presence of contamination in deeper soils warrants further investigation," said Mary Lou Fleissner, Dr.P.H., Director of the Division of Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational Health.

"In order to minimize any potential health risks, we continue to urge the public to avoid digging or disturbing the soil at the site," advised Dr. Dada N. Jabbour, Director of Hazardous Materials, City of Waterbury Department of Public Health.

Proposing the site to the NPL opens a 60-day comment period, during which time the public has an opportunity to offer comment and opinion on the listing. Comments must be submitted in writing by July 10, 2000. Facsimilies and tapes will not be accepted.

By postal mail, mail original and three copies to:

CT DEP
Terry Parker, File Room Manager
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-424-3936
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

U.S. EPA New England
Records Center
1 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02114-2023
Phone: 617-918-1440 or 1-888-372-7341
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed the first Friday of every month

Silas Bronson Library
267 Grand Street, Waterbury 06702
203-574-8225
Mon. - Wed. 9:00- 9:00
Thurs. - Fri. 9:00- 5:30
Sat. (Sept. -May) 9:00-5:00