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EPA removes Fresno Superfund site from cleanup list; Thompson Hayward Agriculture and Nutrition clean up deemed complete

Release Date: 08/24/2006
Contact Information: Mark Merchant, (415) 947-4297

SAN FRANCISCO – Earlier this week the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removed the Thompson Hayward Agriculture and Nutrition site, located in Fresno, Calif., from the National Priorities List of Superfund hazardous waste sites.

Deleting the site from the NPL means that the cleanup of contamination has been completed.

“Removing a site from the Superfund list is a significant achievement,” said Wayne Nastri, the U.S. EPA’s administrator for the Pacific Southwest region. “By working closely with the state, we were able to create a coordinated partnership from investigation and enforcement to site cleanup and maintenance.”

"We are pleased to learn that our joint efforts have resulted in this site being removed from the National Priorites List," said California Department Substances Control Director Maureen Gorsen. "Now the site can be redeveloped and provide economic benefits for the state and the community."

The 5 acre site, located at 7183 East McKinley, was added to the state Superfund list in 1985 and the federal Superfund list in June 1986. It operated as a pesticide formulating facility from 1950 to 1981, and was completely closed in 1983.

The California DTSC worked with Thompson Hayward to conduct cleanup investigation activities in the early 1980’s. Together the EPA and DTSC collected and analyzed more than 1,400 soil samples and 1,800 groundwater samples, and identified pesticides and agricultural chemicals as chemicals of concern. DTSC remained the lead agency in the cleanup, even after the site was added to the national priorities list, while the EPA provided technical assistance to support cleanup decisions.

Cleanup work at the site included excavating and disposing of approximately 25,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and 5,100 tons of chemically affected building debris. A treatment technology that removes vapors from air spaces, was used to remove 6,500 lbs of chemicals from soil. In addition, alternative drinking water supplies were provided to nearby residences.

Final cleanup was completed in 2003 with the construction of a cap over contaminated soils, as well as fencing and signs to prevent access to capped areas. In 2005 a final operation and maintenance plan was put in place to continue monitoring groundwater wells and maintain the protective cap, fencing and signs. A restriction that limits use of the property to industrial uses was also placed on the deed.

The deletion was subject to a 30-day public comment period that ended two weeks ago. No comments were received. For more information visit: htpp://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/ and search ID# CAD009106220.