All News Releases By Date

THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)WILL CONDUCT FIVE-YEAR REVIEWS OF THE DISTLER FARM SITE IN WEST POINT, JEFFERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY AND DISTLER BRICKYARD SITE IN WEST POINT, HARDIN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Release Date: 08/06/2003
Contact Information: Kathy Armstrong, EPA Media Relations, (404) 562-8225

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announces that two separate five-year reviews are being conducted for the cleanup at the Distler Farm and Distler Brickyard sites. The five year reviews will evaluate the remedies implemented at the sites and determine if they are still protective of human health and the environment. The remedies implemented at both sites included: soil excavation and treatment, groundwater extraction/treatment/discharge and monitoring. Presently, both sites are undergoing the process of final groundwater clean up known as Long-Term Remedial Action. Previous reviews concluded that the remedial activities have remained effective. The Distler Farm site is a 13-acre property that was used for industrial waste storage. Studies of the site indicated that soil and groundwater were contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as toluene and benzene, and heavy metals such as chromium and lead. Approximately 3,000 people reside within four miles of the site. The Distler Brickyard site covers approximately 3 acres and is a portion of an abandoned brick manufacturing plant. In 1976, the Kentucky Liquid Recycling Inc. leased and began to use the property for storage of waste. During the initial inspection, approximately 2,300 drums were found at this site. Most of the drums contained chemicals, sludge, and solids which had deteriorated causing harm to the ground surface and surrounding environment. Approximately 70,000 people depend on private wells within a 3-mile radius for drinking water. Permanent cleanup began in 1988 at both sites.