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Plainview, Arkansas, Site Proposed for National Superfund Listing

Release Date: 4/30/1999
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) have proposed that 95 acres near Plainview, Ark., known as the Mountain Pine Pressure Treating Inc. site, be added to the federal Superfund program's National Priority List (NPL).

       "For more than three decades, toxic chemicals were used to waterproof timber on this property. These chemicals left a legacy of pollution which today is threatening Porter Creek and nearby wetlands. Listing this property on the NPL will expedite the cleanup and protect valuable water resources including Lake Nimrod and area wetlands," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

       Over the years, three facilities operated side-by-side treating wood. These were CCA Treatment Plant, Mountain Pine Pressure Treating Inc., and its parent company Plainview Lumber Co.

       Excess chemicals from treated wood was allowed to drain onto drip tracks which sloped toward a holding pond where liquid waste was collected. When the pond filled, waste was pumped to a spray evaporation pond. At least once, in 1987, the holding pond overflowed into a drainage ditch, Porter Creek and wetlands along the creek

       Off-site samples collected from nearby drainage ditches and wetlands and Porter Creek show that chemicals used to treat wood, including chromium, copper and arsenic, have migrated beyond the property boundaries. Porter Creek is a major tributary of Lake Nimrod, a recreational area used for fishing, boating and hunting. The lake also is a source of drinking water for the City of Plainview.

       EPA will seek public comments for 60 days on adding this site to the NPL. Those comments will be addressed when the Agency makes the final decision about adding the site to the NPL. During this period, the Agency will continue to develop cleanup plans so that actual work may begin as quickly after NPL listing as possible.

       Send comments to Superfund Docket, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response, Mail Code 5204G, 401 M Street SW, Washington, DC 20460.

       Additional information about this site is available on the regional web site at www.epa.gov/region6/6sf/6sf-ar.htm.