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U.S. EPA PROPOSES REVISIONS TO CLEANUP PLAN AT WEED, CALIF. SITE

Release Date: 9/29/1997
Contact Information: Lois Grunwald, U.S. EPA, (415) 744-1588

    (San Francisco)-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is proposing     revisions to a cleanup plan for the J.H.Baxter Superfund Site in Weed, Calif.
     
     The public is invited to attend a community meeting and comment on the revised plan on Thursday, October 9, 1997 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the College of Siskiyous Life Sciences Building, LS-9.

     Recent studies found that more groundwater and soil at the site than previously believed is contaminated with a dense, oily form of creosote that is difficult to remove. As a result EPA is proposing to construct a barrier to contain the contaminated material and prevent public exposure to contamination. Groundwater in this area -- estimated to be about 30 acres -- would not be restored to drinking water standards. This groundwater has never been used as a public drinking water supply. Land use restrictions will be placed on the property in this area to protect public health and the environment.  
     
     Under the plan, the contaminated soil in the encapsulated area would be covered with clean fill. Other contaminated soils up to two feet deep would be excavated, treated, and returned to the site.

     U.S. EPA approved a cleanup plan in 1990. In 1994, additional studies to map out a design for the cleanup revealed the additional site contamination. The cleanup of the site is estimated to cost more than $20 million.
     
     The site is a wood treatment facility and lumber mill owned by J.H. Baxter and Roseburg Forest  Products. Wood treating operations began in 1937. The use of chemicals at the facility and discharges of wastes resulted in soil and groundwater contamination.
     
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