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Jackson Ceramix Site in Jefferson County Added Superfund List

Release Date: 9/16/2005
Contact Information: David Sternberg (2150 814-5548

Contact: David Sternberg (215-814-5548)

PHILADELPHIA - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today finalized the addition of the Jackson Ceramix Site in Falls Creek Borough, Jefferson County, Pa. to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) of hazardous waste sites.

The NPL is a list of sites where contaminants have impacted or might impact public health or the environment. NPL sites are required to undergo a thorough assessment of the nature and extent of contamination prior to cleanup by EPA or the responsible parties.

The Jackson Ceramix facility manufactured and painted china with lead-based paint from 1917 until its closing in October 1985. Lead-contaminated wastewater from the production process was discharged into an unlined drainage ditch and lagoon on site. The wastewater contained a sludge that was white or gray in color. During site inspections, lead contaminated sludge was observed throughout the drainage ditch, lagoon, and wetland area into which the lagoon discharged.

EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) have conducted several removal actions on site which addressed the removal of drums, contaminated soils, and discarded china waste piles; however approximately 20 acres of wetland remain contaminated with lead. NPL listing will focus on the remediation of the wetland and addressing the ground water contamination on the property.

Documents related to the site will continue to be available for public review at the Dubois Public Library located at 31 South Brady Street in Dubois, PA.