EPA Names Spotsylvania County, Va. Superfund Site To List of 21 Sites Targeted For Immediate, Intense Attention

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Dec. 8 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the L.A. Clarke & Son Superfund Site in Spotsylvania County, Virginia is among a list of 21 Superfund sites nationwide targeted by EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for immediate and intense attention.

The list of 21 sites from across the United States is in direct response to the Superfund Task Force Recommendations, issued this summer, calling for this list.

"By elevating these sites, we are sending a message that EPA is, in fact, restoring its Superfund program to its rightful place at the center of the Agency's mission," said EPA Administrator Pruitt. "Getting toxic land sites cleaned up and revitalized is of the utmost importance to the communities across the country that are affected by these sites. I have charged the Superfund Task Force staff to immediately and intently develop plans for each of these sites to ensure they are thoughtfully addressed with urgency. By getting these sites cleaned up, EPA will continue to focus on ways we can directly improve public health and the environment for people across America."

The 44-acre L.A. Clarke & Son site is located about 4.5 miles southeast of Fredericksburg. Aquifers underlying the site are contaminated with creosote derivatives from former site activities at a wood-treating facility that operated from 1937 until 1988. From 1953 to 1975, operations included wastewater disposal in two concrete-lined pits, wastewater discharge to on-site drainage ditches and the spraying of wastewater on the ground to control dust.

The site's long-term remedy, which began in 1989, includes excavation and biological treatment of contaminated soil and sediment; backfilling excavated areas; off-site disposal of contaminated wastewater and associated sludge; and groundwater monitoring. A remedial investigation and feasibility study is also being conducted to consider other options to address contaminated groundwater.

In developing this initial list of 21 sites, EPA considered sites that can benefit from Administrator Pruitt's direct engagement and have identifiable actions to protect human health and the environment. These are sites requiring timely resolution of specific issues to expedite cleanup and redevelopment efforts. The list is designed to spur action at sites where opportunities exist to act quickly and comprehensively. The Administrator will receive regular updates on each of these sites.

The list is intended to be dynamic. Sites will move on and off the list as appropriate. At times, there may be more or fewer sites based on where the Administrator's attention and focus is most needed. There is no commitment of additional funding associated with a site's inclusion on the list.

EPA remains dedicated to addressing risks at all Superfund sites, not just those on the list. The Task Force Recommendations are aimed at expediting cleanup at all Superfund sites and Administrator Pruitt has set the expectation that there will be a renewed focus on accelerating work and progress at all Superfund sites across the country.

The Task Force, whose work is ongoing, has five overarching goals:

* Expediting cleanup and remediation;

* Reinvigorating cleanup and reuse efforts by potentially responsible parties;

* Encouraging private investment to facilitate cleanup and reuse;

* Promoting redevelopment and community revitalization; and

* Engaging with partners and stakeholders.

The Task Force will provide the public with regular updates as it makes progress on the Administrator's Emphasis list and other Task Force activities.

For a complete list of the 21 sites: https://www.epa.gov/superfund/superfund-sites-targeted-immediate-intense-action

For more details on the L.A. Clarke & Son Superfund site: https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0302542