Perdido Groundwater Contamination

• Site Profile
• Administrative Record Index: OU1 (PDF, 5 pp., 189K)
• Additional Site Documents including Five Year Reviews, Records of Decisions (ROD) and Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD).

Site Background:
The Perdido Groundwater Contamination site is a 15-acre site which consists of groundwater contamination resulting from a 1965 train derailment. In December, 1981, the Alabama Department of Public Health documented reports of odor problems in domestic water supply wells. The Department of Public Health sampled wells in 1982 and found benzene contamination. Residents were advised to stop drinking or bathing with well water. Alternative water supplies were provided initially by the National Guard and eventually through connections to the municipal water supply. During the Remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS), the potentially responsible parties found benzene contamination in a 15-acre area surrounding the spill. This site threatens potential users of the groundwater aquifer for drinking water. Approximately 250 residents and 300 students attending a junior high school were affected by the well closures.

Cleanup Progress:
A final cleanup decision for the site was made by EPA in September 1988. In March, 1990, the potentially responsible parties entered into a Consent Decree with EPA for the design and construction of the remedy. Construction of the groundwater pump and treat remedy was completed in November 1992. Operation and maintenance of the pump and treat system has been continuing since construction completion.

The third Five-Year Review of the effectiveness of the remedy was completed with the signing of the final report by the EPA Region 4, Waste Management Division Director on December 20, 2005. The review determined that the remedial action continues to be protective of human health and the environment

Groundwater monitoring has shown a significant decline in the area and extent of groundwater contamination at the site.  As the site enters the final phase of cleanup, a study is underway to determine what changes to the treatment system are needed to maximize the system’s effectiveness.  The next five-year review will be conducted in 2010.