![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508183903im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Superfund Program Implements the Recovery Act
Tower Chemical Company
Clermont, FloridaSite Description
The 15-acre Tower Chemical site is a former pesticide manufacturing and repackaging plant located on a 15-acre commercial/industrial property in Lake County, FL. The Tower Chemical Company operated at the site from 1957 to 1980. Low-density residential properties, which use ground water in the deeper aquifer, surround the site. The contaminants of concern include DDT-type pesticides and their breakdown compounds. Contaminated media include soils, shallow ground water, sediments and wetlands, which are primarily in and around the site’s former wastewater pond and burn/burial area
Cleanup Activities to Date
EPA listed the site on the National Priorities List in 1983. Two previous EPA actions have removed the highly contaminated soils and sediments from the source areas, and carbon filter systems have been installed on the six private wells immediately surrounding the site. Currently, work is ongoing to connect residences served by the six wells to a public water supply line. In 2006, EPA selected a long-term cleanup plan that addresses soil, ground water and potential sediment contamination. The plan includes excavation and off-site disposal of shallow soils and sediments that exceed cleanup goals.
Recovery Act Project Activity
EPA will use the $5-10 million in the Recovery Act funds allocated to this site to speed up ongoing activities. The funds will support the excavation and off-site disposal of the remaining contaminated soils in the immediate areas surrounding the site’s former wastewater pond and burn/burial area; sediments in a shallow drainage ditch; and sediments in two wetland areas. The work will also include backfilling and re-vegetation of excavated areas, and wetland restoration. EPA expects that removal of these remaining source soils, estimated at 28,000 cubic yards will expedite the cleanup. A follow-up action for the deeper ground water contamination may be necessary to reach ground water cleanup goals.
To find out more about:
- This Superfund site, go to: http://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/npl/nplfls/towercfl.htm;
- The Recovery Act and:
- Superfund, go to: http://www.epa.gov/superfund/eparecovery/index.html;
- EPA, go to: http://www.epa.gov/recovery; and
- the United States, go to: http://www.recovery.gov.