American Brass Superfund site

Short description: Environmental cleanup site in Alabama

Template:Infobox superfund The American Brass Superfund site is a former industrial site, located in Henry County, Alabama. American Brass Inc. (ABI) operated a brass smelter and foundry facility on the site between 1978 and 1992.[1] Prior to its closure in December 1992, the company had been cited by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, (ADEM), on several occasions for Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) violations, arising from its waste and hazardous waste disposal processes.[2] Site surveys, conducted by ADEM after ABI ceased operations, revealed stockpiles of 150,000 tons of contaminated waste, and extensive soil and groundwater contamination.[3] The Site is slated for agricultural land usage.[4]

## Contents

* 1 Clean Up Activities
* 2 Timeline
* 2.1 1996
* 2.2 1998
* 2.3 2006
* 2.4 2009
* 2.5 2010
* 2.6 2013
* 2.7 2014
* 2.8 2019
* 2.9 2020
* 2.10 2024
* 3 See also
* 4 References

## Clean Up Activities

After assessment by the EPA, it was added to the National Priorities List, in May 1999, for long-term remedial action. While soil remediation has been successful on the site, groundwater contamination remains a concern as of 2024.[4]

Although it has been subject to a joint clean-up effort between the EPA and ADEM following the issuing of the 2006 clean-up plan, in 2014 the EPA found that they had made no progress towards the 30-year clean-up goal.[5] Despite the discovery that the groundwater strategy was ineffective, and a 2020 study recommending a new treatment plant, the EPA spokesperson for Region 4 has decided not to proceed with it despite community pressure, due to cost and price sharing issues with the State government.[6]

## Timeline

### 1996

EPA and ADEM jointly conducted removal actions at the site to reduce short term risks from former ABI industrial facilities, such as ball mill residue, soil contaminated with heavy metals.[5]

### 1998

EPA conducts second removal action[5]

### 2006

The EPA creates a long term clean up plan to the contamination, mainly relying upon natural processes to reduce contaminant levels over time, as well as continued off site disposals.[5]

### 2009

Unlimited Soil Usage was allowed following off-site disposals, groundwater usage restricted.[5]

### 2010

Regular groundwater sampling begins.[5]

### 2013

Minor fire causes damage at site, raising asbestos concerns, leading to building demolition.[5]

### 2014

EPA five-year review shows 30-year groundwater clean up timeline has not progressed.[5]

### 2019

Second five-year review shows no significant reduction in contamination.[5]

### 2020

New study begins for groundwater remediation optimization, COVID-19 disrupts planned reviews.[5]

### 2024

Third five-year review shows no significant reduction in groundwater contamination.[5]

## See also

* List of Superfund sites
* Groundwater remediation
* Soil contamination

## References

1. ↑ "American Brass Inc.". Region 4 Superfund. United States Environmental Protection Agency. March 1, 2012. http://www.epa.gov/region4/superfund/sites/npl/alabama/amerbrasal.html. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
2. ↑ "Record Of Decision: American Brass Inc.". United States Environmental Protection Agency. August 24, 2006. http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/rods/fulltext/r2006040001226.pdf. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
3. ↑ "NPL Site Narrative for American Brass Inc.". United States Environmental Protection Agency. May 10, 1999. http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/nplsnl/n0406299.pdf. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Region 4 (September 2024). "THIRD FIVE-YEAR REVIEW REPORT FOR AMERICAN BRASS INC. SUPERFUND SITE HEADLAND, HENRY COUNTY, ALABAMA". https://semspub.epa.gov/work/04/11208143.pdf.
5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 US EPA, OSRTI. "AMERICAN BRASS INC. Site Profile" (in en). https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.Cleanup&id=0406299#bkground.
6. ↑ southernsciencenews (2022-09-19). "'A sad way to live'" (in en). https://southern-science.com/2022/09/19/a-sad-way-to-live/.

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