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EPA and LDEQ Celebrate Cleanup of Ruston Foundry Superfund Site

Release Date: 07/15/2008
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or [email protected]

(Dallas, Texas – July 15, 2008) Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) will join local public officials and members of the community today to celebrate the completion of the cleanup at the Ruston Foundry Superfund site in Alexandria, Louisiana.

EPA and LDEQ have completed cleanup activities at the site and determined that no further cleanup action is needed to protect public health and the environment.

“Getting property back into productive use is one of our highest priorities,” said EPA Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene. “Encouraging redevelopment, strengthening communities and energizing growth creates a proud legacy for everyone.”

The Ruston Foundry site was an abandoned metal foundry that operated from 1908 until 1985 and is located in an urban area with mixed development within the city limits of Alexandria. Initial site operations began with clearing activities to open up the area for cleanup. Cleanup consisted of the demolition of old site buildings and foundations, as well as the removal of an underground storage tank and closure of onsite wells. Additional cleanup included the removal of asbestos-containing material and contaminated soil.

“This is a monumental occasion,” said DEQ Secretary Harold Leggett, Ph.D. “A one-time Superfund site that is now available to be put back into commerce. This is a great day for the state’s environment and for the business community of Alexandria. The completion of such a large project is an example of local, state and federal agencies teaming up to work for the betterment of the state.”

Now that the site has been cleaned for industrial use, Alexandria and the community may move forward with plans for redevelopment of the site and surrounding areas.

Additional information on EPA’s Superfund program is available at https://www.epa.gov/superfund

More about activities in EPA Region 6: https://www.epa.gov/region6

EPA audio file is available at https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/audio.htm#audio071508_rustonfoundry