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EPA and Arkansas Declare Emerson Facility "Ready for Reuse"

Release Date: 7/29/2003
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) issued their first “ready for reuse” determination to a private facility in Arkansas, the former Emerson Specialty Motor Division Facility located in Rogers, Arkansas.

The state of Arkansas and EPA agree that Emerson has successfully completed its cleanup of the property. The “ready for reuse” determination verifies that the environmental conditions on this property are protective of human health and the environment based on its current use and anticipated future use as a commercial/industrial operation.

EPA Regional Administrator Mayor Richard Greene said, “Today’s announcement highlights our newest program that promotes the reuse of formerly used industrial properties. We are building on our experience using the enormously successful Brownfields program. Our 'ready for reuse' determinations clear the way by providing necessary assurances to help encourage developers to reuse these valuable natural resources.”

A “ready for reuse” determination provides, in a straightforward manner, specific information about contamination, work performed at the site and the status of each real estate parcel that has been cleaned up to meet state and federal requirements.

Mr. Marcus Devine, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Director, said, “This type of partnership bodes well for all of us, and especially for the Northwest Arkansas region. I believe we can replicate this precedent and make this level of cooperation common across the state.”

The former Emerson Specialty Motor Division Facility is located at 1315 North 13^th Street, Rogers, Benton County, Arkansas, and consists of approximately 20 acres. Emerson Electric constructed the facility in 1965 to produce small electric motors and uni-bearing motors. Operations at the facility ceased in late-2000. In 2002 the property was sold to P.I.M., LLC, and is currently an active mixed-use commercial/industrial facility, housing a metal framing manufacturing and building components supply operation, as well as a commercial laser printing business.

In June 2001, Emerson completed voluntary site assessments, which identified potential areas of concern. In the course of historical manufacturing activities, Emerson managed hazardous materials and some releases did occur. To address those releases, Emerson voluntarily cleaned up the contamination.

Information concerning the current environmental conditions of Emerson and risk management activities conducted to ensure protectiveness are summarized in the Remediation Report prepared by Emerson. Copies of this document may be obtained from ADEQ, Hazardous Waste Division, 8001National Drive, P.O. Box 8913, Little Rock, Arkansas 72219-8913.

For more information on the “ready for reuse” program, call Steve Gilrein, Associate Director for RCRA, EPA Region VI, (214) 665-8179. To learn more about EPA’s Land Revitalization Initiative, contact Steve Luftig, Senior Advisor for Land Reuse, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response at (703) 603-9931.

More information about the Emerson ready for reuse determination is available at www.epa.gov/earth1r6/ready4reuse/.