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Two Texas Sites Added to National Superfund List

Release Date: 7/24/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) announced today that the former State Marine barge cleaning facility in Port Arthur and the former Jasper Creosoting Company property near Jasper have been added to the federal Superfund program’s National Priority List (NPL).

     Established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, Superfund is our country’s program for cleaning uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.

     "Texas has been a dedicated and effective partner in working to get this property on the NPL and has committed to pay 10 percent of the cost. Because 90 percent of cleanup costs of NPL sites is paid by the Federal Superfund Trust, cleanups can be accelerated. In keeping with EPA’s commitment that polluters pay, the Agency will vigorously seek reimbursement from the responsible parties after the property is restored," EPA Regional Administrator Gregg Cooke said.

     TNRCC Chairman Barry McBee said, "It is important that we clean up this contamination as quickly as possible because it poses a threat to important Texas water resources. This listing will ensure that the State of Texas and the EPA are working together to ensure that the cleanup is effective."

     State Marine cleaned barges used to transport petroleum products and other chemicals. The 17 acre site on the shore of Sabine Lake is contaminated with residues of these materials. These chemicals have been found in samples taken from the bottom of the lake, which is an important recreation and fishing area. A nearby National Wildlife Refuge, which is a vital stop for a variety of migratory bird species, is also threatened by contaminated rain runoff from the site.

     Contamination at the 11.26 acre former Jasper Creosoting Company Inc site threatens ground water in the Jasper area. Toxic chemicals used in the creosoting process have been found in water samples from on-site monitoring wells. Cleanup will ensure that Jasper’s main drinking water well, less than a mile downhill from this property, remains safe.

     EPA is developing proposals to clean these sites so that the health of area residents and the surrounding environments are protected. As each proposal is completed, public meetings will be held in each area to explain and discuss the plans. Residents’ concerns and comments will be considered when cleanup plans are finalized. Also, EPA will prepare periodic mailings throughout the planning and actual cleanup to keep interested parties up-to-date on current site activities.

     Additional information about this site is available on the regional web site at www.epa.gov/region6/6sf/6sf-tx.htm.