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Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Beazer East, Incorporated (Formerly: Koppers) in Salem, Virginia

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Cleanup Status

On July 13, 2015, a public notice was published soliciting comments on a Statement of Basis describing the DEQ’s proposed remedy decision, which consists of institutional and engineering controls, periodic dye trace studies, limited DNAPL recovery, and groundwater monitoring.  During the 60 day public comment period a public meeting was held on July 30, 2015.  No comments were received during the public meeting.  However, one comment was received during the comment period, but it did not change elements of the final remedy.  Subsequently, the facility’s Hazardous Waste Management Permit was modified to incorporate the final remedy.

Cleanup Background

The facility maintains a Hazardous Waste Management Permit (renewed in 2007) for Site-Wide Corrective Action for on-going post-closure activities at the facility’s former close surface impoundments and its site-wide corrective action investigation and clean-up activities.

On September 29, 2003, DEQ completed an evaluation of available information and issued a “YES” determination for the “Migration of Contaminated Groundwater Under Control” Environmental Indicator (EI) under the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA).

On September 30, 2004, DEQ completed an evaluation of available information and issued a “YES” determination for the “Current Human Exposures Under Control” EI under the GPRA.

In 2010 the facility completed necessary RFI Investigation activities and in October 2011 the facility completed a risk assessment, which indicated that no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment was identified under current and future industrial land use.

In March 2012, the facility submitted a Corrective Measure Study Work Plan.  Subsequently, the facility completed a site-wide groundwater monitoring event in support of the proposed corrective action objectives and completing a Corrective Measure Study.   

In April 2014, DEQ approved the facility’s Corrective Measures Study, which included an evaluation of potential remedies to address groundwater and institutional controls and proposed a final remedy.

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Site Description

Interactive Map of Beazer East, Incorporated (Formerly: Koppers), Salem, VA

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The facility occupies 85 acres and is located approximately 2.0 miles west of the City of Salem in Roanoke County.  It has been operational since 1955 producing treated wood products using creosote including railroad cross ties, bridge timbers, and crossing panels.

The facility is located on the north bank of the Roanoke River and the Norfolk and Southern Railroad line runs in a northeast to southwest direction along the northern edge of the property.  East of the facility, the Kroger Company owns and operates a warehouse and distribution center.

 In 1988 BNS, a subsidiary of Beazer PLC, acquired all common stock of Koppers Company, Inc. Subsequently, the Facility was purchased by Koppers Industries, Inc., a new independent. The name Koppers Industries, Inc. was changed to Koppers Inc. and in 1989, the company name of Koppers Company was changed to Beazer Materials and Services, Inc. and eventually was changed to Beazer East, Inc. in 1990. Current Facility operations still consist of wood treatment using creosote exclusively and Beazer East continues to maintain responsibility for the closed regulated units and the Corrective Action Program. It has been operational since 1955 producing treated wood products using creosote including railroad cross ties, bridge timbers, and crossing panels.

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Contaminants at this Facility

The primary contaminants in the groundwater and soils at the facility are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  The facility continues to conduct site-wide groundwater monitoring.

The facility’s risk assessment indicated that no unacceptable risk to human health and the environment was identified under current use and future industrial land use conditions since groundwater beneath the facility is not used as a drinking water source.

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Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility

Institutional controls at the facility include a residential land use restriction limiting the property’s use to industrial purposes only and a groundwater use restriction limiting the use of groundwater beneath the property to purposes necessary for clean-up activities.

Engineering controls included ongoing inspection and maintenance of the engineered cap over the former surface impoundments.

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Land Reuse Information at this Facility

The facility is under continued use.

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Site Responsibility at this Facility

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action activities at this facility are being conducted under the direction of the Virginia DEQ with assistance from the EPA Region 3.

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