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Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Voestalpine High Performance Metals Corporation - South Boston Plant (Formerly: Böhler-Uddeholm Specialty Metals Corporation) in South Boston, Virginia

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Cleanup Status

In September 2017, the facility's Hazardous Waste Management Permit was modified to incorporate a final remedy detailed in a Statement of Basis dated January 23, 2017, and developed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) and EPA. The final remedy required the facility to extend a cover over the known Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) and the maintenance of certain property mechanisms known as Institutional Controls (ICs) and Engineering Controls (ECs). The Statement of Basis and Permit modifications underwent a 60-day public comment period during which a public meeting was conducted. No comments were received during the comment period. The modified Permit became effective on September 8, 2017,  and represents Remedy Selection and Remedy Construction Complete determinations in accordance with the Corrective Action process.

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Site Description

Interactive Map of Voestalpine High Performance Metals Corporation (Formerly Böhler-Uddeholm Specialty Metals Corporation) , South Boston, VA

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Böhler is located on more than 43 acres of land approximately one mile east of the Town of South Boston, Halifax County, Virginia. Böhler performed metal finishing services (rolling, drawing, grinding, straightening, etc.) in the production of specialty steels. These steels were used to manufacture drill bits, saw blades, cutting tools, and similar applications. During facility operations, from 1972 until 1985, lime stabilized spent pickle liquor solutions were temporarily stored in the former impoundment before being discharged into Wood’s Creek. Discharge from the impoundment was performed in accordance with the facility’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit (VA0051047).

The former impoundment was taken out of service in 1985. All liquids that had collected in the impoundment were removed in accordance with the NPDES Permit. Based on approved closure activities, the remaining waste, approximately 590 cubic yards of sludge, was closed in place and covered by a protective cap. Closure certification was successfully completed on June 21, 1989.

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Contaminants at this Facility

Inorganics were identified as being the primary contaminants of concern.

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Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility

A Deed Notice is in place identifying the location of the hazardous waste surface impoundment closed with waste in place as a landfill.

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Land Reuse Information at this Facility

The facility continues to be used for industrial purposes by Bohler.

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Site Responsibility at this Facility

RCRA Corrective Action activities at this facility are being conducted under the direction of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality with assistance from the EPA Region 3.

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