Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Andritz Incorporated in Muncy, Pennsylvania
On this page:
- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Institutional/Engineer Controls
- Land Reuse
- Site Responsibility
Cleanup Status
EPA sets national goals to measure progress toward meeting the nation’s major environmental goals. For Corrective Action, EPA evaluates two key environmental indicators for each facility: (1) current human exposures under control and (2) migration of contaminated groundwater under control. In June 2011, EPA determined, with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) input, that both the Human Exposures and Groundwater Environmental Indicators have been met.
The Facility was investigated and remediated under the PADEP Act 2 program. EPA has evaluated the actions taken under the Act 2 program. EPA believes the Corrective Action requirements are met by past remediation actions and the implementation of land use restrictions to prevent exposure to contamination remaining at the Facility.
EPA issued a Corrective Action Statement of Basis (SB) in June 2016. The SB described the environmental conditions at the site and asked for public comments on EPA's tentative decision. In July 2016, EPA issued a Final Decision requiring Andritz to implement land use restrictions, , through an Environmental Covenant pursuant to the Pennsylvania Uniform Environmental Covenants Act, to prevent human exposure to contaminants remaining at the Facility.
Site Description
The facility is approximately 42 acres and is located in Muncy Pa. Land use surrounding the property consists of mixed residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. The Facility has operated since 1866 in the manufacture of steel castings and sheet metal fabrication. At the time of the Facility investigation and remediation, Andritz, Inc. owned the entire 42-acre industrial property. Several parcels, totaling approximately 10 acres, were sold from 2013 through 2015, after remediation actions were completed.
Environmental investigations began in 1989. Remediation of contaminated areas continued through 2013. Contaminated soil was remediated to the extent practical. Soil with a defined area of contamination was excavated. A diffuse area of contamination was remediated with a soil vapor/groundwater extraction system. Andritz extended the Muncy Borough potable water system to all downgradient properties that were using groundwater. Details of the investigations and remediation are provided in the Corrective Action Statement of Basis (June 2016).
Contaminants at this Facility
The following contamination remained following remediation:
- Soil contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons remained in three areas located under existing manufacturing structures, paved areas, and/or several feet of uncontaminated soil
- Soil contaminated with ethylbenzene remained in one localized area at a depth of 19 feet below ground surface
- Groundwater contaminated with 1,1-dichloroethane remained at only one small area of the facility
Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility
The EPA Corrective Action Final Decision requires implementation of an Environmental covenant to restrict land use to prevent human exposure to contaminants at the Facility
Land Reuse Information at this Facility
The property is in continued use as a manufacturing facility.
Site Responsibility at this Facility
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action activities at this facility have been conducted under the direction of EPA Region 3 with assistance from PA DEP under the PADEP Act 2 program.