Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Vitco Corporation in Waterford, Pennsylvania
On this page:
- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Institutional/Engineer Controls
- Land Reuse
- Site Responsibility
Cleanup Status
In November 2008, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) performed an Environmental Indicator visit.
In September 2009, EPA made a determination that human exposures and groundwater releases at the site were under control and therefore no further Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action was necessary.
Cleanup Background
The facility operated as a small quantity generator (SQG) under PAD000428136 during both Elgin and Vitco ownership and operation, although Elgin was initially listed as a large quantity generator (LQG). Vitco also operated under an air permit
Investigations and remedial actions consisted of a site assessment and tank removal. In preparation for purchase of the facility from Waterford Development Authority (WDA), Vitco arranged for a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in 1992. WDA contracted with an environmental consultant for the removal and evaluation of the concrete underground storage tank (UST) adjacent to the northern wall of Building No. two and analysis of soil samples at the location of the former 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) above ground storage tank (AST) adjacent to the southern wall of Building No. two. The July 1993, Closure Report by the environmental consultant concluded that that the two tanks had not impacted the surrounding soil at their locations and consequently, did not recommend further investigation or remedial action for either location.
A subsequent Phase I ESA was conducted in 2008, following Vitco's operations, to assist in the future sale of the property. The assessment included a review of documentation such as deeds, maps and environmental records and a site visit. The assessment report of September 2, 2008, stated "There are no recognized environmental conditions associated with the subject site, either reported or observed." The report noted only the presence of some containers of chemicals such as aerosols, paints, petroleum products, and cleaning materials, and a number of drums reportedly containing steel grit material used in the pipe-cleaning process employed by Vitco. These remaining unused materials were noted to be "de minimis" conditions related to the environment at the site.
Site Description
Interactive map of Vitco Corporation, Waterford, PA
View larger mapThe property is the former Combustion-Engineering Elgin Electronics (Elgin), which operated a manufacturing and electroplating business for printed circuit boards in Waterford, PA. Subsequently, Vitco, a manufacturer of pipes and fittings with porcelain coating, occupied the premises.
The facility is located on a 10-acre parcel of land in the western portion of a residential area in Waterford, Pennsylvania. The land use surrounding the site is mainly residential. The population of Waterford was approximately 1,400 according to the U.S. Census in 2000. Most of the residential properties are located along Routes 19 and 97, which run north and south through Waterford. State Game Lands No. 109, used for hunting, is situated to the north of the facility. There is very little industrial activity in the area.
The subject property is occupied by two buildings, a trailer, storage yard, and an undeveloped area (wooded). The facility could be entered via one of two entrances along Walnut Street. The northern entrance leads to the offices and a parking area while the southern entrance provides access to the former loading dock and storage yard. Building No. one is aligned with its longer wall parallel to Walnut Street and is approximately 135 by 325 feet in size. Building No. two is a smaller building approximately 80 feet by 230 feet in size, northwest of and connected via a breezeway to Building No. one.
In 1988, Vitco, a manufacturer of pipes and fittings with porcelain coating, occupied the premises and began operations in the Building No. 1, the main plant. Elgin occupied the building for engineering and office space from 1987 until January 1990. From January 1990, Vitco became the sole occupant of the property. Vitco Corporation, which purchased the facility in 1993, retained ownership of the facility and changed its name to Walnut Street Enterprises (eventually to Walnut Street Associated Properties, LLC).
The facility has been empty since 2006 until 2008. At the time of the site visit in 2008, portions of the former office building (Building 2) of Vitco were being developed and renovated to support educational activities by a local university and the former main manufacturing building continued to remain unoccupied. Building No. one was empty except for some inactive equipment, two drums containing baghouse dust, and several empty drums that formerly contained acetone and isopropyl alcohol. In November 2008, portions of Building No. two (including the former Elgin operations area) were being leased for an artist's studio and for storage of theatre equipment.
Contaminants at this Facility
No contaminants above levels of concern exist at the Facility
Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility
Institutional Controls were not required at the facility.
Land Reuse Information at this Facility
The facility is being reused.
Site Responsibility at this Facility
RCRA Corrective Action activities at this facility have been conducted under the direction of EPA Region 3 with assistance from PADEP.