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Hazardous Waste Cleanup: DC Department of Corrections (Formerly: Lorton Correctional Complex) in Lorton, Virginia

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Cleanup Status

A meeting and site visit was conducted on October 30, 2008 to the Former Lorton Correctional Complex. The USEPA Region III and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will decide if additional information or sampling at the facility is required to determine whether the environmental indicators have been met or if corrective action is required at the facility. The facility will be provided with the opportunity to pursue Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) corrective action utilizing the Facility Lead Program Agreement by USEPA.

In order to address the identified follow-up items, available data and reports are being reviewed by the EPA to determine the next steps in the Corrective Action program and to make a determination with regard to the Environmental indicators.

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Site Description

Interactive Map of DC Department of Corrections (Formerly: Lorton Correctional Complex), Lorton, VA

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The Lorton Correctional Complex was established circa 1911 and included dormitories, cell blocks, residences, maintenance facilities, a large oil and coal-fired boiler house (steam plants), industrial facilities such as furniture manufacturing and repair facilities, vehicle repair centers, a hog farm, a dairy farm, a water treatment plant, and wastewater treatment plants. The facility generated and managed hazardous waste from the various manufacturing and industrial related activities including wood/upholstery furniture manufacturing/repair, printing operations, metal working and fabrication, vehicle maintenance and repair, and auto body work. Historical review of the facility's information I indicates the Lorton facility was cited on numerous occasions for a significant number of regulatory violations of the RCRA Regulations. As a result of the frequency of the RCRA violations, the facility was issued two Enforcement Consent Orders (COs), which required the facility to address the violations and to come into compliance with the regulatory requirements.

On July 15, 2002, after the property was surveyed and covenants established, 2,324 acres was transferred to Fairfax County for $4.2 million. Areas of the property designated for a high school and a middle school (approximately 116 acres) were transferred at no cost on May 1, 2002.

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Contaminants at this Facility

The facility generated and managed hazardous waste from the various manufacturing and industrial related activities including wood/upholstery furniture manufacturing/repair, printing operations, metal working and fabrication, vehicle maintenance and repair, and auto body work.

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Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility

The need for Institutional controls is yet to be determined.

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Land Reuse Information at this Facility

The site is under continued use.

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Site Responsiblity at this Facility

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

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