Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Cytec Industries, Incorporated in Willow Island, West Virginia
On this page:
- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Institutional/Engineer Controls
- Land Reuse
- Site Responsibility
Cleanup Status
For purposes of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action environmental investigations, the Cytec Willow Island facility has been divided into three general areas: the plant processing area, the area west of cow creek and the landfill area south of State Route 2. Currently, environmental investigations are focused on the two former landfills know as solid waste management units, (SWMUs), in the area west of cow creek. A Phase I RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI) has been completed for both landfills. The analytical results from the first phase of the field investigation indicate the groundwater, sediment and soils have been impacted near the SWMUs due to past waste management practices.
Additional sampling has confirmed high levels of lead in the sediment of one of the landfills. EPA and WVDEP are currently working with the facility to implement interim measures at this landfill to eliminate any potential risks.
Site Description
The Cytec Willow Island facility, located approximately 15 miles northeast of Parkersburg, West Virginia, has been in operation since 1947 as a multi-product, multi-process chemical plant. The facility has produced a variety of organic and inorganic chemicals. The facility covers 972 acres, 250 of which are used for operations that are divided into four business units. Major products are ultraviolet light stabilizers, antioxidants, anti-static agents, surface active agents, aliphatic isocyantates and precious metal reforming catalyst.
This investigation and any necessary cleanup activities are being implemented in accordance with a federal Corrective Action Permit. EPA has issued three modifications to the initial permit documenting additional cleanup tasks. The requirements of the permit include:
• Sampling and Investigation at 11 Solid Waste Management Units (SWMUs);
• Structural stability study of a surface impoundment's earthen embankment and implementation of corrective ; measures if warranted;
• RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI), to provide more in-depth information about the SWMUs; and
• Corrective Measures Study (CMS) if warranted, to propose and implement final cleanup actions needed.
Three of the SWMUs, two landfills and a container storage area have been clean closed. Cleanup activities at two other landfills have been completed and these units are currently in a long-term monitoring phase. The structural stability study of the surface impoundment has been completed and concluded that the embankment is stable and no further action is required
Contaminants at this Facility
Metals and volatile organic compounds are the main constituents found in groundwater at the site. The constituents of concern include lead, benzene and solvents such as methanol and toluene. A pump and treat ground water system is in operation at the plant not only to contain the contaminants on-site, but also to reduce their concentration in the ground water.
Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility
The need for Institutional Controls has yet to be determined.
Land Reuse Information at this Facility
The facility is in continued use.
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 the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.