Hazardous Waste Cleanup: World Resources Company in Pottsville, Pennsylvania

On this page:


The site is currently being operated by World Resources Company (WRC) and was determined complete without controls. There was an information session on August 12, 2013 and which was followed by a public comment period. The final corrective action decision was signed on September 30, 2013.

Cleanup Background

In 1988, a Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted at the facility.  During this time five monitoring wells were installed at the facility at this time (four shallow wells and one deep well). Soil borings were also conducted at this time, and scrap metal was found on site.  The scrap metal was removed from the site.  

In 1998, a minimal amount of recyclable F006 (electroplating waste water treatment sludge) material (below reportable quantities) was tracked off the facilities lined receiving receptacle by the tires of a delivery transport vehicle.  The F006 material was properly cleaned up. WRC installed a bermed tire wash station and paved the facility truck entrance driveway with asphalt to prevent releases from happening again.

In 2012, the facility conducted a limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), the undeveloped southeast portion of the facility, tax parcel number 20-06-0034-000 (27 acres).  The Phase II ESA found that the property has not been impacted by the historic and current industrial use from WRC.

WRC does groundwater and soil monitoring roughly twice a year since 1990. No other known releases have occurred at the facility resulting in investigation or remedial actions.

Top of Page


Site Description

Interactive Map of World Resources Company, Pottsville, Pennsylvania


View larger map

The World Resources Company (WRC) facility is approximately 9 acres of developed land and 27 acres of undeveloped land located in Pottsville, Pennsylvania which is among mixed commercial and undeveloped wooded property.  The facility is situated on the northeast quadrant of the property and is bordered by Walnut Lane to the north.

The Facility has a containment building of approximately 28,000 square feet and houses the production/process areas and associated equipment that includes a wastewater treatment system.  Located adjacent to the north side of the containment buildings is the on-site laboratory where analyses of waste material prior to arrival are performed.  The administrative and office buildings are located adjacent to the northeast corner of the containment building and hold a reception area, administrative offices and conference rooms.  The storage building is located on the east side of the parking area.  The supply building is located adjacent to the southeast corner of the processing building and contains uniforms and general supplies. The majority of the remaining property is unused land that is forested or covered by grass.

The property was initially owned by the Greater Pottsville Industrial Development Corporation. In 1974 the property was developed by the Oliver Organization, which constructed a steel warehouse with adjoining offices.  Argo operated a steel fabrication line at the site, and in 1980 ceased operation.  WRC leased the property in 1982 and started operation in 1983.  WRC is a recycler of metal bearing sludge’s that are generated primarily by metal finishing and electroplating industries.  In 1988 WRC purchased the property.  The facility has had several inspections with the most recent in 2012. 

Top of Page


Contaminants at this Facility

No contaminants above levels of concern exist at the facility.

Top of Page


Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility

Institutional Controls were not required at the facility.

Top of Page


Land Reuse Information at this Facility

The site's future use is yet to be determined.

Top of Page


Site Responsibility at this Facility

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action activities at this facility have been conducted under the direction of EPA Region 3.

Top of Page