Cleanup
Long after the plant and more than 3,500 others across the nation ended production, federal and state agencies determined that certain byproducts of the manufactured gas process pose potential hazards to human health and/or the environment under certain conditions. Residual materials associated with plant operations - including coal tar that contains chemicals such as benzene, naphthalene and some metals – were discovered in soil and groundwater in the vicinity of the site. Those materials were detected at two distinct depths: between 0-60 feet below ground surface (also referred to as Operable Unit 1 or OU1) and between approximately 200-315 feet below ground surface (also referred to as Operable Unit 2 or OU2). The Orlando Gasification Plant Site Group is tasked with cleanup under the direction and guidance of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
With portions of a cleanup remedy designed and approved by the EPA for OU1, work began on an initial cleanup phase in June 2018, concluding six months later in December 2018. That work involved removal and replacement of surface soils, parking areas and sidewalks on portions of the site.
Work on the second phase, which concluded in March 2020, involved the construction of an underground barrier wall around the site to ensure impacts cannot migrate.
Construction for the third phase, which is expected to conclude by the end of April 2020, involves the installation of an air sparge and soil vapor extraction system. This remedy will inject oxygen into the groundwater to reduce concentrations of any impacts outside the barrier and is projected to operate for several years. (More information on this process can be found here.) All remedies implemented at the Site are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
While unlikely, people in the immediate area may occasionally notice odors similar to road-building materials or mothballs. Such odors do not present a health hazard. Contractors will be required to follow odor- and dust- control procedures to minimize any impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Air quality will be monitored to maintain safety standards during work.
The remedy selection process continues for OU2. The EPA is completing regulatory review of a pilot study to gather additional data on deep ground water. The pilot study will last for a number of years, depending on its results, and at the conclusion, the process of selecting a permanent remedy will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment.
With portions of a cleanup remedy designed and approved by the EPA for OU1, work began on an initial cleanup phase in June 2018, concluding six months later in December 2018. That work involved removal and replacement of surface soils, parking areas and sidewalks on portions of the site.
Work on the second phase, which concluded in March 2020, involved the construction of an underground barrier wall around the site to ensure impacts cannot migrate.
Construction for the third phase, which is expected to conclude by the end of April 2020, involves the installation of an air sparge and soil vapor extraction system. This remedy will inject oxygen into the groundwater to reduce concentrations of any impacts outside the barrier and is projected to operate for several years. (More information on this process can be found here.) All remedies implemented at the Site are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
While unlikely, people in the immediate area may occasionally notice odors similar to road-building materials or mothballs. Such odors do not present a health hazard. Contractors will be required to follow odor- and dust- control procedures to minimize any impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Air quality will be monitored to maintain safety standards during work.
The remedy selection process continues for OU2. The EPA is completing regulatory review of a pilot study to gather additional data on deep ground water. The pilot study will last for a number of years, depending on its results, and at the conclusion, the process of selecting a permanent remedy will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment.
OU1 Cleanup
A Consent Decree outlining the approved remediation plan was executed by the EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Orlando Gasification Plant Site Group, and lodged on January 8, 2015, in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. The Court entered the Consent Decree on March 18, 2015. Since that time, planning and testing of the design occurred under the direction and guidance of EPA for implementation. With approval from the EPA, construction began in June 2018, concluding six months later in December 2018.
Work on the second phase, which concluded in March 2020, involved the construction of an underground barrier wall around the site to ensure impacts cannot migrate. Work for this phase is expected to conclude by the end of February 2020.
Construction for the third phase, which is expected to conclude by the end of April 2020, involves the installation of an air sparge and soil vapor extraction system. This remedy will inject oxygen into the groundwater to reduce concentrations of any impacts outside the barrier and is projected to operate for several years.
West Robinson Street will be open throughout the majority of this period, with periodic road closures. For the most part, work will occur during the day, avoiding nights and weekends. While unlikely, people in the immediate area may occasionally notice odors similar to road-building materials or mothballs. Such odors do not present a health hazard. Contractors will be required to follow odor- and dust-control procedures to minimize any impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
Extensive planning has been done to design a plan intended to clean up the Orlando Gasification Plant Site with minimal disruption to those living or working nearby. Health and safety continues to be the top priority throughout the project. Ongoing air and groundwater monitoring will be conducted to ensure health and safety is maintained. Contractors are required to follow emission control procedures to minimize any impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Detailed information about the full OU1 remediation plan is available on the EPA website. The remedy consists primarily of soil excavation and/or treatment, construction of underground walls to encapsulate a portion of the site, and an engineered cap over affected areas. In addition, areas outside the wall will be treated by bio-sparging. These remedies are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
OU1 Cleanup
A Consent Decree outlining the approved remediation plan was executed by the EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Orlando Gasification Plant Site Group, and lodged on January 8, 2015, in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. The Court entered the Consent Decree on March 18, 2015. Since that time, planning and testing of the design occurred under the direction and guidance of EPA for implementation. With approval from the EPA, construction began in June 2018, concluding six months later in December 2018.
Work on the second phase, which concluded in March 2020, involved the construction of an underground barrier wall around the site to ensure impacts cannot migrate. Work for this phase is expected to conclude by the end of February 2020.
Construction for the third phase, which is expected to conclude by the end of April 2020, involves the installation of an air sparge and soil vapor extraction system. This remedy will inject oxygen into the groundwater to reduce concentrations of any impacts outside the barrier and is projected to operate for several years.
West Robinson Street will be open throughout the majority of this period, with periodic road closures. For the most part, work will occur during the day, avoiding nights and weekends. While unlikely, people in the immediate area may occasionally notice odors similar to road-building materials or mothballs. Such odors do not present a health hazard. Contractors will be required to follow odor- and dust-control procedures to minimize any impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
Extensive planning has been done to design a plan intended to clean up the Orlando Gasification Plant Site with minimal disruption to those living or working nearby. Health and safety continues to be the top priority throughout the project. Ongoing air and groundwater monitoring will be conducted to ensure health and safety is maintained. Contractors are required to follow emission control procedures to minimize any impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Detailed information about the full OU1 remediation plan is available on the EPA website. The remedy consists primarily of soil excavation and/or treatment, construction of underground walls to encapsulate a portion of the site, and an engineered cap over affected areas. In addition, areas outside the wall will be treated by bio-sparging. These remedies are based on scientific and engineering best practices.