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: 0-60 feet below ground surface (OU1) and approximately 200-315 feet below ground surface (OU2). The Group is tasked with cleanup under the direction and guidance of the 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 in groundwater cannot migrate.
Construction for OU1 concluded in June 2020, and the operation of an air sparge/soil vapor extraction system and groundwater extraction/treatment/reinjection system are currently underway.
Work on the OU2 portion of remediation has begun, starting with the implementation of the Pilot Study Work Plan in mid-May 2020. Work for this Study will consist of the extraction and treatment of groundwater from the Upper Floridan Aquifer to gather additional data.
The Pilot Study may last for a number of years. At its conclusion, selection of a permanent remedy, based on the Study’s results, will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment. 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 are required to follow odor- and dust-control procedures to minimize any impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Air quality is monitored to maintain safety standards during work.
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 in groundwater cannot migrate.
Construction for OU1 concluded in June 2020, and the operation of an air sparge/soil vapor extraction system and groundwater extraction/treatment/reinjection system are currently underway.
Work on the OU2 portion of remediation has begun, starting with the implementation of the Pilot Study Work Plan in mid-May 2020. Work for this Study will consist of the extraction and treatment of groundwater from the Upper Floridan Aquifer to gather additional data.
The Pilot Study may last for a number of years. At its conclusion, selection of a permanent remedy, based on the Study’s results, will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment. 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 are required to follow odor- and dust-control procedures to minimize any impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Air quality is monitored to maintain safety standards during work.
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 Jan. 8, 2015, in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. The Court entered the Consent Decree March 18, 2015. Planning and testing of the design occurred under the direction and guidance of the 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.
Construction for OU1 concluded in June 2020, and the operation of an air sparge/soil vapor extraction system and groundwater extraction/treatment/reinjection system is currently underway.
Work on the OU2 portion of remediation has begun, starting with implementation of the Pilot Study Work Plan in mid-May 2020. Work for this Study will consist of the extraction and treatment of groundwater from the Upper Floridan Aquifer to gather additional data.
The Pilot Study may last for a number of years. At its conclusion, selection of a permanent remedy, based on the Study’s results, will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment. All remedies implemented at the Site are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
Extensive planning continues to minimize disruption to those living or working nearby. Health and safety continue 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 and construction is available on the EPA website. The remedy consists primarily of soil excavation and/or treatment, construction of underground walls and an engineered cap over affected areas to encapsulate the Site. In addition, areas outside the wall are being treated by an air sparge/soil vapor extraction and groundwater extraction/treatment/reinjection system. 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 Jan. 8, 2015, in the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida. The Court entered the Consent Decree March 18, 2015. Planning and testing of the design occurred under the direction and guidance of the 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.
Construction for OU1 concluded in June 2020, and the operation of an air sparge/soil vapor extraction system and groundwater extraction/treatment/reinjection system is currently underway.
Work on the OU2 portion of remediation has begun, starting with implementation of the Pilot Study Work Plan in mid-May 2020. Work for this Study will consist of the extraction and treatment of groundwater from the Upper Floridan Aquifer to gather additional data.
The Pilot Study may last for a number of years. At its conclusion, selection of a permanent remedy, based on the Study’s results, will begin. Any remedy the EPA ultimately selects will be published for public comment. All remedies implemented at the Site are based on scientific and engineering best practices.
Extensive planning continues to minimize disruption to those living or working nearby. Health and safety continue 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 and construction is available on the EPA website. The remedy consists primarily of soil excavation and/or treatment, construction of underground walls and an engineered cap over affected areas to encapsulate the Site. In addition, areas outside the wall are being treated by an air sparge/soil vapor extraction and groundwater extraction/treatment/reinjection system. These remedies are based on scientific and engineering best practices.