Frequently Asked Questions
Orlando Municipal Gasification Plant - Frequently Asked Questions
How was the area contaminated?
Beginning in the 1850s, gas used to heat homes, light streets, fuel industry and for cooking was manufactured from various combustible materials, such as coal, coke or oil at facilities known as manufactured gas plants (MGPs). Operations were considered state-of-the-art in their day. However, few, if any, environmental requirements existed until long after the plants had been shut down.
During a time much later, after the plants ended production, federal and state agencies determined that certain byproducts of the gas-making process, including coal tar, pose potential hazards to human health or the environment under certain conditions. Here, the Florida Department of Health has determined that, because of the low contaminant levels that were present in soils and the lack of exposure to groundwater, there is no risk to human health from this site.
Is there contamination in the water?
Drinking water for the surrounding communities comes from municipal wells, which are located in a different area and at a significantly greater depth. The Orlando Utilities Commission routinely samples all of its wells and no contaminants from the Site have been found in the municipal water supply.
What cleanup activities have already taken place?
The initial phase of the Orlando Gasification Plant Site construction project began in June 2018 and concluded in June 2020. It included removal of surface soils that were impacted and construction of a containment wall below ground and an impermeable surface cap to prevent exposure and the migration of impacted groundwater. A system for treating groundwater was also installed outside the containment wall.
What is taking place currently?
Shallow groundwater outside the containment wall is being treated using a combination of air sparging, soil vapor extraction, in situ bioremediation (on-site biological treatment) and groundwater extraction, treatment and reinjection.
To address the deeper groundwater (OU2), the Group has completed its evaluation of potential remedial alternatives and presented those to the EPA in a document called a Feasibility Study. The EPA has selected its preferred remedy, which will generally consist of pumping and treating the groundwater. The EPA will explain that remedy further at a public meeting scheduled for April 14th.
Will the cleanup impact local residents and businesses?
Extensive planning and testing has been done to design a plan intended to clean up the Site with minimal disruption to those living or working nearby. Health and safety continue to be the top priority throughout the project. Air and groundwater monitoring will be conducted to ensure health and safety is maintained. For the most part, work will occur during daylight hours on weekdays. No nighttime or weekend work is expected.
Am I at risk during cleanup?
The cleanup project will be conducted with the oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Appropriate safety precautions will be taken during the cleanup to ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding community, including air monitoring. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) investigated the former MGP Site at the EPA’s request and concluded the Site does not pose a health risk, stating “since people do not come into contact with contaminants in groundwater or on-site, or nearby subsurface soils, they will not harm people’s health.”
Where can I find additional information about the West Robinson Site aka Orlando Gasification Plant Site?
Sampling results and investigation reports are placed in the public document repository located at the main branch of the Orlando Public Library on East Central Boulevard in downtown Orlando.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact us here, or call us at (407) 796-2033.
How was the area contaminated?
Beginning in the 1850s, gas used to heat homes, light streets, fuel industry and for cooking was manufactured from various combustible materials, such as coal, coke or oil at facilities known as manufactured gas plants (MGPs). Operations were considered state-of-the-art in their day. However, few, if any, environmental requirements existed until long after the plants had been shut down.
During a time much later, after the plants ended production, federal and state agencies determined that certain byproducts of the gas-making process, including coal tar, pose potential hazards to human health or the environment under certain conditions. Here, the Florida Department of Health has determined that, because of the low contaminant levels that were present in soils and the lack of exposure to groundwater, there is no risk to human health from this site.
Is there contamination in the water?
Drinking water for the surrounding communities comes from municipal wells, which are located in a different area and at a significantly greater depth. The Orlando Utilities Commission routinely samples all of its wells and no contaminants from the Site have been found in the municipal water supply.
What cleanup activities have already taken place?
The initial phase of the Orlando Gasification Plant Site construction project began in June 2018 and concluded in June 2020. It included removal of surface soils that were impacted and construction of a containment wall below ground and an impermeable surface cap to prevent exposure and the migration of impacted groundwater. A system for treating groundwater was also installed outside the containment wall.
What is taking place currently?
Shallow groundwater outside the containment wall is being treated using a combination of air sparging, soil vapor extraction, in situ bioremediation (on-site biological treatment) and groundwater extraction, treatment and reinjection.
To address the deeper groundwater (OU2), the Group has completed its evaluation of potential remedial alternatives and presented those to the EPA in a document called a Feasibility Study. The EPA has selected its preferred remedy, which will generally consist of pumping and treating the groundwater. The EPA will explain that remedy further at a public meeting scheduled for April 14th.
Will the cleanup impact local residents and businesses?
Extensive planning and testing has been done to design a plan intended to clean up the Site with minimal disruption to those living or working nearby. Health and safety continue to be the top priority throughout the project. Air and groundwater monitoring will be conducted to ensure health and safety is maintained. For the most part, work will occur during daylight hours on weekdays. No nighttime or weekend work is expected.
Am I at risk during cleanup?
The cleanup project will be conducted with the oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Appropriate safety precautions will be taken during the cleanup to ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding community, including air monitoring. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) investigated the former MGP Site at the EPA’s request and concluded the Site does not pose a health risk, stating “since people do not come into contact with contaminants in groundwater or on-site, or nearby subsurface soils, they will not harm people’s health.”
Where can I find additional information about the West Robinson Site aka Orlando Gasification Plant Site?
Sampling results and investigation reports are placed in the public document repository located at the main branch of the Orlando Public Library on East Central Boulevard in downtown Orlando.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact us here, or call us at (407) 796-2033.
