U.S. EPA Directs Chevron Subsidiary Texaco Inc. To Complete Cleanup Work Investigation At Superfund Site

11/04/2009 -- LOS ANGELES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a Unilateral Administrative Order to Texaco Inc. that requires the company to assess soil and groundwater contamination and evaluate additional cleanup options, for the Pacific Coast Pipeline Superfund Site (commonly known as the “Texaco site”) in Fillmore, Calif.

“With this UAO, EPA looks forward to moving the Site cleanup into its final phase, so the property can be returned to productive reuse by the community,” said Keith Takata, Director of the Superfund program in EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “This cooperative effort builds on prior cleanup work and will result in a protective cleanup for the community.”

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From 1920 to 1951, Texaco operated the 52-acre Pacific Coast Pipeline site as an oil refinery, which contaminated soil and groundwater with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds. In 1986 Texaco cleaned up the on-site waste disposal pits, and in 1993, under the Superfund program, the EPA directed Texaco to pump and treat the groundwater.

Benzene, a known carcinogen, is the primary contaminant in the groundwater. The benzene plume, which extends approximately 100 yards off the site, does not threaten drinking water wells. Although benzene concentrations in groundwater were reduced after the pump and treat system was installed, concentrations remain above drinking water standards. The soil has low levels of lead and semi-volatile chemicals, such as naphthalene, which also need to be addressed.

The EPA is also updating the Pacific Coast Pipeline Community Involvement Plan to identify opportunities for communication with the public about upcoming activities at the site.

For more information on the EPA’s Superfund program, visit:
http://www.epa.gov/region09/waste/sfund/

Source: EPA