Craig Farm Drum sits on 117 acres in Parker, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. Between 1958 and 1963, roughly 8,000 tons of still bottom residue from resorcinol production were deposited into two former strip mine pits. EPA discovered contamination during a 1980 investigation and added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in September 1983. The site has also been known as Craig Farm Drum Disposal Site, Craig Lagoon, and Koppers Disposal Lagoon No. 5.
Contamination affected soil, groundwater, and surface water. EPA identified ten contaminants of concern, including benzene, phenol, 1,3-benzenediol, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc. The primary health threats were direct contact with contaminated surface water and accidental ingestion of contaminated groundwater. A detailed investigation from 1986 through 1987 found damaged drums and contamination affecting aquatic life downstream.
EPA issued a cleanup plan in September 1989 focused on minimizing environmental risk. The remedy covered capping 3 acres of the former north pit with an impermeable layer, excavating and filling nearby ground, and installing groundwater collection and infiltration systems. Remedial construction ran in two phases: September 1993 through April 1996, and May 2010 through December 2010. In September 2009, EPA issued an Explanation of Significant Differences that modified the approach to add engineered caps, offsite treatment, drainage and erosion controls, and hydraulic controls.
EPA deleted the site from the NPL in 2013, confirming that cleanup goals had been met. Human exposure is under control, with no unacceptable exposure pathways remaining. Contaminated groundwater is stabilized within its original area. Institutional controls remain in place to restrict groundwater use and prevent construction from disturbing the waste cap. Zoning restrictions also block incompatible land uses such as residential development. EPA completed its sixth Five-Year Review in March 2024, confirming the remedy continues to protect public health and the environment. The next review is scheduled for 2029.
Community members can get involved through EPA's Community Involvement Program. Site records are available for in-person review at Karns City Area High School (726-756-2030) or at EPA Region 3 headquarters in Philadelphia by calling (215) 814-2396 to schedule an appointment.
