The Saegertown Industrial Area covers about 100 acres in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Four companies operated there, including LORD Corporation (adhesives), Saegertown Manufacturing Corporation (steel components), Spectrum Controls Inc. (ceramics), and General American Transportation Company (railroad car repair). Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) turned up in a municipal water well in 1980, triggering a full investigation. The site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990.
The main contaminants are VOCs found in groundwater and air, including 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, benzene, toluene, vinyl chloride, and several related compounds. Soil, sediment, and sludge also contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo(a)pyrene and chrysene. Groundwater is the primary affected medium, and no residential wells or homes on the Saegertown Borough water supply showed impacts as of May 2018. The main remaining risk involves potential subsurface exposure near the LORD Corporation plant during construction or excavation work.
Three of the four areas have completed cleanup. The GATX property went through soil and sludge excavation and off-site thermal treatment between 1995 and 1997, then was removed from further action. No cleanup was needed at the Saegertown Manufacturing or Spectrum Controls properties. The LORD Corporation area required more work. From 2003 to 2010, molasses was injected into groundwater wells to feed microbes that break down chlorinated VOCs. This enhanced biodegradation approach produced significant reductions in contamination. A 2007 investigation found no vapor intrusion risk to nearby buildings. Parker Hannifin Corporation, which acquired LORD Corporation in 2019, is now responsible for ongoing remedial action at that property. The plant continues to operate and has expanded production of adhesives, urethane coatings, and rubber chemicals. As of December 2024, one on-site business employed 156 people and generated about $47.4 million in annual sales.
The site is considered ready for its anticipated use. Physical construction is complete, groundwater migration is stabilized, and there is no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Institutional controls restrict groundwater use and prevent incompatible land uses such as residential development. Cleaned-up portions have been put to public use, including a Borough Township Hall, a Fire Station, and a public supply drinking water well. The 2022 five-year review confirmed the remedy continues to protect public health and the environment. The next five-year review is scheduled for 2027.
Community members can get involved through EPA's Community Involvement Program, which supports participation in cleanup decisions. Questions can be directed to the Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager. Administrative records are available online or in person at the Saegertown Area Library at 320 Broad Street in Saegertown, Pennsylvania, or at EPA Region 3 in Philadelphia by appointment.
