Taylor Borough Dump

Overview

Taylor Borough Dump is a 125-acre former mining site in Taylor Borough, Pennsylvania, that was used as a municipal landfill from 1964 to 1968. The City of Scranton dumped waste there, and illegal disposal of 1,200 drums containing hazardous organic chemicals and heavy metals contaminated the air, soil, surface water, sediment, and groundwater. EPA added the site to its National Priorities List (NPL), the official roster of the country's most serious hazardous waste sites, in September 1984.

EPA identified 34 contaminants of concern at the site. Heavy metals found in soil include lead, mercury, chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic, and tin. Organic chemicals found in soil include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo(a)pyrene and chrysene. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in soil and groundwater include tetrachloroethene, toluene, and xylene. Pesticides and other compounds, including chlordane and a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) called Aroclor 1254, were also found in soil.

Cleanup began after a 1983 fire on the landfill surface. EPA removed 1,141 drums through an emergency response. A 1987 Consent Decree between EPA and five responsible parties led to additional work completed in 1988, including removing 125 more drums and remnants, treating contaminated pond water, excavating and disposing of contaminated soils, and placing a soil cover over the affected area. Groundwater testing after cleanup showed levels within safe limits, so no further groundwater cleanup was needed. EPA deleted the site from the NPL in September 1999. The site reached "sitewide ready for anticipated reuse" status in December 2011, meaning cleanup goals for current and expected future land uses have been met.

The City of Scranton took over operation and maintenance responsibilities from EPA in 2011. Zoning restrictions and fencing are in place to protect the soil cover and prevent incompatible land uses. The most recent five-year review, completed in June 2023, found the remedy is protective of human health and the environment in the short term. Long-term protection depends on the responsible party continuing all required maintenance activities. EPA has confirmed that human exposure is under control and groundwater migration is under control. Groundwater in the area is not used for drinking, as prior mining operations affected the aquifer's yield and quality. Long-term response action for soil, sediment, and surface water is expected to conclude between September and November 2027, with operation and maintenance continuing through at least September 2028 under state oversight. The next five-year review is estimated between June and August 2028.

Community members who want to learn more or get involved can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator Eric Pollard directly. Site records are available for public review at the Taylor Borough Municipal Building in Taylor, Pennsylvania, or at the EPA Region 3 office in Philadelphia.