Sherwood Medical Industries

Overview

Since 1959, a 43-acre property three miles northeast of downtown DeLand has been used for medical supply manufacturing. The company disposed of liquid and sludge wastes into unlined tanks and ponds, spreading contamination across groundwater, soil, sediment, and surface water. The EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in 1983. Today, Covidien Corporation runs a medical supply facility at the location.

Contaminants of concern include volatile organic compounds such as trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, benzene, toluene, and vinyl chloride. Heavy metals including arsenic, chromium, lead, cadmium, and nickel are present in soil and sediment. Other chemicals found at the site include 1,1,1-trichloroethane, dichloromethane, ethylbenzene, xylene, and the pesticide DDT. These contaminants affect groundwater, soil, sediment, and surface water.

The cleanup is organized into three operable units. The first covers on-site soils and off-site groundwater using a pump-and-treat system, soil removal, monitoring, and institutional controls. The second addressed on-site groundwater through an earlier pump-and-treat system. The third covers Lake Miller sediments, where a 1997 review found no further cleanup action was needed, though monitoring continues. Construction across the entire site was completed in 1997. The EPA assessed vapor intrusion from groundwater and determined it does not pose a threat to residents or workers. A 2020 Five-Year Review found the site protective of human health and the environment in the short term. The most recent five-year review was completed on May 21, 2025.

Current conditions are under control. No unacceptable pathways exist for people to contact contaminants. Groundwater migration is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Contamination in the shallow aquifer has moved off-site but is not used for drinking water. Deeper Floridan Aquifer contamination stays within site boundaries. Residential wells nearby show no site-related contamination. Institutional controls restrict the site to industrial use only, require soil testing before digging under buildings or parking areas, and limit access to Lake Miller. The site is fenced and secured. A sixth Five-Year Review is expected by the end of 2025.

Community members can stay informed through public notices, public meetings, and interviews about cleanup progress. Site records are available at the DeLand Public Library at 130 East Howry Avenue. Questions can be directed to Angela Miller, the Community Involvement Coordinator, or Do Hyong Kim, the Remedial Project Manager.