Alternate Energy Resources Inc. ran a commercial hazardous waste storage and treatment facility on a 2.6-acre property in Augusta, Georgia from 1975 to 2000. The facility blended materials for fuel and recycled wastes, but some wastes were released into the ground, storm sewer, and on-site basins. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in April 2006 due to contaminated soil and groundwater. Contaminated groundwater extends south beyond the site boundary into the surrounding area, which is otherwise industrial and commercial.
EPA identified 21 contaminants of concern across soil and groundwater. These include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, vinyl chloride, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in soil include benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene. Other contaminants include dichloroethane compounds, dichloromethane, xylene, cumene, and methyl acetate.
Cleanup began in 2000 when Georgia EPD (Environmental Protection Division) removed 499 drums, tank residues, and chemicals from the site. EPA selected a final remedy in September 2010 that included soil vapor extraction, chemical treatment, soil stabilization, hydrogen injection into groundwater, monitoring, and institutional controls. Soil cleanup ran from September to December 2013 and is now complete. Construction finished in September 2015, and the site is now in a long-term response action phase for groundwater. The potentially responsible parties are funding investigation and cleanup costs through a negotiated agreement with EPA.
EPA has determined that human exposure to contaminants is currently under control. A five-year review found that vapor intrusion does not pose a threat to residents or workers, and contaminated groundwater migration is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. The surrounding community has access to public water supply, and the site is fenced to restrict access. The most recent five-year review was completed in November 2022, and the site is estimated to reach sitewide readiness for anticipated reuse between November 2027 and January 2028.
Community members can review site records at the Jeff Maxwell Branch Library at 1927 Lumpkin Road in Augusta, Georgia. For questions, community members can contact the EPA's Remedial Project Manager.
