Rock Hill Chemical Co.

Overview

Rock Hill Chemical Co. is a former paint solvent and textile dye recovery facility that operated from 1960 to 1964 in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The company stored paint sludges, dye products, and other wastes directly on the ground. A fire in 1964 ended operations, and decades later EPA placed the site on its Superfund National Priorities List in February 1990 because of groundwater contamination from those waste handling practices.

Four contaminants are found in groundwater at the site. They are chloroethene (vinyl chloride), cis-1,2-dichloroethene, manganese, and trichloroethene. EPA determined all four pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment and require cleanup action. Contaminated soil was removed in 1986 and 1987, and EPA determined no further soil action was needed after that work.

Cleanup of groundwater is organized under one operable unit, OU01. EPA selected the final remedy in June 1994. It calls for groundwater extraction and discharge to a publicly owned wastewater treatment facility, deed restrictions limiting how the property can be used, and ongoing groundwater and surface water monitoring. The groundwater treatment system started operating in 1995. Remedial construction was completed in December 1996, and operation and maintenance has continued since then. EPA assessed vapor intrusion in 2008 and found that groundwater vapors do not threaten nearby residents or workers.

Groundwater contamination remains within the site boundary. A water line connects nearby residents and businesses to the public water supply, so no one uses the contaminated groundwater for drinking. EPA's 2021 Five-Year Review confirmed the remedy protects human health and the environment. Human exposure is under control and groundwater migration is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. As of December 2024, the site achieved Sitewide Ready for Anticipated Use status, meaning all cleanup goals have been met and all required controls are in place. One business now operates on site, employing 47 people. The next Five-Year Review is estimated between August and October 2026. Site records are available at the York County Library at 138 E Black Street in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Community members can stay informed through public notices, public meetings, and interviews that EPA conducts throughout the cleanup process. For questions, contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager.