The Chemet Co. site covers 5 acres in Moscow, Tennessee. It was a former antimony oxide processing facility that ran from 1978 to 1987. The facility turned lead-laden ore into antimony, a chemical used in fire retardants and plastics. Waste from furnace operations piled up in unsecured stockpiles, drums, bins, and containers, contaminating soil and debris across the site. EPA added Chemet Co. to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) in May 1994 because of that contamination.
EPA and the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment carried out cleanup work in 1994 and 1995. Workers excavated contaminated soil to at least 6 inches deep across the site and a nearby elementary school ball field. More than 20,000 tons of contaminated soil went to a landfill in Memphis. Crews also removed over 120 drums of slag and 37 boxes of raw ore, then demolished on-site buildings. Disturbed areas were covered with 6 inches of clean soil and reseeded with grass. A formal Record of Decision for the site was issued on May 15, 1996, selecting no further action as the final remedy. Construction was also completed that same day.
EPA deleted the site from the NPL on October 9, 1996, after confirming that cleanup goals had been met. Human exposure is currently under control across the entire site, with no unacceptable exposure pathways identified. No hazardous wastes remain on site, and no further cleanup activities are planned. The site achieved sitewide ready for anticipated reuse status on June 26, 2006, meaning all cleanup goals for current and expected future land uses have been met and all required land-use controls are in place.
The site participates in EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Program, which helps communities return cleaned-up sites to productive use. During the cleanup process, EPA held public notices, public meetings, and interviews to keep the community informed. No additional Five-Year Reviews are planned, and the site profile page is maintained for historical reference only. Community members with questions can contact the Remedial Project Manager.
