Shuron Inc.

Overview

Shuron Inc. is a former eyeglass lens manufacturing facility in Barnwell County, South Carolina. Textron, Inc. operated the plant from 1958 to 1992. The EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in December 1996 after facility operations contaminated groundwater, surface water, soil, and sediment. The site is also known as Shuron Textron Inc.

Twenty-one contaminants of concern have been identified across groundwater, soil, and sediment. They include volatile organic compounds such as trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, vinyl chloride, and toluene, as well as heavy metals including arsenic, lead, and copper. Other contaminants include ethylbenzene, xylene, dichloroethane, dichloroethene, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.

Textron, as the potentially responsible party, leads cleanup under EPA and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control oversight. Contaminated soil and sediment were removed in 2001 and 2002 through solidification, stabilization, aeration, and off-site disposal. Groundwater treatment began in 2010 using chemical injections to stimulate naturally occurring bacteria that break down contaminants in place. Institutional controls prohibit groundwater use and residential land uses at the site. The 2021 Five-Year Review confirmed that current conditions protect human health and the environment. Human exposure to contaminants is currently under control. Groundwater migration is monitored to ensure contamination stays within its original area. Vapor intrusion does not currently pose a risk because no buildings sit above the contaminated groundwater. The site achieved sitewide ready for anticipated reuse status in April 2014, though it has not yet been deleted from the National Priorities List. Groundwater treatment remains ongoing.

A new Five-Year Review is currently underway, estimated for completion between August and October 2026. Once finished, the final report will be available to the public. Residents can review site records at the Barnwell County Public Library at 40 Burr Street in Barnwell, South Carolina. The EPA also conducts outreach through public notices, public meetings, and interviews to keep the community informed throughout the cleanup process.