From 1950 to 1975, Republic Steel Corporation discharged about 200,000 gallons per day of waste pickle liquor into a 5-acre quarry near the Black River in Elyria, Ohio. The liquid contained sulfuric acid and dissolved metal oxides, which contaminated groundwater beneath the site with heavy metals. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in June 1986.
Contaminants found in groundwater and soil include metals such as barium, beryllium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, silver, vanadium, and zinc. Organic chemicals including acetone, dichloromethane, pentachlorophenol, and phenol were also identified. Calcium was detected in groundwater and soil as well.
Cleanup included removing contaminated soil and sediment and monitoring groundwater. The final remedial action ran from September 1989 through the end of 1992. EPA also conducted removal work between February and November 1990. A 1998 five-year review led to expanded steps including fence repair, warning signs, and tighter access controls. In 2001, institutional controls were added to the remedy through an Explanation of Significant Differences. EPA deleted the site from the National Priorities List in 2002.
Current assessments show no unacceptable human exposure pathways at the site. Groundwater migration is stabilized, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. In July 2002, the city of Elyria passed an ordinance prohibiting commercial and residential use of the property, groundwater extraction for drinking water, and swimming or fishing in the quarry. The city must rely solely on the municipal water supply for drinking water. The most recent five-year review, completed in March 2023, found the remedy protective of human health and the environment. However, the city still needs to develop and implement an Operation and Maintenance plan and continue enforcing the land-use restrictions. The next five-year review is scheduled for 2028.
Community members with questions can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager. Site records are also available at the Elyria Central Public Library at 320 Washington Avenue in Elyria, Ohio.
