Janesville Ash Beds

Overview

The Janesville Ash Beds is a 65-acre former industrial waste facility in Rock County, Wisconsin, that operated from 1974 to 1985. During that time, industrial liquids and sludges were deposited on site and allowed to evaporate. Dried sludge was then disposed of in two adjacent landfills, both now closed. The site is listed on the National Priorities List (NPL), which is the federal government's roster of contaminated sites that require investigation and cleanup under the Superfund program.

The site contains 18 contaminants of concern (COCs), meaning substances EPA determined pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment. These include chlorinated solvents such as tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, vinyl chloride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, and 1,2-dichloroethene. Other contaminants include benzene, acetone, dichloromethane, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, and arsenic. These substances were found in both soil and groundwater. No private or municipal water supply wells lie in the path of the groundwater plume between the facility and the Rock River, though about 12 homes are located within one-half mile to the northwest.

The cleanup is organized under one operable unit (OU), called the RCRA Takeover area. A Record of Decision (ROD), which is the formal document selecting cleanup methods, was issued in December 1989. Remedial action began in September 1996 and construction was completed by September 1997. The selected cleanup methods include an engineered landfill cap, a gas collection and treatment system, surface water monitoring, drainage and erosion controls, onsite containment, and a centralized waste treatment facility. A 1997 modification added groundwater monitoring to the approach. Several companies and the city of Janesville share responsibility for the contamination and cleanup. The city of Janesville monitors and maintains the site under EPA and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources oversight.

Human exposure is currently under control, and contaminated groundwater migration has been stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Natural processes are reducing groundwater contaminant levels, and monitoring remains ongoing. The site achieved sitewide ready for anticipated reuse status in June 2008, and all cleanup goals have been met for current and foreseeable land uses. A 2010 study identified potential future uses including community recreation, industrial development, and wildlife habitat. The site has not yet been deleted from the NPL. EPA conducted its most recent five-year review in June 2021 and estimates the next review will occur between June and August 2026.

Community members with questions can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator. Technical questions can go to the Remedial Project Manager. Site records are available for public review at the Hedberg Public Library at 316 South Main Street in Janesville.