Better Brite Plating Chrome & Zinc Shops

Overview

Better Brite Plating Chrome and Zinc Shops sits in De Pere, Wisconsin, where metal plating operations from 1968 to 1989 released hazardous chemicals into soil and groundwater. The site was added to the National Priorities List on August 30, 1990, after an initial assessment in 1983. It includes two shop locations, one at 519 Lande Street and one at 315 South 6th Street.

The site contains 25 contaminants of concern found in soil and groundwater. These include metals such as chromium, chromium(VI), cadmium, lead, nickel, and zinc, along with cyanide, chlorinated solvents including trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene, benzene, and the pesticide p,p'-DDT. Between 20,000 and 60,000 gallons of plating solution leaked from underground tanks, and contaminated surface water pooled in nearby residential backyards during high water periods.

Cleanup efforts have removed over 16,000 tons of contaminated soil and debris, along with plating tanks and waste materials. EPA and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources installed groundwater collection and treatment systems and covered contaminated soil areas. The main construction phase finished in February 2000. In 1996, EPA selected final cleanup plans focused on stabilizing chromium in soil and groundwater and treating contaminated groundwater at both locations. The state has managed operation and maintenance since July 2011.

Human exposure is currently under control. There are no unacceptable human exposure pathways, all cleanup goals have been achieved, and land-use restrictions are in place. Zoning restrictions prevent residential uses that would be inconsistent with the cleanup level. The site was determined ready for anticipated reuse in April 2015. However, EPA has not yet drawn firm conclusions about whether contaminated groundwater migration is fully stabilized, and continued monitoring is ongoing. The most recent five-year review was completed on November 6, 2024.

Community members who want to review site records can visit the Brown County Library Kress Family Branch at 333 North Broadway in De Pere, where the administrative record is available. For direct questions, contact the Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager assigned to the site.