The West Troy Contaminated Aquifer sits in Miami County, Troy, Ohio, east of the Great Miami River. Contamination from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), mainly tetrachloroethene (PCE), has affected groundwater in the area since the late 1980s and early 1990s. The site was added to the EPA's Superfund National Priorities List in September 2012.
EPA has identified four contaminants of concern in groundwater and soil gas: 1,4-dichlorobenzene, benzene, tetrachloroethene, and trichloroethene. These were selected for cleanup because they pose an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment based on the amounts present and the potential effects of exposure.
Investigations began in 1997 but did not pinpoint the source of contamination. A Remedial Investigation completed in October 2017 confirmed that residual VOC contamination lies between the Great Miami River and County Road 25A. EPA finalized a cleanup plan in September 2020 through a Record of Decision. That plan calls for injecting microorganisms and dextrose into the aquifer to break down contaminants, connecting affected properties to Troy's public water supply while removing private wells, applying land and groundwater use controls, and monitoring groundwater and potential vapor intrusion.
Remedial design work began in April 2023, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This phase is expected to finish between March and May 2028. The actual construction and implementation of the cleanup is estimated to start between May and July 2028. EPA assessments indicate that human exposure is currently under control across the entire site, meaning there are no unacceptable exposure pathways at this time. Contaminated groundwater migration has also been stabilized, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water found.
Community members can review a Community Involvement Plan that explains the cleanup process and its effects on the local area. Public records related to EPA Superfund work at this site are available at the Troy Local History Library at 100 W. Main St. in Troy, Ohio. Two EPA contacts are available for questions: Adrian Palomeque, Community Involvement Coordinator, and Jeffrey Gore, Remedial Project Manager. The Ohio EPA's Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization website also offers statewide context on contaminated sites.
