US Oil Recovery

Overview

The US Oil Recovery Superfund site sits on two properties along N. Richey Street in Pasadena, Texas. Both properties formerly processed used oil and treated wastewater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in September 2012 after identifying a threat of uncontrolled releases of hazardous substances, especially benzene-contaminated materials, into Vince Bayou. The site is divided into three operable units (OUs), which are distinct cleanup areas managed separately.

Contaminants of concern include benzene, arsenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and contaminated liquids and sludge. Affected media include soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water connected to Vince Bayou. A 2013 evaluation found that PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins are not attributed to the site. Health consultations from 2009 and 2020 concluded that arsenic and PAHs in off-site soil and sediment are not expected to harm people's health. However, health agencies could not determine whether eating fish from Vince and Little Vince Bayous poses a health risk, or whether past air quality in the nearby residential area was safe to breathe. Human exposure is currently not considered under control, and groundwater migration is also not under control.

Cleanup has been active since 2010. EPA and contractors hired by responsible parties have removed about 6.7 million gallons of contaminated liquids and 1.29 million gallons of sludge. Completed work includes demolishing a large contaminated bioreactor, removing more than 1,150 containers from a warehouse, and cleaning out over 30 storage tanks. Emergency work in 2018 removed liquids and solids from wastewater units ahead of hurricane season. The most recent EPA oversight removal action was completed in August 2023. Remedial investigations and feasibility studies (RI/FS) are underway for both main properties, with completion estimated between April and June 2028. No remedy has been selected yet, and construction has not started.

Community members can get independent technical help through two EPA programs at no cost. The Technical Assistance Services for Communities (TASC) program provides EPA-contracted scientists and engineers who explain site-specific environmental science and agency actions. Local citizens' groups can also apply for a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) of up to $50,000 to hire their own technical advisor. Only one TAG is awarded per Superfund site, and applicant groups must be incorporated and meet a 20 percent matching requirement through cash or donated services. To learn more or apply, contact the EPA's TAG Coordinator.