From 1951 to 1989, Chemical Commodities, Inc. operated a chemical brokerage and recycling business on a 1.5-acre property in Olathe, Kansas. Poor handling and storage practices caused widespread contamination of soil and groundwater. The EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in May 1994, and it remains on that list today.
Twenty-two contaminants of concern have been identified at the site. They include chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethene (TCE), tetrachloroethene (PCE), carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, and vinyl chloride, as well as metals like arsenic and chromium, and benzo[a]pyrene. These substances were found in soil, groundwater, and soil gas.
Cleanup has included excavating and disposing of heavily contaminated soil off-site, placing a protective cap over remaining soil, and using in-situ chemical oxidation to treat contaminated groundwater. Ventilation systems were installed in 51 nearby residences to reduce indoor vapor intrusion risks. An Action Memo signed in January 2025 authorized further assistance with installing and repairing vapor intrusion mitigation systems after elevated contaminants were found in recent indoor air samples. Residents who have these systems should keep them running and contact the EPA if a system breaks down. Public drinking water is not affected, and the EPA has determined that human exposure and groundwater migration are currently under control.
The former site was redeveloped and reopened in 2012 as Pollinator Prairie, an educational natural habitat created with partners including Monarch Watch and the Wildlife Habitat Council. Institutional controls and zoning restrictions remain in place to prevent land uses that could expose people to remaining contamination. Groundwater is monitored at least annually to confirm the remedy continues to work. The most recent five-year review was completed in September 2021, and the next review is expected to be completed by September 2026.
Community members can get involved through the ongoing Third Five-Year Review process. The EPA aims to test 100 percent of homes within the site boundary for vapor intrusion. Testing is free and requires homeowner permission. If contaminants are found above safe levels, the EPA will install a mitigation system at no cost to the homeowner. A community meeting was held on May 13, 2025, at the Olathe Indian Creek Library. Site records are available at that same library at 16100 West 135th Street, Olathe, Kansas. For questions, residents can reach the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Managers listed in the contact information for this site.
