T.H. Agriculture & Nutrition Co.

Overview

The T.H. Agriculture and Nutrition Co. site is a former pesticide formulation facility in Fresno, California. It operated from 1950 to 1981 and was added to EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986 after contamination from manufacturing and on-site waste disposal was identified. The site has since been cleaned up and deleted from the NPL in August 2006.

EPA identified 24 contaminants of concern across soil and groundwater. Pesticides found in soil include dieldrin, DDT compounds, toxaphene, and malathion. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, 1,2-dichloroethane, and chloroform turned up in both soil and groundwater. Carbon tetrachloride, 1,2,3-trichloropropane, and chloroform were also detected in groundwater. Arsenic was found in soil as well. About 30,000 people live within three miles of the site, and roughly 35,000 people rely on groundwater in the area for drinking water.

Cleanup work included soil vapor extraction, removal of structures, excavation of contaminated soil, installation of a soil cap, and monitored natural attenuation to let natural processes reduce groundwater contamination. EPA installed the cap and a fence by 2003 and put institutional controls and long-term monitoring in place. Physical construction was complete by June 2004, and the site was ready for its anticipated reuse by June 2006.

Human exposure is currently under control across the entire site. Contaminated groundwater has stabilized in its original area, and all cleanup goals have been met with required land-use restrictions in place. EPA continues to conduct five-year reviews to confirm the remedy stays protective. Reviews were completed in 2008, 2013, 2018, and most recently in September 2023. The next review is expected between September and November 2028.

Community members with questions about the site can contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator.