Remediation Begins at former Tri-States Plant Food Facility

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Feb 26 2019 8:11 AM

Work has begun on the next phase of clean-up at the former Tri-States Plant Food site located on East Burdeshaw Street. Project contractors have begun the process of removing contaminated soil in order to replace it with clean soil.

All existing concrete foundations will be removed and the site will be regraded. In addition, all soil removed from the site will be tested and disposed of at an ADEM approved facility by environmental contractors hired by the property owner. The soil removal and replacement project will result in a significant improvement in the environmental condition of the site.

The former Tri-States Plant Food is under an approved Environmental Corrective Action Plan with oversight by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

The site’s property owners are continuing to fund clean-up activities in an effort to achieve environmental remediation. Once achieved, the site can be considered for future development opportunities. 

Introduction

Under the oversight of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and in concert with the City of Dothan, ExxonMobil and site owner BFEL Indemnitor, Inc. (BFEL) are working together in performing an ongoing environmental investigation of the former Tri-State Plant Food Site, known as VCC Dothan.

Site Background/History

The former Tri-State Plant Food Site, known as VCC Dothan, is located in an outlying urban area of Dothan, Alabama. ExxonMobil and BFEL, the site owner, are the potentially responsible parties (PRPs) for the site. The site was used as a fertilizer manufacturing plant from the 1890s until 2009. Elevated levels of inorganic compounds, including arsenic and lead, have been discovered on site in groundwater and soil. The on-site groundwater collection and treatment system has been in operation since 1994.

Work Planned

The ADEM has approved the PRPs’ action plan which will involve removing soil, potentially impacted by arsenic and lead, and replacing it with off-site fill soil, as well as improving on-site storm water drainage and groundwater treatment. The work was initiated in December 2018 and will be completed in 2019.

Next Steps

Technical teams with ExxonMobil and BFEL proposed this course of action to address groundwater levels with ADEM, as well as provide for proper storm water drainage at the site. ExxonMobil and BFEL take environmental responsibility seriously, and maintain the highest standards for safety, health and environmental care.

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