EPA Continues to Address Contamination at the Flura Corporation in Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee.

Business Editors & Environmental Writers

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 2000

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to address contamination at Flura Chemical.

During the week of October 23, 2000, EPA will begin the on-site sampling and treatment of approximately 650 cylinders over the next six to nine months. Due to the toxicity of the chemical compounds, the highest level of personal protective equipment will be required. Simultaneous operations will be scheduled for the handling, treatment, and disposal of chemical laboratory containers.

Future operations will include the assessment of waste burial areas around the perimeter of the site in December 2000 and January 2001. Additional information will be provided after assessment of these areas.

Since April 2000, there have been approximately 24 responses to the site to stabilize, treat and dispose of hazardous constituents to protect the public and environment. EPA has been assisted in this effort by multiple support groups which include: the U.S. Coast Guard, the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, the Emergency Response Team, and ERRS, START and REAC contractors. Additionally, local and state support has continued throughout the removal action.

The EPA is nearing completion of the inventory of all chemical containers, drums, storage tanks and cylinders located within the laboratory building. More than 6,000 containers have been hazard categorized for waste identification since April 2000. Approximately 100 drums have been transported off-site for treatment and disposal at permitted facilities. More than 250 pounds of liquid acids and base waste have been neutralized on-site. Several of the site structures are being assessed so that waste can be removed for future treatment. Several loads of scrap material have been transported off-site for recycling. As of August 2000, approximately 120 yards of nonhazardous miscellaneous waste and debris have been transported off-site to a permitted facility. Additionally, a 30 cubic yard rolloff box of asbestos was contained and transported for disposal at a permitted facility.

Flura Corporation was a synthesizer of fluridated bromine compounds, and uses a large volume and variety of chemicals in its operations, including a variety of gases in canisters and tanks. The chemicals include acids, caustics, flammable liquids, oxidizers, reactive compounds, volatile organic compounds and halogenated compounds. EPA ordered the facility to cease operations in March 2000 after a second 7003 Order was issued under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The removal action is taking place under the authority and direction of the Agency's Emergency Response and Removal Branch.