Cabot Koppers Superfund Site Phase 1 Remedial Action

History & Location

The site includes the former Koppers wood-treatment facility and the former Cabot Carbon pine-tar products facility in Gainesville, Florida. The Koppers facility, a wood-treating facility that formerly existed on the property, began operations in 1916 with the American Lumber and Treating Company preserving wood utility poles and timbers.  Over the years the property changed hands several times. In March 2010, Beazer purchased the real property comprising the Koppers Facility.  Over the years, wood-treatment preservatives used at the Koppers facility included creosote, pentachlorophenol, and chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Primary release areas included the former Process (pressure-treatment) Area, the former Drip Track area where wood was allowed to dry immediately after treatment, and two former process-water lagoons.  The lagoons were closed and filled.

The facility that existed on the Cabot Carbon portion of the site began production of pine-tar products and charcoal in the early 1900s. Cabot Corporation bought the operation in the 1940s and continued operating the facility. The facility generated of a number of products, including pine oil, turpentine, pine tar, charcoal and other blended solvents.  In 1967, the Cabot portion of the site was sold to a local private investor, and approximately 10 years later it was developed into the existing shopping center. A release from a former Cabot process lagoon occurred during this period, resulting in impacts to nearby creeks.

After receiving complaints about these impacts local, state, and EPA investigations were conducted and corrective actions were implemented.  In October 1981, EPA proposed the site for placement on the National Priorities List (NPL).  NPL listing was finalized in 1983.  Remedial investigations (RIs) were completed in 1987 and 1989, and a feasibility study (FS) was completed in May of 1990.

Significant Project Features

Project Gallery