EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

10/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2024 14:36

EPA to host public meeting about the cleanup of Techtrix, Inc. in Gadsden, Ala.

EPA to host public meeting about the cleanup of Techtrix, Inc. in Gadsden, Ala.

October 4, 2024

Contact Information
Region 4 Press Office ([email protected])
(404) 562-8400
GADSDEN, Ala. (October 4, 2024) -On October 15, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with support from the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management (EMA), will hold a public meeting to discuss cleanup activities for the Techtrix, Inc. Site in Gadsden, Alabama. Officials from the EPA and Gadsden/Etowah County will explain the cleanup and answer questions.WHO:EPA and Gadsden/Etowah County EMA WHAT:Public Meeting to discuss cleanup activities for the Techtrix, Inc. SiteWHEN:October 15, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.WHERE:Mission Baptist Church, 1115 Tuscaloosa Avenue, Gadsden, Alabama

Techtrix, Inc. is an electroplating and metal finishing facility located at 525 Plainview Street in Gadsden. EPA has assessed and secured the site. The cleanup is being performed as a time-critical removal action to permanently remove the material from the site and protect human health and the environment.

The cleanup is expected to be completed within the next few months and all contaminated wastes will be sent to an approved off-site disposal facility. On-site security will be maintained until the contaminated materials have been safely disposed.

Background

In March 2024, after the death of the property owner, the estate declared it could not complete required cleanup and closure actions. It then became necessary for EPA to assess the site for a cleanup. In July 2024, EPA conducted a site assessment, which included samples of the wastes and soil outside the facility. While the complete sampling results are still preliminary, they confirm liquid containing cyanide, stored in totes and vats, and corrosive wastes. An emergency response was initiated in August 2024 after a follow-up site visit revealed several damaged tanks that were leaking. The response action included emptying the tanks of the liquids and disconnecting utilities.

For more information about the Techtrix, Inc. cleanup, visit: www.epa.gov/al/gadsden-al-techtrix

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