EDGERTON, OH - Edgerton Acquisitions LLC and its affiliates, Edgerton Development, Inc. and the Village of Edgerton, are under scrutiny for their role in the environmental legacy of a former manufacturing facility at 218 East Bement Street, Edgerton, Ohio. With decades of hazardous waste mismanagement, the site has become a focal point for regulatory oversight and environmental remediation.
Historical Overview
The facility’s contamination history stretches back to its operations by Edgerton Metal Products (EMP) from 1960 to 1992. Key violations included:
• 1991 Cyanide Spill: A release of 1,350 gallons of spent copper cyanide plating solution (F007) into the St. Joseph River resulted in environmental damage and a fish kill. Initial containment was limited to recovery efforts, with no further action taken at the time.
• 1993 SWMUs Assessment: The U.S. EPA identified 12 Solid Waste Management Units (SWMUs) and areas of concern (AOCs). Recommendations included sampling and potential RCRA closure of contaminated areas.
Subsequent ownership by Edgerton Metal Corp (1993-1997), Moeller Land & Cattle Co. (1997-2004), and Fernbud LLC (2004-2018) failed to address contamination issues. Samples collected during decommissioning in 2012 revealed significant soil and groundwater contamination by VOCs such as TCE and PCE, cyanide, and metals.
Regulatory Oversight
Ohio EPA’s involvement has been extensive, beginning with the issuance of the 1991 Final Findings and Orders (DFFOs) for closure of hazardous waste storage units. The site remains on the RCRA Corrective Action 2020 Baseline List, reflecting its classification as a Large Quantity Generator (LQG) of hazardous waste.
The 2019 Director’s Final Findings and Orders (DFFOs) mandated corrective actions under the RCRA FIRST framework, including soil excavation, groundwater treatment, and vapor intrusion investigations. These orders were updated in 2023 to incorporate additional compliance requirements.
Recent Violations and Findings
1. 2023 Storage Violations:
Ohio EPA inspections revealed:
• Hazardous waste stored in 55-gallon containers for over 203 days, exceeding the 90-day limit under OAC rule 3745-52-17.
• Improper stockpiling of excavated soil on plastic sheeting without proper containment.
2. Sediment Stockpile Sampling (2024):
Sampling confirmed no contamination from prior soil stockpiles, eliminating the need for additional closure activities for these areas.
Remediation and Financial Assurance
The respondents secured $4.96 million in Brownfield Remediation Grants in 2023 to fund remediation efforts. Future financial assurance obligations will be tied to grant funds or alternative mechanisms outlined in the DFFOs.
Key actions include:
• Submission of the Corrective Action Framework Agreement (CAF) and associated work plans in 2023.
• Completion of targeted excavation, vapor intrusion investigations, and groundwater injection remedial measures by late 2024.
Ongoing Obligations
Ohio EPA continues to monitor the facility under strict compliance protocols:
• Monthly progress reports detailing soil removal, hazardous waste disposal, and remedial activities.
• Implementation of Interim Measures (IM) for any newly identified threats or hazardous waste releases.
• Future closure performance standards for areas used for hazardous waste storage.
Conclusion
Edgerton Acquisitions LLC and its affiliates have made progress in addressing the facility’s long-standing contamination, but challenges remain. The case underscores the importance of regulatory frameworks and corporate accountability in mitigating environmental damage and protecting public health.
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