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Fact Sheet

February 2007

Five Year Review to Begin, Johns' Sludge Pond Superfund Site, Wichita, Kansas

INTRODUCTION

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducts regular checkups, called five-year reviews, on certain Superfund sites where cleanups have been completed. These reviews are required by the Superfund law [42 U.S.C. Section 9621 (c)]. EPA Region 7 and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) have started their fourth five-year review of the Johns' Sludge Pond Superfund site in Wichita, Kansas. EPA and KDHE are conducting the five-year review to make sure the cleanup continues to protect people and the environment.

SITE BACKGROUND

The site is located near 29th Street and Hydraulic Avenue in Wichita, Kansas. From 1951 to 1970 the Super Refined Oil Company, which is no longer in business, recycled waste oil and disposed of an estimated 7,000 cubic yards of oily sludge into an unlined pond. Some flooding occurred during heavy rainfalls. Before cleanup, the pond contained acidic sludge and acidic water. EPA also found heavy metals in the sludge and water, including lead and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Under EPA oversight, the city of Wichita conducted a cleanup removing and treating sludge from the pond. A liner was installed on the bottom and sides of the pond to create a protective disposal cell for the treated sludge. The city constructed a cover over the cell and fenced the area to protect the cap. Deed restrictions were placed on the property to restrict land uses.

The city of Wichita and the Sedgwick County Health Department currently conduct semi-annual ground water monitoring at the site and provide long-term site maintenance.

FIVE YEAR REVIEW

EPA and KDHE will study site information during this fourth five-year review and inspect the site to determine if the remedy remains protective of human health and the environment. Members of the community are encouraged to report any concerns about the site.

A final report will be prepared at the end of the review and will be available at the site information repositories.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The site Administrative Record is available at the following locations during normal business hours:

Wichita City Hall
455 N. Main St.
Wichita, Kan.

EPA Superfund Records Center
901 N. Fifth St.
Kansas City, Kan.

Questions or requests for information can be submitted to:

Fritz Hirter
Community Involvement Coordinator
U.S. EPA Region 7
901 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Toll-free: (800) 223-0425
E-mail: hirter.fritz@epa.gov

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