Hazardous Waste Cleanup: The International Metals Reclamation Company (Formerly: Inmetco) in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania
On this page:
- Cleanup Status
- Site Description
- Contaminants at this Facility
- Institutional/Engineer Controls
- Land Reuse
- Site Responsibility
Cleanup Status
On July 2000, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) conducted a site visit. The visit consisted of a facility tour and information gathering to assess the current status of the Facility. No obvious areas of concern were identified during the visit. After an extensive review of existing information and the site visit, on October 2002, EPA determined that there was no unacceptable human exposure to contamination nor was there any evidence of groundwater contamination caused by the Facility.
EPA issued a Statement of Basis (SB) that documents EPA's findings and proposal of "No Further Action" at the Facility at this time. A public notice on EPA's proposal appeared in the Ellwood City Ledger on December 11, 2002. The public had until March 12, 2003 to submit their comments on the proposal. After consideration of all comments received, and consistent with the requirements of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and applicable regulations, EPA's decision is substantially unchanged from the original proposed decision of "No Further Action." On March 24, 2003, EPA issued a Final Determination that no further corrective actions are necessary at the Inmetco facility at this time.
On April 16, 2020, PADEP issued the Facility a permit for Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, and/or Disposal. On January 21, 2024, the Facility filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy court appointed a Trustee to manage and close out the Facility. In February 2024 EPA identified antimony, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and nickel, listed hazardous substances as defined by section 101(14) of CERCLA, in material and waste piles. Facility operations and maintenance are no longer occurring, which has created a situation in which these hazardous substances are at risk of imminent release to the environment. Following the bankruptcy, EPA Superfund Program and PADEP Hazardous Site Cleanup Program are assisting with the closure.
Site Description
Interactive Map of The International Metals Reclamation Company, Ellwood City, Pennsylvania
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INMETCO is located in eastern Ellwood City, southwest of Ell port Borough in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. The property is approximately 92 acres. It is the former site of the U. S. Steel Ellwood City Tube Mill, which operated prior to 1919 and closed in 1975. INMETCO later purchased the property and began operations in 1978 . In 2024, the Facility filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The bankruptcy appointed Trustee with assistance from the Agencies have started the process of closing out the site.
Contaminants at this Facility
The facility received a variety of waste products for reuse in the stainless steel and battery recycling industries such as nickel cadmium batteries, alkaline batteries, lithium-ion batteries, flue dust, and mill scale.
Institutional and Engineering Controls at this Facility
Institutional and Engineering Controls will likely be required as part of the site closure.
Land Reuse Information at this Facility
To be Determined .
Site Responsibility at this Facility
Currently, EPA Superfund Removal Program and PADEP Hazardous Site Cleanup Program are assisting with the security and assessment of the site.