J.H. Baxter Wood Treating Facility Cleanup Investigation
EPA is working with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to gather information to determine the extent of contamination on and around the J.H. Baxter & Co. wood treating facility in Eugene, Oregon.
![Exterior chemical storage tank showing hazard information for penta.](/system/files/styles/small/private/images/2023-06/JH-Baxter-Eugene-Tanks.jpg?itok=88UMELI5)
Current Work
Residential soil sampling
EPA has been supporting Oregon DEQ in conducting a residential soil study to determine the number of residential properties affected by soil contamination. The data will provide information about potential contamination from past facility operations and identify areas of concern in the residential neighborhood directly to the north of the facility.
When will I get my sample results?
To date, EPA has sampled 52 properties for dioxin contamination. EPA should receive the results of these efforts by mid-July, then they will be made available to Oregon DEQ. DEQ will then share the results with all the property owners and tenants.
Oregon DEQ is working closely with EPA, as well as the City of Eugene, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, Oregon Health Authority, Active Bethel Citizens, and Beyond Toxics to share information about the residential soil sampling efforts.
Facility and tank evaluation
EPA is continuing to investigate the J.H. Baxter facility including all tanks, storage areas, silos, totes, and other areas where chemicals were, or continue to be, stored or used. We are using the data to develop a strategy for handling and removing the chemicals from the site.
We expect to continue to collect samples through fall of 2023.
Environmental sampling to support a potential Superfund site designation
EPA collected soil, sediment, and water samples the week of May 1, 2023, from both the facility and the surrounding areas. These samples will determine the scope, severity, environmental and potential public health impacts of chemicals that have migrated from the site and from air pollution from facility operations.
The findings of these samples will help EPA determine the best approach to addressing the environmental and public health risks, including whether the site would qualify for proposal to the Superfund National Priorities List.
Site Background
From 1943 to 2022, J.H. Baxter treated wood products at their West Eugene, Oregon facility. Environmental contamination from chemicals that were used to treat wood products, such as creosote and pentachlorophenol (also known as "penta" or PCP), have contaminated the soil and groundwater and are an ongoing concern for surrounding neighborhoods.
J.H. Baxter stopped operations at the site in January 2022, but the chemicals remain in tanks and environmental contamination has not been addressed.
Contacts
- Randy Nattis (nattis.randy@epa.gov), 503-628-9419, EPA Project Manager.
- Rafi Ronquillo (ronquillo.rafi@epa.gov), 206-638-6305, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator.
- Alice Corcoran (corcoran.alice@epa.gov), 206-473-2725, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator.
Additional information about this project is available on the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s website.