Hazardous Substance Research Centers/South & Southwest

Buried coal tar site waste on a former manufactured gas plant site.

Site
The area around D'Antignac and King Streets near downtown Augusta

Site description
The area suffers from the aftereffects of the production of manufactured gas. Soil contaminated by benzene, naphthalene, lead, cyanide, and arsenic is found on the site of the former plant and on private property of homeowners surrounding the site.

Organization requesting assistance
Informal group from impacted communities

Beginning of assistance
February 1998

Summary of TOSC assistance

A commuity leader presenting results of environmental studies at a meeting attended by TOSC representatives.

Clean up has progressed on the site of the plant and several area homeowners have settled lawsuits, but concern over health effects and long-term environmental damage remains high among residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. TOSC has been working with community leaders and the Trinity C.M.E. Church to provide assistance in the form of document review and technical expertise on data verification. TOSC is currently reviewing the terms of the latest consent order to assist with the communityÃs planning for area redevelopment.

Recently, a legal settlement was reached with the Trinity C.M.E. Church and more residents of the community. The Church and several residents will be moved to a new location, but concern remains for those residents who have not reached a settlement and/or will stay in this area. TOSC is reaching out to these residents in order to assist them in addressing their ongoing concerns over site cleanup, related health effects of the coal tar, and community redevelopment plans.

Manufactured gas plants report