Hazardous Substance Research Centers/South & Southwest

Site

A former elemental phosphorous producing plant in Tarpon Springs, Florida on the Gulf coast. Click here to see map showing contaminated site.

Site description

The former elemental phosphorous producing plant extracted elemental phosphorus from phosphate ores using an electric oven. However, a phosphoric slag containing heavy metals and radioactive Radium 226 was also produced. This slag was combined with other aggregates to create building materials used in home and road construction.

Organization requesting assistance

Informal group from residents

Summary of TOSC assistance

A Record of Decision has been published for the site with input resulting from a community Technical Assistance Grant (TAG). However, some citizens are still concerned about human health effects from heavy metals, other contaminants, and radioactivity. Off-site, residents are concerned that the radioactive content of the slag material exceeds safe levels for human health. Local and U.S. EPA officials are conducting investigations off-site to determine the range of current exposure levels and if these levels meet, exceed, or fall below state and federal limits.

TOSC activity with the citizens affected by the Stauffer Chemical Company site was limited during 2000 to efforts at re-establishing a relationship with leaders of the community involvement groups. Following the publication of a Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree under CERCLA in January 2000, TOSC was contacted and asked to provide information and contacts on communities served by TOSC. TOSC responded to this request and is waiting for an indication as to whether TOSC's services will be utilized. In May a revised Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree was issued by EPA, followed by an announcement that a Community Advisory Group (CAG) was being formed within the Tarpons Springs Community. TOSC will continue to attempt to establish a relationship with the community, and in the meantime will monitor development at the site.