DEQ is working with Hollingsworth & Vose Fiber Corporation to clean up groundwater contaminated with trichloroethylene at its Corvallis site, which was previously operated by Evanite. Groundwater at the site and on neighboring properties contains varying concentrations of a chemical, commonly known as TCE, from releases at the facility in the 1970s and 1980s.
History of the site
The site, at 1115 SE Crystal Lake Drive, Corvallis, is still used as a glass fiber manufacturing facility. Between 1975 and 1996, Evanite manufactured polyethylene-silica separator material in the Submicro Building, using TCE in the process. Hollingsworth & Vose purchased Evanite in the mid-1990s.
Next steps
Cleaning up contaminated groundwater on the site could take several years. Studies indicated the proposed remedial actions will reduce TCE concentrations and the overall size of the groundwater plume.
DEQ signed a Record of Decision in 2015 that spelled out how the site would be cleaned up. DEQ also plans to enter into a consent judgement, or a legal agreement, with the company that dictates how the cleanup will proceed. There will be an opportunity to comment on the proposed consent judgment. Check this webpage for updates on the public comment period.
After signing the consent judgment, the company would be required to implement the remediation efforts outlined in the 2015 Record of Decision. Once the cleanup is completed, Hollingsworth & Vose would not be responsible for further cleanup actions. Residential use at locations where shallow soil contamination remains will be prohibited after cleanup. Drinking water wells will also not be allowed at the site.
The cleanup will involve:
- Removing any liquid TCE that is not mixed with water
- Removing TCE gases from soil for treatment to prevent chemical vapors from entering structures
- Pumping groundwater to extract contaminated water for treatment and contain the TCE plume
- Treating gases removed from soil and groundwater to remove TCE
- Treating groundwater in place using microbes
- Monitoring groundwater and air
For more information:
541-687-7325
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