The Independent Nail Company site, occupying 24.6 acres, is located near Beaufort, South Carolina. Land use in the vicinity of the site is a combination of fields, woodlands and wetlands. Endangered and threatened species may occur within the area of influence of the site, although habitation has not been confirmed. The previous owners of the site, the Blake and Johnson Company, manufactured metallic screws and fasteners. In part of the manufacturing process, the company discharged approximately 33,000 gallons per day of plating wastewater into an unlined infiltration lagoon. The lagoon was in use from approximately 1969 to 1980. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) reported that the wastewater contained some organic cleaning solvents, phosphate, cyanide, chromium, cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc, copper and iron. In April 1980 the Blake and Johnson Company ceased operation. Two months later the Independent Nail Company purchased the plant. They currently operate a paneling nail coating process at the plant, but do not discharge any wastewater to the lagoon. The primary contaminants of concern to the soil and sediment include: cadmium, chromium, nickel and zinc.

"EPA/ROD/R04-87/030." Cover title: Superfund record of decision (EPA Region 4) Independent Nail Company, Beaufort, South Carolina (first remedial action), September 1987. "PB88-185749." Final ROD report. Microfiche.