| Abstract |
The 1,500-acre Ciba-Geigy (McIntosh Plant) site is in southern Washington County, northeast of McIntosh, Alabama. The plant's initial operations, which began in 1952, were devoted solely to the manufacture of DDT. In 1970, the facility expanded its manufacturing operations to include herbicides, insecticides, and chelating and sequestering agents. Other products produced by Ciba-Geigy include resins and additives used in the plastics industry. Wastes and residues generated during production operations were managed onsite. In 1985, EPA issued Ciba-Geigy a RCRA Part B permit for active waste management units onsite. The permit included a corrective action plan requiring Ciba-Geigy to remove and treat contaminated ground water and surface water at the site. In 1987, as part of this plan, Ciba-Geigy installed a ground water pumping and treatment system which has been effective in addressing the ground water contamination. The primary contaminants of concern affecting the ground water are VOCs including benzene and toluene; other organics including pesticides; and metals including arsenic. |
