The municipally owned 2-acre Cliff/Dow Dump site is in a wooded recreational area adjacent to the Dead River in Marquette, Michigan. From 1954 until the early 1960s wastes generated by the Cliffs-Dow Chemical Company's charcoal manufacturing plant were deposited at the site. The wastes, which included tar and tar-contaminated fill materials, were deposited to fill a small bog depression. The 200 cubic yards of exposed tar deposits are the primary source of contamination in the soil; however, the remaining 9,400 cubic yards of fill material containing charcoal and wood intermingled with approximately 200 cubic yards of tar, are also a contamination source. Results of pilot studies indicate that ground water is undergoing in situ biodegradation as it flows downgradient of the fill and poses no risk to human health or the environment. The primary contaminants of concern affecting the soil are VOCs including benzene, toluene, PCE, and xylenes; and other organics including PAHs and phenol.

"September 27, 1989." "PB90-162652." "Office of Emergency and Remedial Response." "EPA/ROD/R05-89/100." "September 1989."