Abstract |
The American Creosote Works, Inc. (ACW) site occupies approximately 12 acres in a moderately dense, commercial and residential district of Pensacola, Florida. Wood-preserving operations were carried out at the ACW site from 1902 until December, 1981. Prior to 1950, creosote was exclusively used to treat poles. Use of pentachlorophenol (PCP) started in 1950 and steadily increased in the later years of the ACW operations. During its operations, liquid process wastes were discharged into the two unlined, onsite surface impoundments. Prior to 1970, waste waters in these ponds were allowed to overflow through a spillway and follow a drainage course into Bayou Chico and Pensacola Bay. In subsequent years, waste waters were periodically drawn off the ponds and discharged into designated 'spillage areas' on site. Additional discharges occurred during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, when the ponds overflowed the containment dikes. |