Springfield City Commissioner: Toxic barrel fill site is an ‘outrage’

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield officials are trying to reignite efforts toward the cleanup of waste barrels full of toxic chemicals dumped near an aquifer.

According to a release by the city, the barrels were dumped in a portion of a closed landfill at 3108 Snyder Domer Road.

The landfill, the city said, is close to an aquifer that provides drinking water to thousands in the community.

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In 2018, a Record of Decisions was made between the community, United States Environmental Protection Agency and potentially responsible parties, which outlined the method for clearing up the site.

While the EPA and Department of Justice began negotiations in 2019, the city said they have yet to finalize a Consent Decree placing the financial burden on companies who contributed toxic chemicals to the site.

“It’s an outrage that this site hasn’t been cleaned up and still poses a threat to the health and safety of this community,” said Springfield City Commissioner David Estrop in a release.

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Springfield officials and Clark County Health commissioner Charlie Patterson met with Ohio EPA last week to discuss listing the site on the National Priorities List. They asked Gov. Mike Dewine to consider this in January 2022.

A priority list of hazardous waste sites in the United States eligible for long-term remedial investigation and remedial action financed under the federal Superfund program, according to the EPA.

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