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Cushing, Okla. Refinery Cleanup to Resume Soon

Release Date: 9/10/2002
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      Federal, state and local officials and members of the community marked the start of the Hudson Refinery Superfund site cleanup at a community event in Cushing, Okla. today.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been working in concert with state and local groups to develop a cleanup remedy that will support the community's plans for reuse of the site.  

      EPA Superfund Division Director Myron O. Knudson said, "EPA will work with the state and the community of Cushing to ensure this site can be viable again.  We look forward to returning it to productive use."

      The site is an inactive refinery that operated from 1922 to 1984. EPA's cleanup will address contamination from years of liquid propane gas, gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oils and coke production at the site.  In 1998, EPA removed asbestos material, chemicals and drums, oily wastes and soils to address an immediate threat to human health and the environment.

      EPA identified six remaining sources of contamination at the site during a 1998-1999 assessment and inspection.  EPA has been working with the state to develop the remedy for the site since it was added to the Superfund National Priorities List in July 1999.

      Steve Thompson, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality executive director, said, "The Hudson cleanup is a product of community action.  We are proud to be asked to share this day with them."

      The city of Cushing received a Superfund Redevelopment Pilot grant in July 2000 to study options for reuse of the site.  A local planning committee has been formed to study reuse alternatives.

      Dr. Lee Denney, Mayor of Cushing, said, "We are happy to welcome EPA to Cushing. This cleanup will be a new beginning for Cushing.  We hope our new look will encourage people and industry to give us the chance to show how fulfilling life can be in a small city."