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Extensive Soil Sampling to Begin at Landia Superfund Site in Lakeland, FL

Release Date: 03/19/2010
Contact Information: Davina Marraccini, 404-562-8293, marraccini.davina@epa.gov

(ATLANTA – Mar. 19, 2010) Beginning Monday, workers are expected to conduct extensive sampling of the soil at the Landia Chemical Company Superfund site in Lakeland, Fl. This work will support the design of excavation activities expected to begin in the spring of 2011 to remove soils contaminated with pesticides, metals and volatile organic compounds.

Workers will conduct soil sampling at both on-site and selected off-site locations south of Olive Street between March and mid-April. An on-site laboratory will be mobilized to the Landia Chemical Company property, and drilling equipment will be used for soil sample collection. The soil sampling results will be used to delineate areas where soil is contaminated. This will allow for the design of excavation cutlines for the removal of soil with concentrations of contaminants above the performance standards. The soil sampling results will also inform planning and specifications for soil removal, transportation and disposal, site restoration, and measures to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public.

A new fact sheet which provides additional information on the current status of the design of the remedy is being mailed to local residents and business owners and will be placed at the Lakeland Public Library. The EPA encourages the public to review this fact sheet and other site documents to gain a more complete understanding of the site.

The Landia site is comprised of two property parcels, the former Landia Chemical Company (LCC) property and the former Florida Favorite Fertilizer (FFF) property. These properties are located at 1405 and 1607 Olive Street, respectively. The entire site is approximately 13 acres with industrial and commercial land use to the north, east and west. The site is bordered on the north by the CSX railroad right of way. Residential properties lie to the south of the property.

In accordance with a September 2009 settlement, the site cleanup activities are being led by the settling parties with oversight from the EPA. The settling parties include Landia Chemical Company, Agrico Chemical Company, BASF Sparks LLC, PCS Joint Venture, Ltd., Sylvite Terminal & Distribution LLC, Billy G. Mitchell, and Walter G. Grahn.

Additional information about the Landia Chemical Company Superfund Site is available at https://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/npl/nplfls/landiafl.htm