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EPA Proposes to Remove State Marine of Port Arthur and Palmer Barge Line Superfund Sites from its Superfund List

Release Date: 12/06/2011
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Joe Hubbard at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

(DALLAS – December 6, 2011) All cleanup work has been successfully completed at the State Marine of Port Arthur and Palmer Barge Line Superfund sites, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to remove the sites from its National Priorities List (NPL). EPA has consulted on its decision with the State of Texas and is taking public comment on its proposal.

“Finishing the cleanup of these sites is an important step in EPA's commitment to addressing industrial contamination around the Port Arthur area,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. “EPA has assured this property no longer poses a threat to people's health and will continue to work for environmental justice throughout the Port Arthur community.”

The State Marine of Port Arthur Superfund site is a former barge-cleaning operation and municipal landfill which occupied a 17-acre industrial tract of land located approximately 4.5 miles east-northeast of the City of Port Arthur on Old Yacht Club Road on Pleasure Islet. State Marine cleaned barges used to transport petroleum products and other chemicals. Sampling results indicated the presence of organic and inorganic contaminants buried in surface impoundments and contaminated soils adjacent to the shoreline of Sabine Lake.

The Palmer Barge Line Superfund site, located in the same area as the State Marine of Port Arthur Superfund site, was a marine vessel service and maintenance facility which operated from 1982 until July 1997. Palmer Barge Line degreased engines and pressure-steamed vessel holds, engines and boilers. Analysis of samples taken on-site revealed the presence of heavy metals, pesticides and other organic compounds.

EPA will seek public comment on deleting the State Marine of Port Arthur and Palmer Barge Line Superfund sites from the NPL for 30 days. Comments will be considered as the agency completes the final deletion process. Copies of site related documents are available for public review at the Port Arthur Library in Port Arthur, Texas.

EPA’s proposal is available on the Federal Register website at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/

More information about activities in EPA Region 6 is available at https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html

EPA audio file is available at https://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/dec2011.html