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Cleanup Continues at the Picayune Wood Treating Site in Picayune, MS

Release Date: 06/06/2007
Contact Information: Laura Niles, (404) 562-8353/ niles.laura@epa.gov

(ATLANTA – June 6, 2007) An EPA removal action is currently underway at the Picayune Wood Treating Site (the Site) in Picayune, MS. The removal action is a short-term cleanup intended to stabilize the Site and remove hazards it may pose to human health and the environment.

A release of hazardous substances (creosote, pentachlorophenol, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxin) occurred at the Site and, as a result, has contaminated soil and groundwater. The planned removal action includes disposal of hazardous waste that was stockpiled on site and storm water improvements to prevent future offsite migration of contaminants.

EPA is currently working with local government officials and the community to determine the potential for reuse of the Site after cleanup has been completed. The removal action may take up to three months. The estimated cost for removal action work at the Site, including current and prior removal actions taken through 2001, is $5,964,000.

The Site is approximately 30 acres in size and is located in the City of Picayune at 403 Davis Street in a mixed residential, commercial, and industrial neighborhood. A wood treating facility operated at the Site for more than 60 years.