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EPA Proposes AMCO Chemical Site in Oakland for National Superfund Status

Release Date: 5/1/2003
Contact Information: Leo Kay, Press Office, 415/947-4306

     SAN FRANCISCO   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to designate the Amco Chemical Site in West Oakland as a federal Superfund site.  

     Vinyl chloride and other chemicals have been found in soil and groundwater monitoring wells on and near the site.   Groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water and the majority of the site is covered with asphalt, which prevents direct contact with contaminants.  If finalized as a Superfund site, the EPA will work with the community to address any long-term health effects posed by contaminated soils.

     "Adding Amco to the EPA's Superfund list will ensure that we have the funding, resources and regulatory authority necessary to clean up this site," said Keith Takata, director of the U.S. EPA's Superfund program in San Francisco. "Today's announcement marks another step toward a healthier, cleaner neighborhood for West Oakland.  We will continue to work with the local community -- who have been active advocates for environmental cleanup and redevelopment -- to ensure that this site is ultimately suitable for productive use."

     The site, currently used for storage of cable, was formerly a chemical distribution facility from 1960 to 1989.   Bulk chemicals were off-loaded from a rail spur on-site and stored in drums, and above-and underground storage tanks prior to being transferred to smaller vessels for re-sale.

     If finalized, Amco would become the 97th Superfund site in California.  There are 1,234 Superfund sites nationwide.  

     Today's announcement begins a 60-day public comment period.  Those interested in commenting can call Carolyn Douglas, EPA NPL Coordinator at 415/972-3092, e-mail her at douglas.carolyn@epa.gov or send their comments to:

Carolyn Douglas U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (SFD-9-1) 75 Hawthorne Street San Francisco, CA 94105