On March 3, 2016, EPA referred a request to the Department of Justice to file a proof of claim concerning Fusion Paperboard Connecticut, LLC (Fusion) in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceeding. Fusion is the current owner and operator of the Fusion Paperboard Site (Site) located in Versailles, Connecticut. EPA referred the proof of claim to DOJ to resolve claims regarding Fusion?s liability at the Site.
The Fusion Paperboard mill is located on an approximate 500-acre site that had originally been developed for three mills at the beginning of the 20th century. These three mills date back to 1866 and include the Reade Paper Company, Eastern Straw Board Company and Inland Paper Company. Fusion recycled paperboard until its closure of the mill in August 2014. The Site is located in a mixed residential/commercial area. Fusion owned and maintained three aerated stabilization basins and two polishing lagoons at the site. The basins and lagoons were used for the treatment of wastewaters from the mill and manufacturing process. Sludge and liquids resulting from the treatment of wastewaters were stored or disposed of in the basins and lagoons. The lagoons contain dioxins and heavy metals. There are also chemicals contained within the buildings that include paint thinners, ferric chloride, manganese compounds, miscellaneous oils and heavy metals that need to be disposed.