This is an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent (ASAOC) pertaining to Operable Unit 3 (OU3) of the Syntex Facility Superfund Site (Site) located in Verona, Lawrence County, Missouri. Historically, dioxin was the primary contaminant at the Site. Remedial actions have previously been completed pursuant to other Orders.
Since the 1970s, the facility has manufactured choline chloride in various forms. The unwanted by-product 1,4-dioxane and chlorobenzene are associated with the production choline chloride. Investigations associated with historic OU2 of the Site confirmed concentrations of 1,4-dioxane and chlorobenzene in the groundwater above their maximum contaminant levels (as available), regional screening levels and removal management levels. Chlorobenzene was also above its MCL. The new OU3 was defined as the contaminated soils and groundwater at the Site. Respondent BCP Ingredients, Inc. is the current owner/operator of the facility. Respondent Syntex Agribusiness, Inc. is a former owner/operator of the facility.
Pursuant to this ASAOC, Respondents have agreed to perform a remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) for OU3 of the Site. Following completion of the RI/FS, we intend to negotiate a Consent Decree with the respondents for implementation of an appropriate response action. Respondents have agreed to reimburse EPA for its future response costs associated with OU3 of the Site, which will be deposited into a site-specific account.