The PCB cleanup of on-site soils and harbor sediments has been completed at the OMC site. However, groundwater and soils are contaminated with PNAs, ammonia, phenol and arsenic as a result of activities that occurred at the former Gas and Coke Plant. The primary way people could be exposed to hazardous chemicals from the site is by coming into direct contact with or accidentally ingesting contaminated materials. By 1980, sampling had been conducted in the Waukegan Harbor and at the OMC site. Design work began in 1985, but was halted due to litigation between U.S. EPA and OMC regarding access to the site.
All construction is complete.
It is anticipated that the water removed from the cells will be treated for a very extended period of time. Waukegan Coke Plant - This site was discovered when implementing the Waukegan Harbor PCB cleanup. The site is fenced and exposure to soils and groundwater is limited. U.S. EPA anticipates that this work will begin in 2001.