Woodbury Chemical Co. operated a pesticide-formulating plant in Commerce City, Colorado, from the late 1950s until 1965, when it was destroyed by fire. Fire debris and rubble, including water-soaked bags of pesticides and contaminated soils, were disposed of in an adjacent vacant lot. About 500 cubic yards of wastes are involved.
Soil samples taken in the lot have high levels of aldrin, DDT, endrin, and several other pesticides.
The waste is uncovered, and the site unfenced and unmarked. The potential exists for contamination of surface water and ground water, which may be as shallow as 7 feet. The work is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 1984. The description may change as additional information is gathered on the sources and extent of contamination.