HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7381 INFORMAL. REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL. MEMBERS No 7RR1 n-1
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�a4forrr�� To the Mayor and Members of the City Council May 16, 1989
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foil STATE HIGHWAY 121 ALIGNMENT ISSUE
.---___---The American Cyanamid plant was built by Defense Plant Corporation in the
1940's at the request of the United States Government to manufacture cracking
catalyst. This was considered a strategic material used in the production of
petroleum products for the war effort. Information received from the Company
states, "American Cyanamid purchased the facility in 1946 and continued
operating it as a petroleum refinery catalyst plant until the plant closed in
1983
Correspondence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dated January
18, 1986, to Senator Phil Gramm stated, "The facility closed in 1983 and
voluntarily removed all wastes during closure." The Texas Water Commission
(TWC) witnessed the closing and has documentation on monitoring wells that
indicated no contamination to groundwater. Also in the letter dated January
14, 1985, EPA concluded that "Based upon the available information, it is the
belief of the EPA and the TWC that there has been no hazardous waste activity
at this site." This has been the position of EPA up to this point in time.
In April of 1988, Wilson and Associates requested $650,000 from the Fort
Worth Economic Development Corporation to modify the American Cyanamid plant.
As a result, an environmental review was requested by the City's Assistant
Planner Ed Brownrigg. Comments from the Fire Department and Health Department
were submitted to the Planning Department. A letter dated April 15, 1988,
from K.L. Hinds of the Fire Department states, "In the absence of factual
information, it remains my opinion that at the present time, no building,
drilling, or excavation should be allowed at the American Cyanamid plant site
or the area directly north of this site." A letter dated January 22, 1989,
from Richard Hay, Environmental Health Manager states, "It is the
recommendation of this department that the site not be reopened unless a full
investigation is conducted to assess current health hazards. Once this has
been completed and reviewed, it is recommended that a comprehensive
environmental impact statement be completed prior to any industrial
development at this site."
On June 8, 1988, R.L. Hinds notified American Cyanamid that "In accordance
with the provisions of the 1982 Uniform Fire Code, Article 80, the Fire
Prevention Bureau will require certain actions be taken to abate possible
chemical and hazardous material dangers at this site." The American Cyanamid
property is now potentially involved in the proposed alignment of State
Highway 121. In an effort to properly address this issue, City staff has
been in contact with the EPA and company representatives. in reviewing all
available information, staff from EPA and the City have concluded there is no
immediate danger to the environment or the citizens in the surrounding area.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS --
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No 7381 p.2
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May 16, 1989
,p1 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
arFxry Subject: STATE HIGHWAY 121 ALIGNMENT ISSUE
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On May 5, 1989, staff from the City Manager's office and Transportation and
Public Works met with representatives from American Cyanamid. As a result of
this meeting, the company will be providing additional information on the
closure of this site and the timeframe anticipated to remove all material and
equipment from this property. We anticipate receiving this information soon,
and will share this information with EPA and all City departments with
environmental responsibility. We will forward this information to the City
Council with appropriate recommendations. The City has requested EPA to take
whatever steps they deem,appropriate given the circumstances. We are hopeful
that American Cyanamid will address all environmental issues to the
satisfaction of the EPA and the City. We also are hopeful that resolution of
these issues will facilitate state consideration of the alternative State
Highway 121 route through this property.
Additional information will be provided upon request.
*Douas Harman
14 r
Cit Manager
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-ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS