The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) is proposing approval of a soil cleanup plan at the Magnolia Metals facility, 63859 730th Road, Auburn. Soil at this site is contaminated with lead as a result of previous foundry operations.

Magnolia Metals has been working with NDEQ’s Remediation Section to develop a Remedial Action Plan to clean up the contaminated soil. This plan is available for public review and comment at the Auburn Library until September 20, 2012. If this plan receives final approval from NDEQ following the comment period, Magnolia Metals will complete soil excavation and restoration of the facility as described in the plan.

Magnolia Metals used lead compounds as a low-friction liner in metal parts such as bearings. Lead was released into the air as part of the foundry process and during crushing of lead slag, a foundry by-product. The crushed slag was stored on site where rainwater washed dust onto the property. With changes in technology, Magnolia Metals no longer uses significant quantities of lead.

The proposed plan would address cleanup in two general areas: 1) contamination that exceeds lead levels of 750 milligrams per kilogram (generally in the eastern part of the site) will be excavated to two feet below grade and replaced with clean fill; 2) in the southwest corner of the site, adjacent to an existing slab of concrete, a new concrete slab will be placed to eliminate direct exposure to lead contaminants. (For more information, please refer to the attached Fact Sheet and Public Notice.)

The proposed Remedial Action Plan and supporting documents are available for review at the Auburn Memorial Library at 1810 Courthouse Ave., Auburn. These materials are also located at the office of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, 1200 N Street, Suite 400, The Atrium, Lincoln.

The public may submit comments regarding the proposed actions or request a public hearing, in writing, on or before September 20, 2012. Comments and requests should be mailed to: Mr. David Haldeman, Waste Management Division, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, PO Box 98922, Lincoln, NE 68509-8922.

Attachments:
Attachment 1 -- Public Notice for Proposed Remedial Action Decision, Magnolia Metals, Auburn
(See attached file: Attachment 1 - Public Notice.pdf)

Attachment 2 -- Fact Sheet for Proposed Remedial Action Decision, Magnolia Metals, Auburn
(See attached file: Attachment 2 - Fact Sheet.pdf)