Wood-Treating Facility Offsite Removal Action Investigation and Implementation

J.H. Baxter operated a wood-treating facility in Eugene, Oregon, where wood products were pressure-treated in retorts using creosote, pentachlorophenol (PCP), and metals-based (copper, zinc, arsenate) solutions. Over many years of operation, chemicals were released into the air, soil, groundwater, and stormwater.

In 2019, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a Record of Decision to remedy the site and required sampling in offsite areas that could have been contaminated by the facility. On behalf of J.H. Baxter, GSI collected surface soil samples using incremental sampling methodology (ISM) from nearby drainage ditches, a residential neighborhood, and background areas. Analytical results confirmed highly elevated dioxin/furan concentrations in a neighborhood north of the facility and other elevated contaminants in ditches adjacent to the site.

After J.H. Baxter closed the Eugene facility in January 2022, GSI continued investigating the site on behalf of DEQ. We conducted additional sampling to further characterize the extent and magnitude of offsite impacts to residential properties north of the facility. GSI prepared a Removal Action Work Plan then managed the removal of more than 2,300 tons of dioxin/furan-impacted soil and the restoration of seven residential properties.

GSI’s work involved:

• Determining if nearby offsite residential properties had been affected by facility operations.
• Collecting surface soil samples using incremental sampling methodology and composite sampling.
• Preparing a Removal Action Work Plan outlining the scope of offsite soil removal activities including detailed plans and specifications for removal and site restoration.
• Contracting and overseeing the Removal Action of seven residential properties and adjacent City-owned rights-of-ways.
• Preparation of a Construction Completion Report and individual Cleanup Memoranda for the residential property owners.