From 1963 to 1992, Zonolite/W.R. Grace leased the Former Zonolite Facility from Oldon Limited Partnership in order to operate an exfoliation plant. Zonolite/W.R. Grace received asbestos-containing vermiculite concentrate (by rail) from the Zonolite mine in Libby, Montana, and produced Zonolite attic insulation and Monokote fireproofing material. In 1992, Zonolite/W.R. Grace removed all equipment from the building, washed down the building and conducted confirmation air sampling. The building was vacant from 1992 to 1997.
From sometime in the late 1990’s through 2000, JPS Acquisition Elastomerics Company leased the building from Oldon for use as a warehouse. At present, Oldon continues to own the Former Zonolite Facility, which is used by a neighboring business, DOS Concrete Service, as a storage yard and warehouse.
The Site consists of several properties with asbestos-containing soils, including the Former Zonolite Facility, and adjacent properties. Private parties own all site-related properties with the exception of the railroad right-of-way, which the City of Easthampton acquired through eminent domain.
START completed the PA/SI and submitted the final report to the OSC, who used it and the recommendations included in a 2006 site-related Health Consultation prepared by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)/Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MassDPH) to conclude that a CERCLA time-critical removal action is required to address the risks at the Site. The OSC documented this recommendation in a Site Investigation Closure Memorandum dated 22 May 2009.
