Terry Creek

Hercules removed approximately 85 percent of the toxaphene from the Terry Creek outfall ditch and portions of Dupree and Terry Creeks in 1999 and 2000. EPA’s recently issued interim remedy builds on this work. The remedy will isolate residual toxaphene remaining in the outfall ditch so that it does not present a potential risk to the environment or human health.

EPA selected the plan after extensive studies were conducted under the federal Superfund process, and with the concurrence of EPD. The plan can be found on EPA’s website.

Since fish caught in Terry Creek waters were first tested in 1997, the quality of fish tissue has improved steadily. That improvement is reflected in relaxed state guidelines for fish consumption. Remedial actions completed in Terry Creek and at the Brunswick facility resulted in fewer restrictions on fish consumption as shown in the graph below.

*Silver perch - Brunswick facility not likely source of restriction

Once constructed, EPA’s selected interim remedy will quickly and effectively prevent the outfall ditch from contributing to downstream contamination. The remedy will also promote future site redevelopment.

A long-term monitoring plan will make sure the plan works as intended. EPA will determine if further actions are needed. Other portions of the Terry Creek site will be investigated and remediated as needed under Superfund.

Toxaphene does not dissolve in water and is not a groundwater contaminant at the Terry Creek site nor adjacent properties. Ongoing groundwater evaluations overseen by EPD support these conclusions. Nearby drinking water wells have been tested and neither toxaphene nor volatile organic compounds have been detected in the well water.

Outfall Ditch Remedy

As part of the approved remedy for Terry Creek, a new concrete-lined stormwater conveyance structure will be built from the Brunswick plant to Terry and Dupree Creeks, and the old outfall ditch will be filled and capped. Construction of the remedy is expected to be completed in 2024.