CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues its oversight of the former WearEver Aluminum Co. site in Chillicothe, urging Howmet Aerospace—the current property owner—to take additional action to address contamination stemming from decades of industrial operations. Once a pillar of the local economy, the site now represents a sobering example of the environmental and health impacts of industrial pollution in small-town America.
A Toxic Legacy
Established in 1948, WearEver Aluminum Co. was a major employer in Chillicothe, producing cookware for millions of American households. However, the plant’s success came at a steep environmental cost. Hazardous chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene, vinyl chloride, lead, and cadmium contaminated the site during its operations. Many of these substances, classified as carcinogens, pose serious risks to human health, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The extent of the contamination only came to light after the plant closed in the late 1990s. An EPA investigation, prompted by a 1986 report highlighting groundwater pollution, revealed a TCE-contaminated plume spreading toward the Scioto River and residential areas near Chillicothe’s wastewater treatment plant. Decades later, the pollution continues to haunt the community.
EPA Critiques Howmet Aerospace’s Cleanup Efforts
Howmet Aerospace, the current owner of the property, is responsible for implementing the EPA-mandated cleanup plan. However, the agency has recently highlighted gaps in Howmet’s efforts, including:
- Persistently High TCE Levels:
- TCE concentrations in groundwater monitoring wells near the southeast boundary remain as high as 400 micrograms per liter (µg/L)—80 times the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level of 5 µg/L.
- These levels suggest the contamination plume may extend farther than previously modeled, raising concerns about ongoing offsite migration.
- Inadequate Groundwater Monitoring:
- Current monitoring wells are too far apart or already show significant contamination, limiting their ability to detect new plume movement. The EPA has demanded the installation of additional sentinel wells along the southeast boundary.
- Flawed Data and Modeling:
- Howmet’s reliance on biodegradation models and statistical trends to suggest stability at the site has been criticized. Persistent high contamination levels demand a more rigorous reevaluation of the site’s conceptual model.
- Risk to Private Wells:
- While most Chillicothe residents use municipal water, private wells are at risk if the contamination plume continues to migrate toward residential properties.
The Human Toll
The contamination’s impact is deeply personal for many Chillicothe residents, particularly former WearEver employees and their families. Many have reported severe health conditions over the years —including cancers, respiratory illnesses, and neurological disorders—that they link to exposure to toxic substances at the plant.
- Community Advocacy: Local advocacy group “Wear-Ever Exposed” has documented the stories of several former employees, including cases like Barbara W., who developed multiple myeloma, and Mike H., whose rare lymphoma is allegedly linked to benzene exposure at the plant.
- Worker Exposure: EPA records reveal that workers faced prolonged exposure to toxic fumes during degreasing operations and lead-contaminated walnut shell dust used in polishing processes, contributing to lasting health challenges.
EPA Demands Immediate Action
The EPA has issued a series of recommendations to Howmet Aerospace to address current issues:
- Expand Monitoring: Install additional sentinel wells to track the plume’s southeast migration.
- Revise Conceptual Models: Update the site’s contamination models to better reflect current conditions.
- Enhance Data Collection: Provide detailed analyses of contamination trends, maps, and water extraction data from nearby wells.
- Close Monitoring Gaps: Address deficiencies in current strategies to prevent further environmental damage.
Howmet Aerospace’s Response
In response to the EPA’s, Howmet Aerospace affirmed its commitment to meeting environmental obligations. The company emphasized its ongoing efforts to collaborate with regulators and address concerns.
Howmet has outlined plans to install additional monitoring wells, revise its site contamination models, and enhance data collection processes to better track and contain pollution. The company is also focused on closing any gaps in its monitoring strategy to meet the EPA’s expectations.
A Community Determined to Seek Justice
For Chillicothe residents, the WearEver site stands as a stark reminder of the environmental and human costs of industrial negligence. Advocacy groups continue to push for accountability, determined to ensure that the toxic legacy of WearEver is not forgotten.
