[ back ]
Company's cleanup clears way for new development
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - July 28, 2011)
Company's cleanup clears way for new development
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
A Newbury company's efforts to clean up a former industrial site in the township has paved the way for future development there.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday that Dist-Tech, which previously operated a trucking depot at 11250 Kinsman Road (Route 87), had completed an investigation and remediation of the property.
EPA officials said in a press release the property is now ready for redevelopment and the agency has issued a covenant not to sue Dist-Tech over the issue.
Newbury Trustee David Snively said the announcement is good news for the township, which has been entertaining inquiries into use of the property.
He said the township has been working with two or three companies that are looking to expand their business or relocate to the site.
Mr. Snively said the companies have been reluctant to move on the property until the contamination concerns were addressed.
He said he anticipated the news is also good for the property owner, which had to delay any sale or lease of the property until the issue was resolved.
Dist-Tech closed the depot about two years ago, consolidating its operations to the Cleveland area.
EPA officials wrote that the cleanup involved a 4.28-acre site, part of a larger property that was once home to the Manfredi Motor Transit Co., a transporter of solvents, oils, paints and other bulk liquids.
According to the release, Dist-Tech hired a certified environmental professional to assess the site, identify any areas of concern and remediate contamination to a level that allows for commercial or industrial redevelopment.
EPA officials said an operations and maintenance agreement with the company will ensure continued monitoring of ground water at the site.
The covenant will guarantee the property's owner or operators and future owners will not be held legally responsible to the state for further investigation and remediation, officials said. "This protection applies only when the property is used and maintained in accordance with the terms and conditions of the covenant," the release stated.
In the 16 years since the EPA issued the first covenant under the voluntary program, more than 6,000 acres of blighted land have been revitalized at more than 300 sites across the state.
[ back ]
