September 19, 2025
The Omni Polymers Site (Site), which is at 1925 Nebraska
Avenue in Toledo, Lucas County, Ohio, is a former bulk plastic waste grinding and container reconditioning
facility. The facility received various container types and volumes, including
plastic intermediate bulk containers, 55-gallon drums, and 5-gallon buckets. Investigations by Toledo
Environmental Services and the Toledo Fire Department revealed safety concerns
related to improper chemical storage as well as a non-operational fire
suppression system. Due to these
concerns, the facility was shut down on May 23, 2024, and not allowed to operate.
In February 2025, EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation (RSE)
and determined the presence of a loading dock/pit that contains a mixture of
hazardous wastes, approximately 2,000 IBCs, 550 drums, and 42 other types of
containers (various sizes ranging from 25-40 gallons). There are also hundreds of small containers
and 5-gallon buckets with unknown contents.
Of the thirteen samples collected during the RSE, three liquid samples
had a low flash point (Ignitability), six samples had a pH below 2 (Corrosivity),
four liquid samples contained elevated levels of cyanide and sulfide
(Reactivity), and three liquid samples contained arsenic, cadmium and chromium
(Toxicity). In addition, two soil
samples were collected outside and were above Regional Screening Levels (RSLs)
and Removal Management Levels (RMLs) for several multiple contaminants
including heavy metals.
On September 8, 2025, EPA mobilized to the site with the
Emergency and Rapid Removal Service (ERRS) and Superfund Technical Assessment
and Response Team (START) to begin the Removal Action. The first
couple weeks of the Removal Action will include disposal of RCRA empty ISBs,
drums, and small containers to make room for sampling and segregation of
chemicals. The next step will include
sampling of all containers to determine disposal waste streams and
compatibility. The sampling and
segregation are anticipated to take approximately one month to complete. Throughout the entire Removal Action, EPA has
contracted with the Toledo Police Department to provide security and air
monitoring will be on-going to ensure no off-site impact to the residential
neighborhood to the south of the Site.
