Superfund Sites Contaminate Fish, EPA Issues Warning

The Environmental Protection Agencyhas been digging around Armstrong World Industries in Bibb County, trying to figure out how to contain dangerous toxins.

The textile plant was placed on the Superfund list back in October of 2010, because high levels of toxic ceiling tile coating, known as polychlorinated biphenyl, or PCB, were found.

According to Brian Farrier, EPA Project Manager, toxins have been found in at least 25 acres around Armstrong World Industries.

Three old landfills on the Armstrong World Industries property are being proposed to be on the Superfund National Priorities List. The Waste Water Treatment Plant Landfill and the “Remote” landfill both belong to AWI. The third landfill belongs to the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority.·Both the WWTP and “Remote” Landfill sit near the Ocmulgee River.

The EPA is issuing a big warning to residents. “I think the biggest concern right now, is just to make sure people don't eat fish from Rocky Creek," says Sherryl Carbonaro with the EPA.·

Consuming the contaminated fish can be deadly. According to Amy Potter, with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, PCBs can cause neurological problems.

Scientists have been conducting research on the landfill sites collecting soil samples. According to the EPA, the sewer system runs south and away from residents.

“As far as we know there's not any potential for exposure in those neighborhoods,” says Carbonaro.

The EPA will hold a public meeting, Thursday, April 28th, to help educate the community.

The EPA will make its decision on whether to officially place the landfills on the Superfunds list in September.