EPA v. Milwaukee Die Casting - Administrative Order on Consent (CERCLA)

Case summary

This Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent provides for the performance of removal actions by Respondents and the payment of certain response costs incurred by the United States at or in connection with the Milwaukee Die Casting Site (Site) located at 4132 North Holton Street, Milwaukee, WI. The Site is currently abandoned. The building was constructed in 1952 by the Milwaukee Die Casting Company. The facility produced aluminum and zinc alloy parts for a variety of industries. Prior to 1972, the Milwaukee Die Casting Company used phosphate ester oil (PEO), a fire retardant oil, in the hydraulic lines running to the die casting machines at the Site. PEO contained polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated solvents, and cyanide. EPA alleges that PEO leaked from die casting machines, accumulated on the facility’s floor, and was disposed on the Site’s parking lot on two or three occasions. After 1972, the Milwaukee Die Casting Company purchased non-PCB containing oil to replace PEO; however, EPA alleges that the PEO was not flushed from the die casting machines until 1980 and not removed from the Site until 1991. Trichloroethylene (TCE) was also used and stored at the Site. The site assessment sampling revealed the presence of PCBs in the building, in the building’s tunnel system, in the soils under the building and around the building, including on neighboring properties to the north and east of the Site, and in the groundwater on and off-site in unfiltered samples. Chlorinated solvents were also identified in soils on-site as well as in soils off-site and in the groundwater. Sub-slab air samples were above vapor intrusion action levels. Friable asbestos was identified in the building. Part of the roof has failed, allowing for storm water to enter.

Defendants (2)

• Fisher Controls International LLCNamed in settlement
• Pharmacia LLCNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• MILWAUKEE DIE CASTING CO INC (SB)

  4132 NORTH HOLTON STREET, MILWAUKEE, WI, 53212

  Registry ID: 110000418673

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 104E2 — Information and/or Access
• CERCLA 107A — Cost Recovery
• CERCLA 122H — Administrative Cost Recovery Settlement
• CERCLA 106A — Imminent & Substantial Endangerment Order

Enforcement conclusions (1)

• Milwaukee Die Casting - Administrative Order on Consent (CERCLA)entered 2013-03-06

  Primary law: CERCLA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2013-03-06Final Order Issued
• 2013-03-08Enforcement Action Data Entered