The BF Goodrich Thomaston Mill/Old Martha Mill began operation in Thomaston, Georgia in 1925 and manufactured tires and tire cord for the automotive industry. In 2005, the mill closed and remained abandoned with sporadic use by the movie industry and various light commercial operations. In 2012, Virginia Capital Partners LLC, Richmond, Virginia (the Responsible Party-RP) acquired the property as an investment opportunity. Because of the down-turn in the housing and development market, Virginia Capital was not able to capitalize on their investment and the abandoned mill facility fell into disrepair and began to rapidly deteriorate. In March 2014, the City of Thomaston issued a warning letter to Virginia Capital LLC citing violations of city ordinances specifically relating to structural hazards, the presence of potentially flammable and hazardous chemicals, combustible debris and that the mill appeared to be unsecured and without adequate fire protection. In April 2014, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD) visited the site and noted 150 containers ranging from 2 to 55 gallon size. EPA Region 4 RCRA staff also visited the site and noted the containers and collected photo documentation along with the Thomaston Code Enforcement Officials and the Fire Department. In April 2014, the site was referred to ERRPB and was assigned to OSC Carter Williamson.
