The Cook Lumber facility was co-owned and operated from approximately 1985 through 1989. During this time, it was located on Highway 71 outside of Centerville, Missouri. Wood treatment operations at the Highway 71 facility used a 5% Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and 95% diesel solution as a wood preservative. Wood was treated in a cylinder located at the site and later placed on a drip pad and allowed to dry.
A mill area with a loading dock was located at the north portion of the site, and the treatment facility and tank farm were at the east-southeast portion of the site. Three holding tanks and several concrete slabs remain at the site as well as a large sawdust pile.
EPA conducted Removal Site Evaluations (RSEs) in June 2002 and September 2005. The objective of the evaluations was to evaluate the location and extent of PCP and the total petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. The findings of these evaluations were used as the basis for a screening-level risk assessment. Key findings from the June 2002 and September 2005 RSEs included the detection of PCP in the soil in concentrations as high as 2,200 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) and the detection of total petroleum hydrocarbons.
Samples from the site indicate that contamination is present in both soil and surface water located at the site. This contamination represents an exposure threat to people living and working in the area. Based on the elevated levels of PCP and other contaminants present, the 2002 and 2005 Removal Site Evaluation Reports concluded that removal activities were warranted for the site.
