On August 27 EPA NC OSC received a request from NC DENR Hazardous Waste to conduct a joint site visit at KM Ventures Property located at 1602 North Main Street in Lowell, Gaston County NC . DENR informed EPA that they had issued a NOV and Order to KM Ventures to comply with various RCRA Regulations. EPA and DENR Hazardous Waste conducted the site visit on August 28th, other parties in attendance were City of Lowell (Mayor, Development Coordinator, Fire Dept), Gaston County (Emergency Management-Tommy Almond and Planning/Development Patrick Armstrong), KM Ventures Representative (Tony Chiarella), KM Ventures Attorney (Dave Franchina), KM Ventures Environmental Consultant (Haz-Mat Environmental).
The KM Venture Site has several thousand gallons of hazardous substances and oils that have been abandoned by the previous operator (Yorkshire America). These substances are currently being contained with containers that are in poor condition. The Catawba River borders the property on one side, there has been documented trespassers on site.
October 6th Update: The RP, KM Ventures has agreed to an Administrative Order with EPA Reg 4. Clean up efforts will continue to be overseen by EPA through December 2009.
