RDCC is an EPA GPRA Site. Over the past five years, 6PD has performed interim measures and investigation at the site to try to achieve the GPRA environmental indicators goals, CA725 (Current Human Exposures Under Control) and CA750 (Migration of Groundwater Contamination Under Control). 6PD has the requested the assistance of 6SF Removal Program to assist it in meeting goal CA725.
Rogers Delinted Cottonseed Company (RDCC) operated a wet acid cotton seed delinting process at the Robstown facility between 1962 and 1984. The delinting process utilized highly concentrated sulfuric acid (97%) to dissolve cotton fibers from the seed. Fungicide was applied to the delinted seed prior to packing. Some seed also received treatment with insecticide. The sulfuric acid was stored in an aboveground storage tank with a capacity of approximately 12,000 gallons. Used acid and rinsewaters were discharged from the process sump through an underground clay pipe to a series of four (4) evaporation ponds. One of the ponds (Pond #1) was closed in 1982 under a State approved closure plan, but the other ponds (Ponds #2, 3, and 4) were not closed according to the plan.
In 1984, RDCC was purchased by Yazaki USA. Yazaki’s interest in RDCC was in its development of a gossypol-free cottonseed which could be used for food, but Yazaki never operated the Robstown facility. In 1985, EPA issued a Consent Agreement and Final Order requiring closure of Ponds #2, 3, and 4 under an approved closure plan. Yazaki installed a groundwater monitoring system at the facility in 1986, but the evaporation ponds were not closed according to an approved closure plan. A PR/VSI Report was prepared in 1987. Mr. Yazaki passed away in 1997 and the property has since foreclosed.
