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IP Augusta Caustic Spill

 
Site Contact:
Terry Stilman
OSC

(stilman.terry@epa.gov)

Site Location:
4278 MIKE PADGATT HIGHWAY
Augusta, GA 30906
 response.epa.gov/ipaugusta
NRC#: 1171188

At approximately 0845 a pumping station failed at the International Paper facility in Augusta, Georgia, causing a backup of caustic waste destined for the on-site treatment plant. The waste overflowed the system and released onto the surrounding soil. The waste has a pH of 13. There is no immediate threat to navigable waters. The facility is trying to fix the failed pump, but the waste continues to overflow the system at the rate of 125,000 gallons/hour. The facility has hired a contractor to pump the waste back into the system and remove the impacted soil. OSC Stilman was deployed to the scene.