Luckey Beryllium

Department of Energy Sites
Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP)
Luckey Beryllium Site

Luckey, Ohio

The Luckey site, now occupied by Uretech International Corporation, is located in Luckey, Ohio, approximately 22 miles southeast of Toledo. The L-shaped site encompasses about 40 acres. Structures at the site include manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and utility buildings. Several lagoons and spoil areas are present outdoors.

In 1942, the federal Defense Plant Corporation purchased the site for the construction of a magnesium reduction facility. National Lead operated the facility for the government through World War II. In 1949, the Atomic Energy Commission constructed a beryllium production facility at the site. The waste solutions and sludge from the beryllium operation were stored on the plant property in lagoons approximately 4 feet deep. In December 1951, the site operator is believed to have purchased 1,000 tons of radiologically contaminated scrap steel. Steel was used to control chlorine emissions during the magnesium production process.

Field efforts to characterize the nature and extent of contamination began in June 1998. Radiological surveys have found radiation above guidelines in several areas of the site. In addition, beryllium concentrations in the soil at the site and sediments in Toussaint Creek are well above background levels. Beryllium has been detected above the drinking water standard in three on-site ground water monitoring wells and in an on-site production well which is not currently used. Beryllium has also been detected in dust settled on building surfaces.

The Luckey Site cleanup is currently in the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) phase. Remedial investigation field work occurred from June to September, 1998, and June to July, 1999. The Remedial Investigation Report, including a Baseline Risk Assessment and groundwater model, was completed in September 2000. A draft Feasibility Study is anticipated for release in the Fall of 2002.

For environmental queries relating to this site, contact:

Steve Snyder
OEPA/Northwest District Office
(419) 352-8461