EPA Superfund Site

VERTAC, INC.

AR | EPA ID ARD000023440

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of August 2025, the Vertac, Inc. Superfund site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control” (HENC) due to unacceptable risks identified during the Five-Year Review process. This review indicated that the remedy for the Off-Site Areas Operable Unit (OU2) is no longer protective because of dioxin contamination in residential soils. To address this, EPA is drafting an Explanation of Significant Difference (ESD) to outline changes to the original plan and is collaborating with the potentially responsible party to enhance the cleanup. These efforts include lowering the safe level of dioxin in soil to 51 parts per trillion, deciding where to dispose of the contaminated soil, and identifying the affected areas. EPA is coordinating with the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment to secure their approval for the ESD, which is expected to be finalized by September 2025.

Although the ESD will be ready by September 2025, the exact boundaries of the contamination are still unclear. EPA will ensure that the potentially responsible party determines these boundaries while remediation is underway. In response to concerns from the Jacksonville community, EPA has agreed to a phased approach to testing and cleanup, potentially extending the process to five to eight years for residential properties.

EPA anticipates that human exposure will be under control by no earlier than September 30, 2032 because of nature and extent are ongoing and stakeholders have agreed to a phased approach to testing and cleanup.

Some areas previously cleaned up still exceed the former safety levels. These locations are adjacent to a creek and within a floodplain. The creek flows from the former facility site to other areas, and the cleanup standards varied between these locations, which may account for the persistent contamination. EPA will prioritize residential areas where people are most vulnerable to exposure from contaminated soil. Once remediation begins, EPA will also investigate the creek and surrounding areas, a process that may take an additional one to five years alongside the residential cleanup.

Upon understanding delineated residential properties, EPA conducted door-to-door activities, including sharing a pictogram on ways to reduce ones' risk. EPA works with the Mayor of Jacksonville and submits monthly factsheets to directly affected residents. Additionally, EPA host monthly meetings with Arkansas Department of Health regarding human health of residents. ADH has also developed a their own factsheet with ADH and ADEE-DEQ input, in case they are contacted by a resident or local community member.