On October 15, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with assistance from the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management (EMA), will hold a public meeting to discuss the cleanup activities at the Techtrix, Inc. site in Gadsden, Alabama. Representatives from both organizations will provide details on the cleanup process and respond to questions from attendees.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at Mission Baptist Church located at 1115 Tuscaloosa Avenue in Gadsden, Alabama, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Techtrix, Inc., an electroplating and metal finishing facility situated at 525 Plainview Street in Gadsden, has been assessed and secured by the EPA. The agency is conducting a time-critical removal action aimed at permanently eliminating hazardous materials from the site to safeguard human health and the environment.

The cleanup operation is anticipated to conclude within several months. All contaminated waste will be transported to an approved off-site disposal facility, with security measures remaining in place until safe disposal of all materials is ensured.

Following the death of Techtrix's property owner in March 2024, it was declared that necessary cleanup and closure actions could not be completed by the estate. This prompted EPA intervention for site assessment and subsequent cleanup efforts. In July 2024, EPA conducted a comprehensive site evaluation which included sampling of waste and soil around the facility. Preliminary results confirmed the presence of cyanide-containing liquids stored in totes and vats as well as corrosive wastes.

An emergency response was initiated in August 2024 after a follow-up visit revealed leaks from damaged tanks on-site. This response involved emptying these tanks of their contents and disconnecting utilities.

For further information regarding this cleanup effort, interested parties can visit www.epa.gov/al/gadsden-al-techtrix.