The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the completion of an emergency removal of hazardous wastes, including 38,000 gallons of cyanide, from Techtrix, Inc., in partnership with the Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency and the City of Gadsden.
Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber said, "The presence of unsecured cyanide, other liquid waste and contaminated debris posed an imminent threat to human health and the environment. EPA is committed to ensuring clean air, land and water for every American. Now residents in the community surrounding this facility can rest assured that these hazardous materials have been removed."
Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said, "We want to thank EPA and all the other government agencies that worked together to clean up this site and protect the residents of District 3 and Gadsden. We look forward to finding ways to return this site to a productive use for the community."
According to the EPA, more than 100,000 gallons of liquid hazardous waste and 21,000 pounds of solid hazardous waste were removed after damaged tanks were discovered leaking in August 2024. After removal efforts concluded, EPA sampled properties near the site and determined contamination had not spread to neighboring properties. The State of Alabama will work with any future property owners regarding any contaminated soil that may remain under the building’s concrete slab.
EPA involvement began after repeated violations at Techtrix Inc., an electroplating and metal finishing facility. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management requested EPA assistance in 2021. An Administrative Order on Consent was issued requiring safe storage and disposal practices at Techtrix Inc., but after the owner died in 2024 and closure actions could not be completed by the estate, EPA assumed responsibility for cleanup efforts alongside local agencies.
Further details about this emergency cleanup are available on the official roster page.
