RTE 151
The U.S. Titanium site located in Nelson County, Virginia (5th Congressional District) is a 50-acre site formerly occupied by an American Cyanamid Company plant which refined titanium ore and manufactured titanium dioxide for paint pigments from 1931 until 1971. Following plant closure, the processing plant, settling ponds, tailings ponds, wastewater lagoons and a waste disposal area remained on site. Ferrous sulfate, a highly acidic by-product of titanium dioxide manufacturing, and heavy metals (aluminum, iron, copper, nickel and zinc) are the primary site contaminants. Acidic storm water runoff from the waste piles and ponds and acidic ground water seeps/springs contributed to six major fish kills in the Piney and Tye Rivers from 1977 to 1981. As a result of these releases, more than 200,000 fish died. The site is located in the town of Piney River which has a population of approximately 100 people. It is estimated that about 200 people live within a 1 mile radius of the site. The closest residence is 1/4 mile from the site. As a result of past waste disposal practices, the on-site groundwater is highly acidic. Local residents use groundwater for their drinking water supply. Site Responsibility Cleanup of this site is the responsibility of the federal and state governments, and the potentially responsible parties.
120 |
People living within a 1 mile radius |
$40,330 |
Average Income |
52 |
Occupied homes |
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