Aztec Mercury
The TCEQ has deleted this site from the state Superfund registry. No further Superfund environmental response actions are required at this former mercury-recycling facility in Brazoria County.
Site Background
The Aztec Mercury site is located at 970 Callaway Drive, at the corner of Callaway Drive and West Dumble Street in Alvin, Brazoria County, Texas. From 1974 to 1985, mercury was recycled at this site. An enforcement order issued by the Texas Water Commission on May 13, 1986, required operations to cease.
Site Summary
The Aztec Mercury company operated on a 0.7-acre tract of land behind the residence at 970 Callaway Drive, Alvin, Texas from 1974 to 1985. The company used a distillation and shaking process to recover mercury from waste and recycled between 50 and 400 pounds of waste mercury each month.
The TCEQ first investigated the site in 1981 when numerous solid waste violations were documented. The violations included 5 to 10 tons of mercury-contaminated waste improperly stored at the site. Subsequent sampling documented mercury contamination in the soil and drainage- ditch sediments.
Superfund Registry and Investigation
In October 1987, Aztec Mercury was proposed to the state Superfund registry and listed in January 1988. The TCEQ conducted the remedial investigation from 1990 to 1994.
Remedial Action
On September 29, 1995, the TCEQ issued an administrative order (AO) which ordered the named responsible party to remove and dispose of the contaminated soils and sediments off-site. The responsible party was unwilling or unable to begin this selected remedial action within the timeframe specified in the AO. Therefore, the TCEQ performed the remedy beginning in September 1997. After completing the remedy, the TCEQ deleted this site from the registry in August 1998.
Current Status
Cleanup is complete. This site has been deleted from the state Superfund registry. No additional state Superfund environmental response actions are needed.