EPA Plans New Minden Clean Up

The beleaguered town of Minden in Fayette County may be getting a fresh chance to clean up contaminated soil throughout the town.  

Minden has struggled with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) since the 1980s. PCB is a toxic chemical manufactured from the late 1920s to 1970s for hundreds of industrial and commercial applications.  

Back then, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that a local company was responsible for contaminating the soil. The agency spent millions of dollars on a cleanup, removing more than 5,000 tons of contaminated soil.  

But the problem persists.  

In 2018, the EPA determined the Shaffer Equipment site, as well as parts of nearby Arbuckle Creek, should be added to the Superfund National Priorities List. 

Residents are concerned PCB contamination has contributed to high rates of cancer in the community. They asked the EPA for additional testing and financial help for additional cleanups. 

In 2023, Dr. Ayne Amjad, the former state health officer, was the subject of a documentary film about her efforts, following up on those of her father, to help the people of Minden.  

Eight years later, the EPA has released a new plan. It includes:  

• Excavating contaminated soil and sediment  

• Transporting it to an approved offsite disposal facility  

• Backfilling the excavated areas with clean fill 

The public is invited to comment on the proposed plan through June 20. The linked fact sheet contains information on how the public can provide comments. 

After the public comment period closes, the EPA says it will carefully consider comments from the community. The EPA is also expected to consult with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) and select an alternative, which will be documented in a Record of Decision (ROD).

Officials say the public’s comments and EPA’s responses will be included in the ROD’s Responsiveness Summary.