Orlando Manufactured Gasification Plant Cleanup

Manufactured gas plants were considered state-of-the-art in their day, but they operated without the benefit of today’s understanding of environmental contaminants or environmental rules and regulations. As a result, both during operation and when the plants were shut down, materials were discarded and left behind in ways that would not meet today’s environmental standards.

While in operation, the MGP plant would heat coal to produce gas for cooking, lighting, heating and industrial purposes.  This process created a number of byproducts and waste material that was released into the soil and upper aquifer groundwater.

The City of Orlando is a part of a group involved in the cleanup.  Other parties in the group are Atlanta Gas Light Company, Duke Energy Florida, LLC, Peoples Gas System (a division of Tampa Electric Company), and Continental Holdings, Inc.  The group is referred to as the Orlando MGP Group.

From 1989 to 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Orlando MGP Group have conducted environmental investigations at the site.  During these investigations, soil and upper aquifer groundwater contamination around the site were identified.

People living and working near the site are not at risk from the site contamination.

No contaminants from the site have been found in the municipal water supply.  Drinking water for residents and businesses comes from municipal wells, which are located in a different area and at a significantly greater depth.  The public water utility, OUC, continuously samples the quality of the public drinking water.

Through ongoing site investigations and groundwater monitoring, EPA, FDEP and the Orlando MGP Group continue to work to protect the public and the environment from the site contamination.

The cleanup project is being managed by the Orlando MGP Group under the direction and guidance of the EPA and FDEP.

The initial cleanup phase is complete.

The second phase is now underway. This involves the installation of the underground barrier wall and injection of oxygen into the groundwater. Robinson Street will have periodic closures.

Work will, for the most part, take place during the day, avoiding nights and weekends, and contractors will be required to follow odor and dust control procedures to minimize any impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

Air quality and odors will be monitored to maintain safety standards during work.