Hazardous chemical removal is currently underway at an electroplating business in Dunbar, W.V. Here’s the hook: the shop, Custom Plating and Polishing Inc., hasn't operated since last year.

Custom Plating and Polishing Inc. operated a metal refinishing business at 1428 Ohio Ave. from January 2003 to Oct. 14, 2005, when the landlord evicted the business for defaulting on rent, according to Environmental Protection Agency documents. The operators were locked out of the building, but the chemicals and hazards remained in the 1,800-square foot warehouse. (Approximately 62 containers of various chemicals and/or wastes are stored haphazardly on pallets, on the floor, or stacked on top of each other, the EPA report said.)

The EPA determined the site poses threats of direct contact, fire, explosion and release of hydrogen cyanide gas. An inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) revealed the presence of chromic acid, nickel salts solution, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid and copper cyanide.

Over the next eight to 10 weeks, workers in protective clothing will remove all the hazardous chemicals and transport them to a certified disposal facility, according to EPA spokesman David Sternberg. They also will monitor the air to make sure no gases are being released in the environment.

Source: The Charleston Gazzette