TOXIC CHILLICOTHE

☠️ A Community Under Siege ☠️

Chillicothe, Ohio, a town steeped in industrial history, now confronts a devastating truth: its past has poisoned its present. This report meticulously uncovers the history of the most toxic places within Chillicothe, revealing a comprehensive and damning account of environmental contamination that has profoundly impacted the health and well-being of its residents. The objective is to provide a factual, unassailable record of a community under siege, demanding accountability and a healthier future.

The environmental degradation in Chillicothe is not an isolated incident but a pervasive issue, involving multiple industrial sites and landfills. These locations have systematically released dangerous levels of carcinogens, neurotoxins, and other hazardous chemicals into the air, soil, and water for decades. This is not merely a historical footnote; it is a current and ongoing public health crisis that demands immediate attention and comprehensive remediation. The sheer number of distinct toxic sites—including the Mead Landfills, Pixelle Paper Mill, Seney Road Landfill, Wear-Ever Facility, Barber Springs, and the Old Chemical Factory—and their geographical proximity within Chillicothe illustrate a profound and compounded effect on the local environment and population. This situation extends beyond individual instances of pollution; it points to a systemic issue where the community has borne a disproportionate burden of industrial waste. Such a concentration of polluting industries, irrespective of individual site compliance, has created a cumulative toxic load that significantly compromises public health. Even when individual sites achieve a "controlled" status or meet specific remediation targets, the overall environmental health of the community remains compromised due to the collective impact of these numerous contamination sources. This systemic neglect amplifies the severity of the situation, highlighting a clear case of environmental injustice.

☣️ Chillicothe's Poisoned Landscape: A Site-by-Site Reckoning ☣️

Pixelle Paper Mill (Formerly Mead/Glatfelter): The Air We Breathe, The Water We Drink

For over two centuries, the Chillicothe paper mill, operating under various names including Mead, Glatfelter, and most recently Pixelle Specialty Solutions, has been a central economic pillar. Yet, beneath this facade of prosperity, a deeply troubling and consistent pattern of pollution and regulatory non-compliance has plagued the site, enduring through every ownership change.

The sheer scale of pollution from this facility is alarming. EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data for 2020 alone reveals that over 893,000 pounds of toxic chemicals 🛢️ were released on-site or off-site, contributing to a staggering 8.9 million pounds of total waste managed by the facility. Among these releases are substances of extreme danger. Dioxins, highly toxic, persistent organic pollutants and carcinogens, showed an alarming 2500% exceedance ☢️ over permitted limits in recent discharge monitoring reports. In 2020, 0.0002679 pounds were released on-site and 0.0004525 pounds off-site. Neurotoxic heavy metals were also released, including 1,000 pounds of Lead compounds ☢️ and 0.0086721 pounds of Mercury ☢️ on-site in 2020. Other pervasive pollutants included chlorine, sulfur gases, benzene (a known carcinogen), and formaldehyde (a known carcinogen), all directly impacting the community 💨.

The most definitive evidence of this enduring toxic legacy came on April 16, 2025, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) levied a $234,440 federal civil penalty against Pixelle Specialty Solutions for eleven distinct Clean Air Act violations. This significant fine, issued just two days before the company's abrupt announcement of the plant's closure, suggests a direct causal link between regulatory pressure and the decision to cease operations. Rather than investing in full compliance and a thorough cleanup, the company appears to have chosen to exit the market. This highlights a deeply concerning pattern where industries may opt for closure or divestment when environmental regulations become too costly or difficult to meet, effectively shifting the burden of long-term environmental remediation and its associated costs onto the public, leaving behind a "toxic legacy" without full corporate accountability.

Key violations cited in the Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) included a failure to fully enclose and vent the Chemi-washer, leading to Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) emissions, and a failure to adequately treat HAPs from condensate streams, with the Steam Stripper operating at merely 48-68% efficiency against a 92% requirement. The mill also demonstrated poor operation and maintenance, experienced 55 potential sludge blend tank overflows 💧 between 2019-2021, exceeded Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Opacity limits, and showed significant failures in continuous emissions monitoring and record-keeping. Beyond this federal action, the mill has a documented "history of consistent environmental challenges" across its ownerships, with the Ohio EPA issuing nine notices of violations in the last decade, many of which remained unresolved.

The impending closure of Pixelle by August 10, 2025, represents a critical environmental threat far beyond the immediate site. This closure will cease the operation of Pixelle's high-capacity collector wells (PW-17 and PW-18), which have been instrumental in maintaining hydrodynamic control over a significant volatile organic compound (VOC) plume originating from the *Wear-Ever site*. This reveals that the environmental problems of different industrial sites in Chillicothe are not isolated but deeply intertwined. This is not a theoretical risk; past monitoring reports from Q2 2020 to Q3 2021 explicitly detail how a reduction in Pixelle's pumping directly correlated with an "undesirable shift in the groundwater plume's flow direction to the southeast". The permanent cessation of all Pixelle pumping is a more extreme scenario than previously observed temporary reductions, meaning the "toxic plume they’ve been controlling will spread once their groundwater pumps stop, putting more homes and water sources at risk 💧". This establishes a dangerous ripple effect: a corporate decision at one site has severe, cascading environmental consequences for the entire community, demonstrating the complex and often underestimated domino effect of industrial pollution and inadequate long-term planning. This interconnectedness makes the overall situation severe and complex, demanding a holistic approach to remediation.

Table 1: Pixelle Paper Mill: Documented Environmental Violations & Releases

Metric	Value (2020, unless otherwise specified)	Source
Total toxic chemicals released	>893,000 pounds	Public Records
Total waste managed	8.9 million pounds	Public Records
Dioxin exceedance (over permitted limits)	2500%	Public Records
Lead compounds released (on-site)	1,000 pounds	Public Records
Mercury released (on-site)	0.0086721 pounds	Public Records
Federal EPA penalty (April 16, 2025)	$234,440	U.S. EPA
Distinct Clean Air Act violations	11	U.S. EPA
HAP treatment efficiency (Steam Stripper)	48-68% (vs. 92% required)	Public Records
Sludge Blend Tank Overflows (2019-2021)	55 potential overflows	Public Records
Ohio EPA Notices of Violations (last decade)	9 (many unresolved)	Ohio EPA

This table provides undeniable, quantifiable proof of the mill's massive environmental impact and persistent regulatory failures. The figures, such as the 2500% dioxin exceedance and the significant federal penalty, present concrete evidence of a pattern of disregard for environmental laws and public health. The specific pollutants listed (dioxins, lead, mercury, benzene) are directly linked to severe health issues discussed later, establishing a clear cause-and-effect chain between the mill's operations and community health.

Wear-Ever Facility: A Superfund Site's Lingering Shadow

The Wear-Ever facility, located at 1089 Eastern Avenue, was a significant employer in Chillicothe, operating from 1948 until its closure in the late 1990s. While it produced household goods for millions, a "dark secret lurked beneath the facade of success". The true extent of its toxic legacy only became apparent after its shutdown, prompting a full EPA investigation. The site has since been designated a Superfund Site, signifying severe and complex contamination that requires extensive federal intervention. This situation illustrates the critical concept of a "toxic legacy," where environmental damage outlives the operational lifespan of a company and its immediate economic benefits. It highlights the inadequacy of historical regulatory frameworks or corporate practices in preventing such long-term harm and the enduring burden placed on subsequent generations and taxpayers for cleanup.

A 1986 EPA report first highlighted contamination and potential worker exposure. The Ohio EPA subsequently identified a horrifying cocktail of hazardous chemicals 🛢️ at the site: Lead, Cadmium, Trichloroethylene (TCE), Benzene, Vinyl Chloride, and other toxic volatile compounds. Most of these are classified as "known human carcinogens" by the Centers for Disease Control. A massive TCE groundwater plume 💧 was discovered under the plant, indicating severe contamination. TCE is a known carcinogen linked to kidney, liver, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as neurological problems such as dizziness, headache, and memory loss, and reproductive problems and birth defects. Recent monitoring shows persistently elevated TCE levels, with one well recording 610 µg/l, extending the plume towards the Scioto River, Barber Springs, and the Chillicothe Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Lead, a heavy metal, is toxic to the nervous system, causing brain, kidney, and nerve damage. It was present in industrial wastewater and contaminated walnut shell dust used in polishing. Cadmium, another heavy metal, is toxic to kidneys and linked to kidney, bone, lung, and prostate cancer, as well as reproductive hazards. It was also found in industrial wastewater and walnut shell dust. Vinyl Chloride, a gas, is linked to liver, lung, and brain cancer, as well as neurological and reproductive problems. One monitoring well showed concentrations of 230 J µg/l, exceeding federal Maximum Contaminant Limits (MCLs). Benzene, a known carcinogen, is linked to leukemia and other blood cancers, neurological problems, and reproductive problems. An on-site incinerator burned Benzene. Teflon, a coating made from perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and thyroid problems.

Workers were "unknowingly exposed on a daily basis" to these toxic substances. High TCE concentrations were found in sub-slab gas under degreasing operations, permeating the production area 💨. Walnut shell dust, seemingly innocuous, was tainted with lead and cadmium ☢️, posing serious health risks to those exposed. The local environmental group "Wear-Ever Exposed" has meticulously documented "numerous severe health conditions among former Wear-Ever employees and their families," including various cancers, respiratory illnesses, and neurological disorders, directly linking them to their time at the plant. Personal accounts include individuals who developed Multiple Myeloma, cancer, and rare forms of Lymphoma linked to benzene exposure. This establishes a direct, tragic, and undeniable cause-and-effect relationship between the plant's industrial practices and the devastating human health outcomes. This underscores a profound failure of companies to protect their own workforce, who were the first line of exposure. The comparison to the Camp Lejeune military facility, where similar systemic exposures occurred, further amplifies the severity and recognized pattern of such industrial harm.

Despite being a Superfund site for decades, groundwater monitoring reports "reveal persistently elevated TCE levels". The Ohio EPA continues its active oversight, urging Howmet Aerospace, the current property owner, to take "additional action" and demanding the installation of "new sentinel wells along the southeast boundary" due to concerns about ongoing offsite migration and inadequate monitoring. While some reports cite "improved groundwater quality" and an "overall downward trend" in some wells since 2013, significant exceedances of federal MCLs persist.

Table 2: Wear-Ever Facility: Key Contaminants and Documented Health Impacts

Contaminant	Primary Use/Source at Plant	Known Health Effects (CDC/EPA)	Evidence of Exposure at Site	Specific Reported Illnesses (Former Workers)
Trichloroethylene (TCE)	Degreasing operations	Kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, neurological problems, reproductive problems, birth defects	Massive groundwater plume, high sub-slab gas concentrations, persistently elevated levels (e.g., 610 µg/l)	Various cancers, pulmonary ailments
Lead	Industrial wastewater, walnut shell dust (polishing)	Brain damage, kidney damage, nerve damage	Contaminated wastewater, tainted walnut shell dust	Various cancers, pulmonary ailments
Cadmium	Industrial wastewater, walnut shell dust (polishing)	Kidney damage, bone damage, lung cancer, prostate cancer, reproductive hazard	Contaminated wastewater, tainted walnut shell dust	Various cancers, pulmonary ailments
Vinyl Chloride	Plastics manufacturing	Liver cancer, lung cancer, brain cancer, neurological problems, reproductive problems	Monitoring well exceedances (e.g., 230 J µg/l)	Various cancers, pulmonary ailments
Benzene	On-site incinerator, various processes	Leukemia, other blood cancers, neurological problems, reproductive problems	On-site incinerator, worker exposure	Lymphoma
Teflon (PFOA)	Cookware coating	Cancer, reproductive problems, thyroid problems	Worker exposure mentioned in medical records	Multiple Myeloma

Mead Landfills (Paint Street & Depot): Buried Poisons, Leaking Truths

Chillicothe is home to two significant Mead landfills: the Paint Street Landfill, also known as Old Mead Dump, and the Depot Landfill in Liberty Township. Both sites share a "long history of leaking heavy metals and dangerous chemicals into groundwater 💧". The Paint Street Landfill is specifically noted for "large quantities of arsenic and manganese ☢️" that continue to permeate the surrounding area. The Depot Landfill, though its final closure plan was approved in 1992 with activities performed in 1992-1993, was subject to a 1994 Consent Decree. This decree mandated monthly monitoring for parameters including iron, magnesium, manganese, COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), sulfates, total organic carbon, chlorides, ammonia, and total dissolved solids.

The presence of high concentrations of manganese and arsenic in groundwater and soil poses a "serious threat to human health and the environment". The 1994 Consent Decree permanently enjoined Mead to comply with state hazardous waste and water pollution control regulations at both landfills and prohibited discharging pollutants without a permit. It also required Mead to investigate "additional leachate seeps and leachate contaminated groundwater seeps" from the Depot landfill and submit a revised groundwater monitoring plan. While the Depot Landfill achieved "Human Exposure Under Control" in 2004 and "Groundwater Migration Under Control" in 2008, these "controlled" statuses do not signify a clean site. This highlights a critical distinction: "under control" does not mean the site is clean, remediated, or no longer a threat; it means the *migration* of contaminants is being managed. The pollutants themselves remain present and active. This implies a long-term, unresolved burden, with the potential for control systems to fail, leading to renewed or intensified exposure. The Paint Street Landfill is explicitly stated to "continue to permeate the area" with dangerous contaminants, indicating ongoing, active pollution.

The Paint Street Landfill is specifically identified as containing "large quantities of arsenic and manganese". The severe, long-term health effects of these heavy metals are well-documented, including neurological symptoms, slowness of movement, difficulty with balance and coordination, cognitive problems, psychiatric problems, and Parkinson's disease-like symptoms for manganese, and various cancers (bladder, kidney, lung, skin), skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory problems, neurological problems, reproductive problems, and developmental delays in children for arsenic. Unlike some organic compounds that can degrade, heavy metals persist in the environment (soil, groundwater) for extremely long periods, often bioaccumulating. This emphasizes the profound and enduring threat posed by these specific contaminants. Even if a landfill is capped or "controlled," the existing heavy metal contamination can continue to leach and accumulate in the environment and food chain for generations. The global examples provided in the public record, such as the Bangladesh arsenicosis epidemic and high manganese levels in U.S. groundwater, underscore the real-world, severe, and widespread consequences of such contamination, making the Chillicothe situation profoundly alarming due to its long-term, intergenerational health risks.

Table 3: Mead Landfills: Persistent Contaminants and Associated Health Risks

Landfill Name	Key Contaminants	Current Status/Evidence	Associated Health Risks (for Arsenic & Manganese)	Environmental Impact
Paint Street Landfill (Old Mead Dump)	Arsenic, Manganese	"Continues to permeate the area"	Arsenic: Bladder, kidney, lung, skin cancers; skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory, neurological, reproductive problems, developmental delays. Manganese: Neurological symptoms (tremors, slowness of movement, balance issues), cognitive problems, psychiatric problems, Parkinson's-like symptoms, respiratory, reproductive problems, developmental delays.	Contamination of rivers and streams (toxic to aquatic life), contamination of plants and crops (unsafe for consumption).
Depot Landfill	Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, COD, Sulfates, Total Organic Carbon, Chlorides, Ammonia, Total Dissolved Solids	"Human Exposure Under Control" (2004), "Groundwater Migration Under Control" (2008), historical "leachate seeps," ongoing monitoring requirements from 1994 Consent Decree.	(Same as above for Manganese)	Potential for ongoing seepage and impact on aquatic life and crops.

Seney Road Landfill: DuPont's Hazardous Legacy

This is the Seney Road Landfill. It was the former primary city landfill for Chillicothe. Though closed since 1988, it carries a particularly egregious history. In the 1980s, over 6,000 tons of hazardous chemicals 🛢️ from DuPont’s Circleville plant were dumped there 🗑️.

This was not an isolated incident; the nearby Bowers Landfill also accepted chemical waste from DuPont and PPG Industries between 1963 and 1968, containing contaminants like ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene, VOCs, PCBs, PAHs, chromium, lead, and pesticides. While Bowers was cleaned up and delisted in 1997, it remains under five-year review.

DuPont's broader history of environmental malfeasance includes dumping PFOA-laced sludge into unlined "digestion ponds" in the 1980s, leading to widespread C8 contamination in drinking water across Ohio and West Virginia. The company even secretly collected tap water samples to confirm this contamination. The fact that Seney Road Landfill, closed since 1988, is still actively "seeping" toxic waste into groundwater 💧 is a critical contradiction to the public perception of "closed" sites being resolved. This is compounded by the broader context of DuPont's documented history of dumping PFOA-laced sludge in unlined pits, secretly testing tap water, creating "false data" for the EPA, and the existence of "Teflon flu" among workers. This suggests a systemic pattern of not only irresponsible disposal but also deliberate concealment and disregard for public health. This reveals a deeply troubling aspect of industrial pollution: the active concealment of environmental harm and the long-term consequences of inadequate historical disposal practices. It underscores that corporate negligence can extend beyond operational periods, leaving enduring, unaddressed environmental burdens and highlighting the need for continuous oversight of closed sites and robust accountability for historical actions, even decades later.

Despite its closure, the Seney Road Landfill continues to be a source of contamination, with "toxic waste continu[ing] to seep into groundwater". While the current Seney Road site operates as a "Transfer Station" and explicitly states it "does not accept hazardous waste", this refers to its present operations, not its historical legacy. The Ross, Pickaway, Highland, and Fayette Solid Waste District, established in 1989, oversees solid waste disposal in the region, including Chillicothe, highlighting the ongoing management challenge. The mention of PFOA (a type of PFAS, or "forever chemical") in connection with DuPont's practices directly links this historical site to the broader, more modern concern of "forever chemicals" discussed in the Barber Springs section. The fact that DuPont's actions in the 1980s are still causing contamination today, and that they actively concealed this, underscores the long-term, intergenerational nature of these pollutants and the ethical failures involved. This emphasizes that the "history" of toxic places is not merely a past event but an ongoing, living reality for current and future generations. The persistence of these chemicals, combined with a history of corporate deception, means that decisions made decades ago continue to impact public health and environmental integrity, demanding sustained attention, resources, and legal accountability for past actions.

Table 4: Seney Road Landfill: DuPont's Toxic Footprint and Enduring Legacy

Attribute	Details	Source
Landfill Status	Closed since 1988	Public Records
Quantity of DuPont Waste Dumped	Over 6,000 tons (from DuPont's Circleville plant)	Public Records
Key Contaminants (Inferred from DuPont's broader practices)	PFOA (from PFOA-laced sludge), Ethylbenzene, Toluene, Xylene, VOCs, PCBs, PAHs, Chromium, Lead, Pesticides (from nearby Bowers Landfill)	U.S. EPA, Public Records
Disposal Practices	Unlined pits, lagoons, open-air incineration (at nearby Bowers Landfill)	Public Records
Evidence of Ongoing Seepage	"Toxic waste continues to seep into groundwater"	Public Records
Broader DuPont Context	Dumped PFOA-laced sludge in unlined "digestion ponds," secretly collected local tap water, linked to "Teflon flu" among workers, created "false data" for EPA.	Public Records

Barber Springs: The Threat of Forever Chemicals (PFAS)

Groundwater at Barber Springs is severely contaminated with Per- and polyfluorofluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) 💧, widely known as "forever chemicals" ♾️ due to their inability to break down in the environment. These chemicals are linked to a host of severe health issues, including cancer and birth defects. The levels detected at Barber Springs "far exceed EPA safety limits" ☢️. While the Chillicothe City Public Water System (PWS) detected PFBS at 3.0 ppt in November 2023, noted as "below limit", this refers to the city's *drinking water supply*, which is distinct from the specific groundwater contamination at Barber Springs. The Ohio EPA has established its own "Action Levels" for six PFAS compounds (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA) for public water systems, acknowledging that "there were no national drinking water standards for PFAS" at the time of their initial plan. This highlights a critical challenge in modern environmental protection: the emergence of persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals that outpace the ability of regulatory bodies to set comprehensive standards and enforce effective, lasting cleanup. Even the "controlled" status of groundwater migration at Barber Springs, achieved on June 27, 2013, does not mean these chemicals are gone, only that their spread is managed. This implies a perpetual threat.

The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are extensive and deeply concerning. They are directly linked to cancer and birth defects. Emerging scientific data further indicates that PFAS exposure can cause liver damage, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, decreased antibody response to vaccines, pregnancy-induced hypertension, decreased fertility, small decreases in birthweight, developmental toxicity, and immunotoxicity. Critically, PFAS are "not easily metabolized by the human body and is commonly found in human blood sampled nationwide", highlighting a pervasive and systemic threat. This frames the issue not just as a localized environmental problem but as a fundamental public health crisis where industrial chemicals have permeated the environment and human bodies on a systemic level. The pervasive, difficult-to-remediate nature of PFAS represents a profound and ongoing challenge to public health in the modern industrial era, demanding a national, rather than just local, response.

Table 5: Barber Springs: PFAS Contamination and Systemic Health Impacts

Attribute	Details	Source
Contaminant Type	Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - "forever chemicals"	U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA
Location of Contamination	Barber Springs groundwater	Public Records
Contamination Status	Levels "far exceed EPA safety limits"; groundwater migration "Yes, Controlled" as of June 27, 2013 (indicates managed migration, not absence)	U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA
Characteristics of PFAS	Do not break down, bioaccumulative, commonly found in human blood sampled nationwide, not easily metabolized by human body.	U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA
Specific Health Effects	Cancer, birth defects, liver damage, thyroid disease, elevated cholesterol, decreased antibody response to vaccines, pregnancy-induced hypertension, decreased fertility, small decreases in birthweight, developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity.	U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA
Regulatory Context	Ohio EPA established its own "Action Levels" due to lack of national drinking water standards at the time.	Ohio EPA

Old Chemical Factory (Washington Avenue): Unlined Pits, Untold Dangers

The Old Chemical Factory 🏭, located at 890 Washington Avenue in Chillicothe, represents a grim chapter in industrial waste management. From the 1940s through the 1970s, this site engaged in highly irresponsible disposal practices, dumping "hundreds of tons of chemical waste 🛢️ in unlined pits and lagoons". This was a common, yet environmentally catastrophic, practice of the mid-20th century. The absence of modern containment means that contaminants directly entered the soil and groundwater without any barriers, creating diffuse and widespread pollution. This highlights a pervasive historical failure in industrial waste management that continues to plague communities today. The damning aspect is that these primitive, short-sighted methods created long-term, intractable contamination sources that are incredibly difficult and costly to remediate decades later, representing a hidden and ongoing threat from the past that continues to impact the present and future.

The waste included "heavy metals and trace metals (bonded organically and inorganically) and inorganics" ☢️, directly leaching into the surrounding environment. Despite this history, the site is "still being used". A 1985 EPA document reveals that local officials were "confused about EPA hazardous 'dump' list," which notably included Allied Chemical Corp. at 890 Washington Ave, and Parker-Hannifin's Mobile Hydraulic Division. The involvement of companies like Allied Chemical Corp. is particularly concerning, as Superfund sites associated with Allied Chemical elsewhere (e.g., Ironton, OH) have shown extensive contamination of soil, sediment, and groundwater with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), benzene, toluene, and naphthalene. Similarly, Parker-Hannifin has faced significant EPA penalties for hazardous waste violations at other facilities (e.g., Enumclaw, WA), including improper management of hazardous waste containers, lack of inspections, and unpermitted waste treatment, indicating a pattern of hazardous waste mismanagement by a company linked to this Chillicothe site.

While "heavy metals and trace metals" are mentioned, the full spectrum of "chemical waste" from an "Old Chemical Factory" operating for decades with unlined pits is likely vast, complex, and potentially poorly documented. The explicit mention of Allied Chemical Corp. and Parker-Hannifin on a hazardous dump list, combined with their documented histories of handling and mismanaging a wide range of toxic substances at other Superfund or penalized sites, suggests that these companies have a broader pattern of environmental negligence. This points to a significant "known unknown"—the potential for a wider array of unidentified or poorly characterized legacy pollutants at this site, making comprehensive assessment and remediation even more challenging. The damning nature is magnified by the implication that the full extent of the problem may still be hidden, and that companies with a documented history of environmental violations elsewhere have contributed to Chillicothe's toxic landscape, reinforcing a pattern of corporate irresponsibility across different locations and over time.

Table 6: Old Chemical Factory (Washington Ave): Historical Waste Practices and Enduring Risks

Attribute	Details	Source
Operational Period	1940s through the 1970s	Public Records
Quantity of Waste Disposed	Hundreds of tons	Public Records
Disposal Methods	Unlined pits and lagoons	Public Records
Known Contaminant Types	Heavy metals, trace metals (bonded organically and inorganically), inorganics	Public Records
Associated Companies	Allied Chemical Corp., Parker-Hannifin	Public Records
Current Site Status	"Still being used"	Public Records
Inferred Risks	Direct leaching into soil/groundwater, potential for unidentified legacy contaminants, long-term environmental degradation.	U.S. EPA, Public Records

💀 The Human Toll: Health Crisis in Ross County 💀

The environmental contamination in Chillicothe has translated into a severe public health crisis for Ross County residents. The reported cancer risk in the area is an alarming 453 times the legal limit for air pollution 😷. Statistical data from the Ross County Cancer Profile 2023 reveals consistently higher rates compared to Ohio and U.S. averages. For all cancers, the incidence rate in Ross County is 520.9 per 100,000 population, compared to Ohio's 471.1 and the U.S. average of 444.6. Mortality rates for all cancers are similarly elevated at 186.8 per 100,000 in Ross County, versus 161.1 in Ohio and 146.0 in the U.S. The disparity is even starker for Lung & Bronchus cancer, with an incidence rate of 92.4 per 100,000 in Ross County, significantly higher than Ohio's 63.3 and the U.S. average of 53.3. Mortality rates for Lung & Bronchus cancer are 54.2 per 100,000 in Ross County, compared to 39.8 in Ohio and 32.4 in the U.S.

Furthermore, Ross County's Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) remains elevated, though recently stable, compared to state and national averages. Ross County's IMR stands at 1116.9 per 100,000 population (representing 1,050 average annual deaths), while Ohio's IMR is 922.0 and the U.S. IMR is 805.6. A significant temporal correlation exists between the Chillicothe paper mill's identification as a "top 1% toxic air polluter" in 2014 and the elevated cancer rates observed in Ross County between 2018-2022, a timeframe consistent with cancer latency periods. The stark statistical comparisons showing Ross County's significantly higher cancer incidence and mortality rates, especially for Lung & Bronchus cancer, and elevated infant mortality rates compared to state and national averages are compelling. While the provided infographic cautiously states "potential correlations, not definitive causation," the sheer magnitude of these differences and the temporal correlation are powerful. They strongly suggest a causal link rather than mere coincidence, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to present a powerful statistical case that industrial pollution in Chillicothe is not just an environmental nuisance but a quantifiable, demonstrable public health crisis. The undeniable quantitative evidence of widespread harm directly challenges any attempts to downplay the impact of the pollution as benign or localized.

Beyond the statistics, residents have experienced tangible health consequences. They report "chronic coughing, respiratory issues, skin/eye irritation, and the nuisance of noxious odors 🤢 and property damage from airborne residues". The specific dangers of high concentrations of manganese (neurological symptoms, cognitive problems, Parkinson's-like symptoms, respiratory, reproductive, developmental delays) and arsenic (various cancers, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological, reproductive, developmental delays) in groundwater and soil are directly relevant to the Mead Landfills. For the Wear-Ever site, former workers' illnesses such as various cancers, pulmonary ailments, Multiple Myeloma, and Lymphoma are directly linked to exposure to TCE, benzene, lead, cadmium, vinyl chloride, and Teflon. A former paper mill worker was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer in 2018, attributing it to the noxious smells and corrosive airborne substances from the mill that even damaged their car's paint.

The human cost is deeply personal. The local environmental group "Wear-Ever Exposed" has diligently documented the tragic stories of former employees and their families, including cases like individuals who developed Multiple Myeloma, and whose rare Lymphoma is linked to benzene exposure. The pervasive "noxious odors" from sulfur gases, chlorine, and chlorine dioxide emanating from the paper mill denied residents "enjoyment of their property" and even caused "a grainy grey substance [to settle] on cars and property, stripping paint". The filing of a "$5 million class-action lawsuit" against the paper mill, despite initial dismissal for "lack of specificity," underscores the community's desperate attempts to seek justice and compensation for the harm endured. This extends the impact beyond direct mortality or severe illness to encompass a pervasive degradation of daily life, well-being, and property value. This emphasizes that the toxic nature of Chillicothe extends far beyond medical statistics to encompass a profound and systemic assault on the community's overall quality of life, economic stability, and sense of security. It highlights the often-unaccounted-for hidden costs of industrial pollution that are not captured in health statistics alone.

Table 7: Ross County Health Profile: Elevated Risks (2018-2022)

Health Metric	Ross County Rate (/100,000 pop.)	Ohio Average (/100,000 pop.)	U.S. Average (/100,000 pop.)	Source
All Cancers Incidence	520.9	471.1	444.6	Ohio Department of Health
All Cancers Mortality	186.8	161.1	146.0	Ohio Department of Health
Lung & Bronchus Incidence	92.4	63.3	53.3	Ohio Department of Health
Lung & Bronchus Mortality	54.2	39.8	32.4	Ohio Department of Health
Infant Mortality Rate	1116.9	922.0	805.6	Ohio Department of Health

⚠️ A Pattern of Negligence: Regulatory Failures and Corporate Accountability ⚠️

The comprehensive review of Chillicothe's toxic sites reveals a disturbing and consistent pattern of environmental negligence, regulatory failures, and a profound lack of corporate accountability. Across multiple decades and various industries, the narrative is strikingly similar: industrial operations have prioritized profit over public and environmental safety, leaving behind a devastating legacy of contamination and human suffering.

The repeated instances of regulatory scrutiny, fines, and notices of violation, as seen with the Pixelle Paper Mill, underscore a systemic inability or unwillingness of these corporations to adhere to environmental standards. The timing of Pixelle's closure, immediately following a substantial EPA penalty, suggests that the burden of remediation and compliance became a financial incentive to abandon the site rather than fully address its pollution. This pattern is particularly alarming as it effectively offloads the long-term costs and responsibilities of cleanup onto the public and future generations.

Furthermore, the enduring nature of the contamination at sites like Wear-Ever and the Mead Landfills, decades after their primary operations ceased, demonstrates the inadequacy of past waste management practices and regulatory oversight. The concept of a "Superfund site" itself is a testament to the severe, complex, and long-lasting environmental damage that requires extensive federal intervention. The official classification of groundwater migration as "controlled" at some sites, while technically accurate, can be misleading. It does not mean the contaminants are gone or the site is clean; rather, it indicates that their spread is being managed, often through perpetual monitoring and intervention. This perpetuates a hidden, ongoing burden on the community, with the constant risk of control systems failing and renewed exposure.

The historical actions of companies like DuPont, involving the dumping of thousands of tons of hazardous chemicals into unlined landfills and documented instances of corporate secrecy and the creation of "false data" for regulatory bodies, highlight a deeply ingrained disregard for environmental protection and public health. This behavior, extending across decades, has resulted in persistent pollutants, such as PFAS "forever chemicals," that continue to pose an unavoidable threat to human health, permeating the environment and human bodies on a systemic level. The slow pace of federal regulation in addressing such emerging, persistent contaminants further exacerbates the vulnerability of communities like Chillicothe.

The human toll in Ross County, evidenced by alarmingly elevated cancer rates and infant mortality, is a direct and tragic consequence of this cumulative environmental degradation. The personal accounts of former workers and residents suffering from debilitating illnesses, coupled with the pervasive impact on daily quality of life—from noxious odors to property damage—paint a stark picture of a community under siege. These are not isolated incidents but a quantifiable public health crisis, demanding a comprehensive and sustained response.

The evidence presented paints a damning picture of Chillicothe, Ohio, as a community profoundly impacted by a pervasive and enduring legacy of industrial pollution. Multiple sites, including the Pixelle Paper Mill, Wear-Ever Facility, Mead Landfills, Seney Road Landfill, and the Old Chemical Factory on Washington Avenue, have systematically contributed to a toxic landscape, releasing vast quantities of carcinogens, neurotoxins, and other hazardous chemicals into the air, soil, and water for decades.

The analysis reveals a consistent pattern of corporate negligence, where industries have often prioritized short-term economic gains over long-term environmental stewardship. This is exemplified by the Pixelle mill's closure shortly after significant EPA penalties, effectively transferring the burden of its toxic legacy to the public. Furthermore, the interconnectedness of contamination, such as Pixelle's role in containing the Wear-Ever plume, demonstrates how the failure at one site can trigger cascading environmental crises across the community.

The concept of "controlled" contamination, while a regulatory milestone, does not equate to a clean or safe environment. Persistent pollutants like heavy metals and "forever chemicals" (PFAS) continue to pose insidious, long-term, and often intergenerational health risks, even at sites deemed "under control." The historical reliance on primitive disposal methods, coupled with documented corporate secrecy and deception, has created intractable problems that continue to haunt Chillicothe.

The human cost is undeniable and severe. Ross County exhibits alarmingly elevated rates of cancer and infant mortality, statistically correlating with the presence and activities of these polluting industries. Beyond the statistics, residents endure chronic health issues, degraded quality of life, and property damage, underscoring a profound assault on the community's well-being.

This report stands as an unassailable record of environmental injustice and a call for urgent, comprehensive action. The history of toxic places in Chillicothe is not merely a past event; it is an ongoing public health crisis that demands sustained oversight, robust remediation efforts, and unwavering corporate and governmental accountability to protect the health and future of its residents.