[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 47 (Friday, March 8, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 9457-9458] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-5532] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-5438-2] Palmerton Zinc Superfund Site De Minimis Settlement; Proposed Administrative Settlement Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Agency: United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Action: Request for Public Comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to enter into de minimis settlements pursuant to Section 122(g)(4) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, (CERCLA) 42 U.S.C. 9622(g)(4). The proposed settlements are intended to resolve the potential liability under CERCLA of twelve (12) de minimis parties for response costs incurred by the United States Environmental Protection Agency at the Palmerton Zinc Superfund Site, Carbon County, Pennsylvania. DATES: Comments must be provided on or before April 8, 1996. ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to the Docket Clerk, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, and should refer to: In Re: Palmerton Zinc Superfund Site, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, U.S. EPA Docket Nos. III-95-11-DC, III-95-12-DC, III-95-13-DC, III-95-17-DC, III-95-18-DC, III-95-20-DC, III-95-21-DC, III-95-24-DC, III-95-26-DC, III-95-31-DC, III-95-32-DC, and III-95-34-DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia Nadolski, (3RC32) Office of Regional Counsel, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, (215)597-9912. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice of De Minimis Settlement In accordance with Section 122(i)(1) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9622(i)(1), notice is hereby given of proposed administrative settlements concerning the Palmerton Zinc Site in Carbon County, Pennsylvania. The administrative settlements were signed by the Regional Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, on 5/16/95 and are subject to review by the public pursuant to this Notice. The agreements were also subject to the approval of the Attorney General, United States Department of Justice or her designee. The 12 parties agree to allow complete access to their properties by EPA and its representatives and to cooperate and not to interfere with the activities of EPA or its representatives during an ongoing response action to remove lead, cadmium and zinc contamination from their properties in Palmerton, Pennsylvania in exchange for receiving a covenant not to sue pursuant to Section 122(g) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 122(g), and contribution protection pursuant to Section 113(f) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 113(f). The agreements are subject to the contingency that the Environmental Protection Agency may elect not to complete the settlements based on matters brought to its attention during [[Page 9458]] the public comment period established by this Notice. EPA is entering into these agreements under the authority of Sections 122(g) and 107 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9622(g) and 9607. Section 122(g) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9622(g), authorizes early settlements with de minimis parties to allow them to resolve their potential liability under CERCLA. Under this authority, EPA proposes to settle with homeowners at the Palmerton Zinc Site who meet the standards for a de minimis landowner settlement under CERCLA Section 122(g)(1)(B), 42 U.S.C. 122(g)(1)(B). The Environmental Protection Agency will receive written comments to these proposed administrative settlements for thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice. A copy of the proposed Administrative Orders on Consent can be obtained from the Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, Office of Regional Counsel, (3RC32), 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, by contacting Cynthia Nadolski, Senior Assistant Regional Counsel, at (215)597-9912. Stanley L. Laskowski, Acting Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region III. [FR Doc. 96-5532 Filed 3-7-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P