EPA, Gadsden/Etowah County EMA and City of Gadsden Complete Emergency Cleanup of Cyanide, Other Hazardous Wastes at Gadsden Business
EPA, Gadsden/Etowah County EMA and City of Gadsden Complete Emergency Cleanup of Cyanide, Other Hazardous Wastes at Gadsden Business
GADSDEN, Alabama (March 17, 2026) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed an emergency removal of hazardous wastes, including 38,000 gallons of cyanide, from Techtrix, Inc., in partnership with Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and City of Gadsden.
“The presence of unsecured cyanide, other liquid waste and contaminated debris posed an imminent threat to human health and the environment,” said Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. “EPA is committed to ensuring clean air, land and water for every American. Now residents in the community surrounding this facility can rest assured that these hazardous materials have been removed.”
"We want to thank EPA and all the other government agencies that worked together to clean up this site and protect the residents of District 3 and Gadsden,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. "We look forward to finding ways to return this site to a productive use for the community."
EPA removed more than 100,000 gallons of liquid hazardous waste and 21,000 pounds of solid hazardous waste, following the August 2024 discovery of damaged tanks that were leaking and in danger of critically failing. After removal, EPA sampled properties near the site and determined that contamination had not spread to neighboring properties. The State of Alabama will work with any future property owners to address any contaminated soil that potentially remains under the building’s concrete slab.
Background
ADEM requested EPA assistance with Tetrix Inc., an electroplating and metal finishing facility, in 2021 after repeated violations. EPA issued an Administrative Order on Consent requiring Techtrix, Inc. to safely store its products and properly dispose of hazardous wastes. The owner of the site died in 2024, and the estate could not complete the required closure actions. EPA assumed responsibility for the cleanup in coordination with the Gadsden/Etowah County EMA and the City of Gadsden.