Marion Engineer Depot

 

History

The Marion Engineer Depot was constructed during WWII in 1942 in Marion, Ohio. The Depot was best known for its ability to handle and store the heaviest type of engineering equipment and at its peak employed 47 military personnel and 1,478 civilians.

Major Milestones Achieved During Environmental Investigation

Major milestones have been accomplished during the environmental investigation of the former Marion Engineer Depot and Scioto Ordnance Plant in Marion, Ohio. These milestones mark the significant steps achieved during the ongoing 12-year investigation that follows the Comprehensive, Environmental Response Compensation Liability Act (CERCLA).

It is due to the partnership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ohio EPA, Ohio and Marion County Departments of Health, Army Reserve 88th Regional Readiness Command, Army Environmental Command, River Valley Local School District, contractors, Restoration Advisory Board members and other concerned and involved citizens that these milestones were accomplished.

In 1998, a Restoration Advisory Board was formed and co-chaired by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The board consisted  of volunteer community members and local, state and federal agency representatives. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District  officially adjourned the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) for the former Marion Engineer Depot and Scioto Ordnance Plant, formerly used defense sites in Marion, Ohio. The RAB Adjournment Report and other pertinent documents are available at the Marion County Library, 455 E. Church Street, Marion, Ohio 43302.

Environmental Investigation

During the course of the investigation, 23 groundwater monitoring wells were installed and more than 1,100 samples were taken from the former Marion Engineer Depot property. More than 90 reports have been completed since the start of the investigation and are available for the public to view at the Marion County Library.

Since September 1997, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been investigating a waste disposal area located on property owned by the River Valley Local School District.

In December 2000, a Memorandum of Understanding and a Cooperative Agreement was signed by the Department of Army, River Valley Schools and State of Ohio to share in the costs of relocating the River Valley Middle and High School campus. As a result of this Cooperative Agreement, the schools were relocated in the fall 2003. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized a feasibility study and presented the cleanup alternatives at a public meeting in November 2003.

The recommended cleanup alternative was approved and the Decision Document signed in June 2004. The Corps has awarded a contract to conduct the cleanup action in fiscal year 2004-05. The environmental cleanup will meet the criteria to clean the school property to industrial standards.

Where We Are Now

After more than 14 years of investigative and cleanup activities, the former Marion Engineer Depot (MED) in Marion, Ohio, is deemed environmentally restored and No Further Action (NFA) is necessary.  

Even though the cleanup is complete, the Corps will still perform Long-Term Monitoring (LTM), and the required CERCLA 5-year reviews, of the site.

Photos

Contact Information

Public Affairs

    (502) 315-6769
   charles.w.delano@usace.army.mil