elanese Corporation of America (Celanese) operated the largest cellulose acetate manufacturing facility in the United States from 1948 to 2005 on the property. In addition to cellulose acetate, a synthetic fiber widely used in the textile industry, Celanese also manufactured bulk chemicals including methanol and formaldehyde. The facility was self-sufficient and included a power plant, water filtration plant, raw water intake, wastewater treatment plant and landfills. At its peak the 2.5 M square foot facility employed over 2,500 employees and was shutdown when it was no longer competitive. Over fifty seven years of operation resulted in several environmental legacies, some of which required regulation under US EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). With demolition and cleanup estimates exceeding $45 M Celanese decided to sell the facility. In October of 2005 the Assured Group purchased the plant and property and indemnified Celanese for all on and offsite and known and unknown environmental liability.
xtensive environmental investigations conducted at the facility under the RCRA program identified over twenty two- solid waste management units (SWMUs). The Assured Group met with the State of South Carolina Department of Environmental Control and jointly developed and implemented a partnering approach which accelerated the remaining investigation, cleanup and closure of SWMUs and other areas of concern. Moreover, the Assured Group was able to demonstrate that both of the facility’s hazardous waste management units were non-hazardous; therefore negating the requirement to perform post-closure activities under the RCRA program. The demolition of 2.5M square foot facility which was completed in approximately 18 months was performed concurrently with the environmental cleanup.
ears before any construction, the concept for the Riverwalk development was sculpted by the best consultants and land planners. With insight from community leaders and visionairies a river village concept was crafted where energy and environment will be its legacy. A community distinguished by over three miles of river waterfront and a planned vibrant collaboration of authentic housing, shopping, entertainment, office, and schools, all thoughtfully united by miles of walking trails and public open spaces will make Riverwalk like no other in the Region.