CHILLICOTHE, OH – The impending closure of Pixelle Specialty Solutions’ paper mill on August 10, 2025, could trigger a potential environmental crisis, unleashing toxic chemicals into the groundwater near the former WearEver Aluminum Facility in Ross County. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) Division of Environmental Response and Revitalization (DERR) issued a letter on July 7, 2025, to Howmet Aerospace Inc., highlighting significant concerns over the cessation of pumping from Pixelle’s production wells.
The Ohio EPA warned that stopping operations at Wells 17 and 18 will disrupt the aquifer’s hydraulic gradient, likely shifting groundwater flow southeastward. This change could mobilize a chlorinated volatile organic compound (cVOC) contaminant plume, previously contained by Pixelle’s pumping, into previously uncontaminated areas. The agency noted that this breach would violate the 1998 Decision Document and 1999 Director’s Final Findings and Orders (DFFOs), which mandate Howmet to maintain hydraulic control over the plume—a role largely fulfilled by Pixelle Well No. 18.
The plume was first identified in the 1980s as part of the leftover contamination from the cookware manufacturer WearEver Aluminum thats mentioned in the letter. The plant closed in the 1990s, but the chemicals remained, threatening the people who live around the area, the only thing that holds the chemicals at bay and from moving into other water areas is the paper mill.
Chemicals identified in the chemical slurry plume include (TCE) trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride, chemicals used by the WearEver plant. TCE (1,1,2-trichloroethane or “trichloroethylene”) is a colorless, transparent liquid used in manufacturing. It previously served as a degreaser, paint stripper, adhesive solvent and as an additive in paints and varnishes as well as in the manufacture of other chemicals.
TCE and vinyl chloride are confirmed human carcinogens associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, kidney and liver cancer and other malignancies. Vinyl chloride is known to cause certain types of liver cancer.
Historically, people have been exposed to TCE through ingestion of contaminated groundwater and by inhaling vapors resulting from soil vapor intrusion. In this case, Chillicothe residents ingested TCE through well water and vapors evaporated from contaminated drinking water into indoor air during cooking, cleaning and washing, resulting in a quantifiable exposure dose.
EPA has studied the area well and reports that this plume is of concern if the pumps from the paper mill are shut off. In one report,the EPA said that during COVID, the plant went into shutdown and pumps were turned off, spreading the plume and raising a spike in TCE concentrations. Well samples near the plume measured as much as 15 times the recommended maximum contaminant level for TCE and 100 times the maximum level for vinyl chloride.
In response, Ohio EPA has requested Howmet install additional groundwater monitoring wells to track potential plume migration and submit a revised remedial plan within 30 days to protect nearby residents and the environment. Failure to comply could exacerbate risks to human health and safety.
Jason Salley of Ohio Atomic Press has been the main whistleblower on this, covering it in news exclusively even before the Pixelle closure announcement. Check out this video that covers the WearEver company and the problems that have come from the chemicals it used.
EDITORS NOTE – Pixelle is not the cause of the chemical or Plume, but is only involved due to water usage indirectly helping contain the WearEver plants’ Chemical spill.
