Earlier in November, 21 News reported on the expansion of cleanup efforts at the site of a hazardous chemical release in Canfield. Now, a ditch lining plan has been proposed the site.

The plan from August Mack Environmental Inc. has been approved by the Ohio EPA. The plan provides additional details for the ditch lining plan for the stormwater ditch directly adjacent to MSC's facility.

The purpose of the plan is to separate the stormwater flow within the ditch from potential surface groundwater impacts and eliminate direct contact potential of the ditch soils to both human and ecological sensitive receptors.

August Mack proposed several construction activities to complete the ditch lining. These activities are as follows:

- Brush and tree removal

- Surveying

- Public and private utility locates

- New upstream and downstream dam installation

- Ditch soil removal and shaping to enable placement of the liner 

- Ditch liner installation

- Ditch line recovery sumps No. 1 through 4 abandonment and red, green, and yellow line plugging

- Ditch liner cover protection

- Recovery sump No. 5 upgrade and redundant sump installation

- Waste disposal

- Ditch lining completion report

- Schedule update

The entire plan with details on all the steps listed above can be read here. The plan could take several months to develop.

In the meantime, a chain-link fence remains installed at the site of the chemical release. There is no risk to people who do not breach the fence and enter the ditch site.

Drains, pipes and manholes have been resealed to prevent further process fluid discharges and environmental crews are now removing pooled and puddled liquids within the ditch and sampling the soil and surface water around the ditch.

Communication lines remain open with the City of Canfield, Canfield Local Schools and the Cardinal Joint Fire District to ensure the community is up to date on cleanup efforts.

You can read more about the chemical release and cleanup efforts so far in our related coverage below:

RELATED COVERAGE: