A cleanup project is in the beginning stages in Berea. The former Parker Seal rubber plant closed down in 2001, and has since been a haven for crime and unsafe conditions. The site has also been contaminated with the chemical trichloroethene and debris. The six acre site has recently been approved for a 200,000 Brownfields cleanup grant, which will seek to get the semi-hazardous chemical off the property, which is in close proximity to homes and businesses. Kentucky River Foothills with help from the EPA helped secure the grant for the property. Marisa Hempel spoke with Karen Atkins of Kentucky River Foothills about the timeline for training and cleanup, now that the large sum has been awarded.
