Located just five miles east of Elon, a 22-acre site known both as Western Electric and the Tarheel Army Missile Plant poses serious public health risks. With its rundown buildings and lingering contaminants, many believe it’s time for the site to be cleaned up or demolished. Donna Vanhook, a supervisor for the Alamance County Soil and Water Conservation District, is particularly concerned. “I don’t trust it. It’s been abandoned for over 30 years,” she stated.
This site has a complicated history. Built in 1927 as a factory for synthetic fabrics, it changed hands many times during its lifetime. In 1942, the Defense Plant Corporation took over, leasing it to various companies to support military efforts during the Cold War. It even served as a research facility for Nike Ajax missiles. By 2004, the U.S. Department of the Army sold the property, but serious issues remained.
At its peak, the plant offered nearly 4,000 jobs to local residents in Alamance County, breathing economic life into the area. Sadly, it has since fallen into disrepair, leading to health hazards for nearby families. Over the years, unchecked chemical spills have contaminated soil and groundwater. According to a recent study, the site is polluted with carcinogens, asbestos, lead, and even radioactive materials.
The community surrounding the plant is predominantly low-income and people of color. Residents have noticed that the plant’s presence has lowered property values and contributed to a high turnover rate in the neighborhood. Vanhook expressed concern about how the site affects life expectancy. It is reported that people in east Burlington, where the plant is located, live on average 11 years less than those in the wealthier west side.
Efforts to clean up the site have faced many hurdles. Previous owners sought help from national and state programs but were denied assistance. In the mid-1990s, soil was tested for Superfund eligibility, a program designed for significant pollution cleanup. However, it did not meet the necessary criteria, a decision that has since been contested. Moreover, there were no adequate tests for PFAS compounds, commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
PFAS are man-made substances that do not break down naturally and have been linked to serious health risks, such as cancer and hormonal issues. Jessica Merricks, a biology professor at Elon University, noted how these chemicals accumulate over time, posing threats to both the environment and human health. Recent tests revealed alarming levels of PFOS and PFOA, specific types of PFAS, in groundwater at levels far exceeding health advisory limits.
This groundwater eventually flows into a nearby stream where children play, raising significant safety concerns. Despite these findings, Vanhook feels that local voices have been overlooked in the cleanup conversation. “I’m just concerned about the people,” she emphasized, highlighting the need for community engagement.
Local access to fresh food is another pressing issue. The planned development of a Lidl grocery store near the plant was scrapped due to contamination concerns, leaving residents reliant on a Food Lion and Walmart. Vanhook often travels to other areas for better grocery options.
The Department of Defense is currently focusing on removing contaminants and adding protective measures. A recent schedule indicated that a feasibility study will be conducted soon, leading to a public comment period later this year. In response to the lack of government action, local groups like the West End Revitalization Association (WERA) have stepped in to advocate for a faster cleanup, aiming to engage the community in discussions about environmental justice.
“We want to ensure that all voices, especially those from marginalized communities, are heard in this dialogue,” Vanhook added. This includes translating complex scientific information into understandable terms for everyday people to foster greater awareness and action.
