Asheville Superfund Site Settlement Proposed at $7.61 Million
The EPA has proposed a multi-party agreement to recover cleanup costs for the former CTS plant in Buncombe County.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Environmental
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A proposed $7.61 million settlement has been announced to cover cleanup costs at the former CTS of Asheville Superfund site on Mills Gap Road. The agreement would require three parties to reimburse the EPA for expenses related to hazardous substances found at the location.
Why it matters
This settlement marks a significant step in addressing environmental contamination that has affected the area for decades. By recovering these costs, the EPA ensures that the resources used for hazardous waste remediation are replenished.
The nine-acre site on Mills Gap Road has been under remediation since 2017 after being identified as a health and safety threat in 2002. Three separate parties are currently slated to repay the EPA within 30 days if the settlement is finalized.
The players
Environmental Protection Agency
The federal agency is responsible for the oversight and remediation of hazardous waste sites across the United States.
CTS of Asheville
This entity operated a manufacturing plant on the nine-acre property from 1959 until its closure in 1986.
The details
The CTS plant operated from 1959 to 1986, leading to the release of hazardous substances into the local soil and water. The EPA first identified these toxic chemicals in 1990, eventually leading to the site's Superfund designation due to the ongoing health risks posed to the community.
Timeline
The CTS plant operated at the site from 1959 until 1986.
The EPA first identified toxic chemicals at the location in 1990.
The agency designated the property an immediate health threat in 2002.
Active cleanup efforts at the Mills Gap Road site began in 2017.
The deadline to submit public comments on the proposal is October 21, 2026.
Deeper Dive
The settlement follows the recovery protocols established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, which governs the cleanup of contaminated industrial land. This action aligns with the broader institutional mandate to hold responsible parties accountable for environmental damage.
The settlement ensures that cleanup funds are replenished, supporting the continued safety of the local environment near Mills Gap Road. Residents can participate in the process by submitting comments to the EPA before the mid-October deadline.
The takeaway
The proposed repayment of cleanup costs highlights the long-term financial and environmental consequences of industrial operations. Proper disposal and early intervention remain essential for preventing the high costs and health risks associated with historic site contamination.
What happens next
The public comment period regarding the proposed settlement remains open through October 21, 2026, after which the EPA will review submissions before finalizing the agreement.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing remediation efforts in the region, visit the Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLOS.
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