September 2025
EPA demobilized from the Site at the end of August and the remaining wastes were shipped off-site in September. The time critical removal action is complete.
Late August 2025
Waste consolidation and the packing of empty drums for off-site disposal is ongoing. Also, a vacuum truck is being used to remove material from the facility's outdoor sediment settling areas. Air monitoring at the site continues.
EPA provided an update of cleanup operations to the Malvern Village Council on August 18.
Early August 2025
Crews started consolidating material and approximately 20 tons of waste was shipped for off-site disposal at approved facilities. Air monitoring continued during the consolidation of wastes.
July 2025
During the week of July 14, EPA mobilized crews and equipment to the site.
A site evaluation checked the conditions at the Perfect Products site, finding signs of trespassing and hazardous drums inside and outside of buildings. Many of the drums were in poor condition and spilled material was found indoors. EPA air monitoring found high levels of ammonia and elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the drums. Crews moved all drums into a secure warehouse and organized them for sampling. Perimeter air monitoring was set-up for worker and community safety.
Background
The Former Perfect Products Co Site (Site) was previously operated by Perfect Products Co. Historical latex
balloon manufacturing operations at the Site date back to the 1970s, when the
facility was constructed. The manufacturing of latex balloons involves the use of a variety of chemicals and materials, including latex, dyes and pigments, corrosives, coagulating solutions, and vulcanizing solutions. Perfect Products Company obtained a hazardous waste generator identification number from Ohio EPA in 1999, notifying the state of their status as a conditionally exempt small quantity generator with waste code D002 (corrosivity). Onsite operations were halted by 2015; the property went through tax foreclosure and was acquired by the Village of Malvern in 2019.
Ohio EPA referred the Site to U.S. EPA following a compliance assistance visit conducted in March 2024 where numerous abandoned containers were observed by Ohio EPA. Following the referral, U.S. EPA conducted a Removal Site Evaluation in August 2024. The
August 2024 Removal Site Evaluation sampling and monitoring results confirmed the
presence of hazardous substances as defined by Section 101(14) of CERCLA, 42
U.S.C. § 9601(14), including RCRA characteristic hazardous wastes for
ignitability (D001) and corrosivity (D002); ammonia; arsenic; thallium; and
pollutants and contaminants (including cobalt) as defined by Section 101(33) of
CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(33).
U.S. EPA will be conducting a time-critical removal action over the summer of 2025. Additional information will be published on this website as it becomes available.
