Fairborn takes over former Cemex plant

Lisa Powell/Staff photo A view of the former Cemex plant and quarry in August, 2005.

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By Christopher Magan, Staff Writer 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 8, 2009

FAIRBORN — City officials have taken possession of a former Cemex cement plant, the first step in transforming the site into a training ground for medical first responders.

The city has $3 million in state and federal grants from the Environmental Protection Agency and Clean Ohio to clean up the property on Xenia Avenue for Wright State University’s National Center for Medical Readiness Tactical Laboratory, also called Calamityville.

“Cemex is very generous for donating this property to us,” said Deborah McDonnell, who has been working to bring the project to Fairborn since becoming city manager in 2007.

Asbestos in buildings on the site must be removed, as well as other hazards including soil containing trichloroethene an industrial solvent.

Environmental consultants estimate the cleanup could cost up to $4.4 million, according to city and university records, but McDonnell and university officials said last month they were confident it would cost much less.

Cemex turned the 70-acre property, which includes buildings, tunnels and other structures that will be reused for training, over to Fairborn by the June 30 deadline stipulated in the cleanup grants, McDonnell said.

Work at the site is expected to begin by fall, but city and university officials are expected to hold an exhibition at the site later this month to give elected leaders and others an idea how Calamityville will operate.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2342 or cmagan@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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Exactly. And they get a tax break probably. Cemex isn't exactly known as a socially conscientious company. They donation of the quarry on Yellow Springs Fairborn Road eliminated their obligation to restore that property. With friends like this...

mike
12:44 PM, 8/16/2009

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It is not really a donation when it comes with a 4 million dollar liability attached. Corporations need to be held responsible for their pollution. Our tax dollars are being used to clean up their mess, and they keep the profits. Free market? Hardly. We pay the ultimate price.

Skeptic
5:20 PM, 7/27/2009

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