Reilly Tar Chemical Corp Dover Plant

⚠ Superfund · Construction complete

In early 2017, the performing Potentially Responsible Party for the site discontinued operation of the remedy because of a bankruptcy action. EPA took over the operations of the remedy a few months later and is currently operating the remedy. The site is being addressed through federal and state actions.

Location

CityDover
CountyTuscarawas County
StateOhio
Coordinates40.51750, -81.47900

Contaminants of concern

Contaminated media

Cleanup timeline

  1. Initial Assessment Completed — 07/01/1984
  2. Proposed to the National Priorities List — 06/24/1988
  3. Finalized on the National Priorities List — 08/30/1990
  4. Remedial Investigation Started — 03/29/1989
  5. Final Remedy Selected — 03/31/1997
  6. Remedial Action Started — 09/28/1999
  7. Construction Completed — 09/29/2000
  8. Deleted from National Priorities List — Not Yet Achieved
  9. Most Recent Five-Year Review — 05/08/2025
  10. Achieved Sitewide Ready for Anticipated Reuse — Not Yet Achieved

EPA references

Other Superfund sites in Tuscarawas County

EPA-regulated facilities nearby

Understanding this Superfund site

Reilly Tar Chemical Corp Dover Plant is a federal Superfund site in Ohio. The Superfund program, created by Congress in 1980, addresses sites where hazardous substances have been released or threaten release into the environment. EPA scores potential sites using the Hazard Ranking System; those that score high enough are placed on the National Priorities List.

Current status: Construction complete. Physical construction of the cleanup remedy is complete, though long-term monitoring and institutional controls typically continue for years or decades. Groundwater treatment systems, for example, often run long after surface cleanup finishes.

EPA has identified 10 contaminants of concern at this site, including 2-methylphenol (o-cresol), 4-methylphenol (p-cresol), barium. Contamination has been detected in sediment, soil, groundwater, debris.

If you live near this site and have health concerns, your state health department can provide site-specific guidance. EPA maintains a community involvement program for most NPL sites, and site documents — including the Record of Decision, five-year reviews, and public health assessments — are typically available through EPA's Superfund site profile.