Environmental Hazards in Bullitt County, Kentucky

Documenting the history and status of Bullitt County's environmental problems

University of Louisville Superfund Research Center Community Engagement Core

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Navigational map of Bullitt County and the surrounding area

A Brief History of Bullitt County

Located in north central Kentucky, Bullitt County was founded in 1796. As of the 2020 census, the population of the nearly 300-square-mile county totaled 82,217. The county's proximity to Louisville makes it part of the Louisville/Jefferson County Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat is currently Shepherdsville. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge that the land on which Bullitt County exists belongs to the Shawnee, Cherokee, and Osage Indigenous peoples. 1 

Kentucky is divided into five regions, of which Bullitt County is located in the Bluegrass region. The region is known for its abundance of limestone, dolomite, and shale. These fossiliferous characteristics contribute area's karst geology. Karst terrain results from these soluble rocks creating underground drainage systems defined by sinkholes and caves, which results in water moving more rapidly underground. The Karst terrain is an essential component of the environmental state of Bullitt County because the rapid movement of water makes the area more susceptible to groundwater pollution. The amount of shale in Bullitt County means that the dangers associated with Karst terrain are less severe than in other parts of the state. 2,3 

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United States Geological Survey topographic map highlighting counties lines in Kentucky

Over 60% of Bullitt County is covered by forest, encompassing Kentucky's Knobs region. The Knobs region borders the Outer Bluegrass region of Kentucky and is predominantly forested land. This region is characterized by steep hills and ridges and low-lying ravines and valleys formed during the Devonian Period. During this period, deep seas covered the state. The knobs were formed from sediment deposits over time and are made of shale, siltstone, limestone, and sandstone. They are the geographical remnants of stream erosion. Over millions of years, the sandstone and limestone deposits resisted erosion. In contrast, the softer shale and siltstone deposits were much more vulnerable to erosion, thus creating the rugged ridges and protruding knobs we see today. Much of the knobs region is still capped by layers of resistant limestones or sandstone. 4,5,6,7,8  

Socioeconomic, Population, Health and Climate Characteristics of Bullitt County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky

The population of Kentucky is over four and a half million people, of which nearly 2% reside in Bullitt County. 9  

The majority of Kentucky is rural (71%). Bullitt County is considered predominantly urban (70.5%). The categorization of urban encompasses areas outside of large metropolitan areas. Bullitt County is a fringe metropolitan area because of its population size and proximity to a large metropolitan center, Louisville, Kentucky. 9 

Bullitt County and the state of Kentucky have similar gender makeups, with Bullitt County being 50.1% female and 49.9% male, while Kentucky is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. 9  

The median age is also similar at 40.8 years old for Bullitt County and 39.1 years for Kentucky. In Bullitt County, almost 16% of the population is 65 or older, while 21.9% is 18 and under. Comparatively, 17% of the population across Kentucky is 65 or older, and 22.5% is 18 and under. 9  

The majority of the population of both Bullitt County (91.7%) and the state of Kentucky (82.4%) are white. 1.3% of Bullitt County is Black compared to 8% of the state’s population. 9  

11.2% of Bullitt County has less than a high school degree. 41.5% of the adult population has a high school degree or equivalency. In Bullitt County, 25.5% of the population has some form of a college degree. In Kentucky, 12.1% of the population has less than a high school degree, compared to the 32.7% with a high school degree or equivalency. 36% of Kentucky’s population has some form of college degree. 9   

Most employees in Bullitt County work either in production and transportation occupations (23.9%) or management, business, and financial occupations (16.9%). The largest industry in Kentucky is production and transportation (19.3%), followed by management, business, and finance (14.8%), and healthcare occupations (10.3%). 9  

The average household income in Bullitt County is $65,531.00, which is 13,008 dollars less than the average household income in the state ($78.539.00). The unemployment rate in Bullitt County is 3.5%, slightly lower than in Kentucky (5.4%). 9 

9.9% of Bullitt County lives below the federal poverty line, which is less than the rate for the state (16.5%). Only 1.5% of Bullitt County residents receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities that have limited financial resources. 21.8% of Bullitt County residents are old age, survivor, and disability insurance (OASDI, also called social security) beneficiaries. OASDI provides benefits to qualified retired and disabled workers and their dependents and survivors. The amount an individual or household receives is determined by a worker's contributions to social security. Many SSI recipients also receive OASDI; however, the statistics for Bullitt County and Kentucky are unavailable. 9,11,12 

There is a substantial gender pay gap in both Bullitt County and across Kentucky. Women earn approximately .76 cents on the dollar men make in Bullitt County and Kentucky. 10 

The average family size for both Bullitt County and Kentucky is approximately two people 9  

Most of the adult population is married (55.1% in Bullitt County and 49% in Kentucky). 25.3% of Bullitt County and 29.9% of Kentucky have never been married. The remaining adult populations (19.6% of Bullitt County and 21.1% of Kentucky) are widowed, divorced, or separated. 9 

The majority of households are headed by married couples (54.5% in Bullitt County and 47.6% in Kentucky). The next largest segment of household types are those led by single householders that live alone (23% in Bullitt County and 28.5% in Kentucky). 9 

3.1% of households in Bullitt County do not have a vehicle (compared to 6.6% of households in Kentucky), while 8.9% of Bullitt County households do not have internet. 9,12  

The average worker in Bullitt County has a one-way commute of 28 minutes (56 minutes a day) regardless of mode of transportation. Long commutes are associated with adverse health outcomes, including increased blood pressure, lower cardiorespiratory fitness, increased sleeplessness, greater feelings of discontent leading to higher rates of depression, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 12,13 

22.2% of seniors aged 65 and older who reside in Bullitt County live alone, compared to 42% of all seniors living in Kentucky, and research has shown that living alone is associated with increased risk for depression, high blood pressure, heart disease, cognitive decline, and increased rates of mortality. 12,14 

Only a small proportion of Bullitt County (2.9%) and Kentucky (4.1%) residents live near major highways. This is important because heavy traffic highways create significant amounts of air pollution, which is associated with various respiratory conditions. Alternatively, 8.8% of Bullitt County and 20.4% of Kentucky households live within half a mile of a park. Parks are beneficial not just because they can lead to increased physical activity but also because they can reduce air and water pollution and protect the environment. 12,15 

In Bullitt County, households spend approximately 25% of their income on expenses related to children. This is significantly higher than the rest of the state, which averages 11.9% of household income being spent on children's expenses. 16 

Food insecurity affects a little over 10% of the population (11.1% in Bullitt County and 12.9% in Kentucky). As such, 10.6% of Bullitt County and 14.2% of Kentucky receives benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP, previously known as food stamps, supplements low-income families' grocery budgets to help them afford more and healthier foods. The average meal cost in the US is $3.02, while the average cost in Bullitt County is $2.93 and in Kentucky $3.11. Based on this cost, Bullitt County residents spend at least $3,199.56 a year on food (assuming they eat three meals a day every day); Kentucky's average yearly meal cost is $3,396.12. 9,17 

Approximately 1.6% of Kentucky's housing units are located in Bullitt County. Of the 32,704 housing units in Bullitt County, 96% are occupied. There are more owner-occupied housing units in Bullitt County (80.3%) than in the state (68.7%), resulting in Kentucky having a higher percentage of renter-occupied housing units (31.3%) than in Bullitt County (19.7%). 9 

Cost-burdened and rent-burdened households spend 30% or more of the household's monthly income on rent or mortgage. The percentage of cost-burdened, owner-occupied households is similar for Bullitt County (17.2%) compared with the rest of the state (17.9%). The rate of rent-burdened households is also comparable for Bullitt County (32.8%) and the whole of the state (31.3%). 9 

The average home value in Bullitt County ($164,750) is close to that for the whole state ($173,300). The average rent in the county and the state is similar at $825 monthly in Bullitt County and $830 across Kentucky. 9 

34.1% of housing units in Bullitt County were built before 1980. This is significant because homes built before 1980 have a much higher risk of containing lead-based construction materials, which pose a significant health risk, especially to children. 9,12  

Less than one percent of Bullitt County live in non-institutional group quarters such as college dorms, military barracks, group homes, or shelters. 7.6% of residents live in mobile homes. Mobile homes can be safety hazards because they are associated with high rates of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, are more likely to contain rodents, have more significant risks of sewer and water problems that are associated with a variety of health and safety issues, and are associated with high rates of poor respiratory health outcomes. 9,12,18,19  

2.3% of housing units in Bullitt County are large apartment complexes or complexes containing ten or more units. 12 

2.4% of housing units are considered overcrowded, meaning there are more people than rooms excluding the kitchen and bathrooms. This crowding makes spreading diseases easier and may cause insufficient clean water supplies. These factors can result in higher stress levels, leading to adverse mental health outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality rates. 12,20 

Life expectancy is slightly higher in Bullitt County (78.1 years) than in the rest of the state (73.5 years). In the state and the county, a little over 17% of the population is disabled. 9 

1.2% of Bullitt County and 1.6% of Kentucky residents are Medicare beneficiaries that use electricity-dependent medical equipment or devices. Medicare provides financial assistance for those over 65 or individuals under 65 with long-term disabilities to help pay healthcare costs. Socioeconomic disparities for those requiring electricity-dependent medical equipment are increasing as meeting the health needs of this group requires reliable electricity access. The duration and frequency of power outages are due to an inability to afford such services and reasons outside of an individual's control (climate change and severe weather events). When individuals cannot have the equipment needed and the necessary resources to power said equipment, their health and well-being are put significantly at risk. 9,11,23 

The majority of the adult population of Bullitt County (89.8%) and Kentucky (94.3%) have health insurance, with slightly under half of each population having public health insurance (39.4% in Bullitt County and 45.4% in Kentucky). Public health insurance includes Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), CHAMPVA (coverage for veterans and their families), and Indian Health Services (IHS). 9,24  

Disease prevalence describes the percentage of the adult population that has these conditions. The conditions with the highest rates across both Kentucky and Bullitt County are high blood pressure (Kentucky 40.9%, Bullitt County 39.5%), high cholesterol (Kentucky 38.1%, Bullitt County 36.1%), and arthritis (Kentucky 34.3%, Bullitt County 31.5%). 21 

The leading causes of death for Bullitt County's adult population under 75 are cancer, heart disease, accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and intentional self-harm. The leading causes of death across the entire state are heart disease, cancer, accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and stroke. 22  

These variables are related to the climate conditions in Bullitt County and Kentucky. They are significant because they affect air and water quality as well as human safety. 60.6% of Bullitt County is forest-covered, which is a designation for an area that is predominantly covered by vegetation which is greater than the forest cover of the state as a whole (34.6%). Open waterways, bodies of water with less than 25% vegetation or soil coverage,  only comprise 0.6% of Bullitt County. 6.9% of Bullitt County has been developed, of which 3.9% of these developments are impervious, meaning that they essentially cap the land, thereby preventing fluids and vapor from passing through. An additional 16.6% of Bullitt County has agricultural uses, either the production of crops, active tilling, or land used for livestock grazing. 12 

FEMA-designated flood zones are areas that are at high risk for flooding. Flooding is dangerous not only because of environmental risks like landslides and an increased potential for cars and people to be swept away but also because, in the aftermath, standing waters can contain infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and a variety of dangerous trash. Furthermore, flooding is the second most deadly weather hazard following heat. 10.9% of the land area of Kentucky is within FEMA-designated flood zones, as is 18.9% of the land area of Bullitt County. Within these areas, 235,314 Kentuckians live within these flood zones, of which 7,511 are located within Bullitt County. 12  

During 2021, Bullitt County experienced 22 extreme heat events where the absolute heat index exceeded 90 degrees for at least three consecutive days. The absolute heat index refers to what the temperature feels like to the human body and thus combines relative humidity with the air temperature. 12 

In 2021, Bullitt County did not experience any droughts. 12  

Bullitt County had 15 days with precipitation at or over the 90th percentile compared to all other counties in Kentucky. 12  The average concentration of PM2.5 for Bullitt County was 9.9 in 2019. The standard for particulate pollution set by the NAAQS is 12.0, indicating that Bullitt County averaged a lower concentration of particulate matter than the maximum annual standard. 12 

The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) measures “the potential negative effects on communities caused by external stresses…such stresses include natural or human-caused disasters or disease outbreaks.” These SVI rankings are determined by collecting and collating sixteen different variables. They are useful in helping public health officials and local planners better prepare for and respond to various emergencies. Reducing social vulnerability is also important because it can decrease suffering and buffer against economic loss. There are two SVI rankings; the national SVI ranking compares a county to all other counties in the US, while the statewide SVI ranking compares a county to all other counties within its state. These are percentile rankings that place a county on a scale of social vulnerability by comparing it to other counties. Bullitt County’s national SVI ranking of 0.119 signifies that 88.1% of US counties are more socially vulnerable. As for Bullitt County’s statewide SVI ranking (0.034), 96.6% of counties in Kentucky are considered more socially vulnerable. 12,25  

Hazardous Sites of Interest

AkzoNobel Resins

Opened in 1919 under Reliance, AkzoNobel is one of the world’s largest coating and paint makers. The company produces industrial coatings, decorative paint, wood varnish, and specialty coatings. This facility produces wood varnishes that contain and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have serious health consequences.26,27

A. L. Taylor Valley of the Drums Superfund Site

The A.L. Taylor Site is a 23-acre Superfund site located in Brooks, Kentucky. Also known as "Valley of the Drums," the site was used as an uncontrolled industrial chemical dump from 1967 to 1977. Due to contamination of the soil, groundwater, and surface water, the site was placed on the National Priority List (NPL) in 1983.28

Arcosa Lightweight, Kentucky Solite Corporation, and the Environmental Conservation Systems RCRA Site

Currently known as Arcosa Lightweight, the lightweight aggregate producer in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, has gone by various names, including Kentucky Solite Crop, Environmental Conservation Systems, IRN LW KY LLC, and Trinity Lightweight. Regardless of their name, they continue to produce low iron glass aggregate often found in doors, windows, and lighting. This aggregate is produced onsite, where shale is mined, crushed, and processed in rotary kilns.29,30,31,32,33

CSX Brooks Train Derailment

In 2007, a CSX train derailed from the tracks in Brooks, Kentucky. Twenty-five train cars went off track, and fourteen caught fire, twelve of which contained hazardous materials. The hazardous materials were predominantly toxic chemicals responsible for the fire, which took five days to extinguish. The chemicals, primarily 1,3-Butadiene, C-Hexane, and Methyl Ethyl Ketone, polluted the air, water, and soil and led to emergency response efforts by the EPA. These chemicals can cause neurological dysfunction, reproductive problems, developmental delays, and neuropsychological effects. Additionally, 1,3-Butadiene is a known carcinogen correlated with an increased risk of respiratory cancers. At least twenty-eight individuals required medical care following the accident, predominantly for respiratory problems. Over three thousand feet of water main were replaced due to concerns about the threat of soil contamination and the continued stability of the line following the accident. Residents of Brooks who lived and worked in a three-and-a-half-mile radius of the derailment would file a class action lawsuit against CSX and General Electric. They would settle the lawsuit for three million dollars, leading to residents receiving compensation of, at most, 10,000 dollars. The site was initially an emergency response scene but is now considered a long-term clean-up. The EPA and the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KYDEP) oversee the current clean-up and monitoring efforts.34,35,36,37

CSX Shepherdsville Train Derailment

In November of 1991, a CSX train derailed in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Ten minutes after a garbage truck hit the bridge overpass on which the train was on, twenty-eight train cars derailed. Half of the railroad bridge collapsed into the Salt River, as did fourteen train cars. The train cars contained various hazardous materials, including cluster bombs and other explosives, propylene oxide, and Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Approximately three thousand people were evacuated from a one-mile perimeter inside the site. Only two individuals were injured in the initial aftermath of the derailment, but a portion of the train carrying wood pulp made many firefighters ill as the burning of wood pulp released significant amounts of carbon monoxide. None of the toxic chemicals were thought to have entered the water supply.38,39,40

Fort Knox

Stretching across three counties, Bullitt, Harden, and Meade, the over 100,000 acre Fort Knox is currently home to the Army Human Resources Command. American military operation began onsite in 1861 but was renamed Fort Knox in 1932. Approximately seven-thousand individuals continue to live on the base, with the daytime population reaching close to thirty thousand. Military activities on site have resulted in soil and water contamination from the almost six tons of waste produced yearly, including toxins like mercury, chromium, methyl ethyl ketone, lead, methane, benzene, and methylene chloride. Drinking water sampling last occurred in 2021where levels of PFOA, PFO, FFHXA, and PFBS were all found to exceed national safety levels; therefore, this land remains out of use.41,42,43,44

Integrated Commercialization Solutions, LLC

Opened in 1997, Integrated Commercialization Solutions (ICS) handles supply chain logistics for pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare companies. The ICS plant in Bullitt County is described as providing “distribution services for specialty medications including cell and gene therapy products, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, biosimilars, and medical devices.” Both EPA and state-level officials undertake recurrent compliance monitoring at this site. The evaluations and inspections uncovered violations in 2019, 2020, and 2022. The most recent violations were found in June 2022, but the report describing these violations has not yet been published. The violations in 2019 and 2020 were related to ICS generating more hazardous waste than they had the permits for and not reporting the excess waste, and improper disposal of pharmaceutical products or items contaminated by pharmaceutical products.45,46 

Interlake Conveyor Co.

In 2009, the Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Interlake Conveyor Co. Inc. was purchased by Mecalux, creating Interlake Mecalux. Interlake Mecalux works in fabricated metal. They design, construct, and service “steel racking, warehouse automation, warehouse management software, and other storage solutions” (41). They have reported to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) since 1987 due to their use of manganese, copper, nickel, and chromium in their products, and they have not had any violations.47,48,49 

Jim Beam Brands Co. Clermont Plant

Located in Clermont, Kentucky, the Jim Beam Plant is a bourbon distillery and tourist destination. The Jim Beam brand is a subsidiary of Beam Suntory, which has distilling operations around the globe. Bourbon is strongly associated with Kentucky, which has led to facilities like this plant being tourist destinations and active distilleries. In 2019, Beam Suntory invested 60 million dollars in Clermont, changing the plant name to the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery and enhancing the tourist portion of operations.50,51,52,53,54

Louisville Seating Division of Magna

The Louisville Seating Division of Magna produces automobile seats in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. As of 2018, this location made upwards of 1,200 seats per hour, primarily for Ford and Lincoln. The seat production process is associated with emissions of VOCs, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, and Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, hazardous pollutants that contribute to global warming.55,56,57 

LSC Communications

LSC Communications is located in Lebanon Junction. The facility prints magazines that require inks, fountain solutions, natural gas dryers, and cleaning solutions. Many chemicals used during printing are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The printing process is responsible for emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, methane, sulfur dioxide, VOCs, and particulate matter.58

Marillia Environmental LLC

Marrillia Environmental LLC is a facility in Mount Washington that acts as a commercial recycling center, solid waste transfer station, and wood incineration facility. At the wood incineration portion of the facility, wood materials are brought in, and they burn clean lumber, wood waste, and yard waste. The resulting ash is mixed with dirt and used as fill. The facility brings in approximately 1,000 tons in cubic yards of waste daily. Waste reception was first permitted in 2005 and is allowed to accept waste from Kentucky and Indiana. The facility has air quality permits for the wood incineration facility that provides for limited releases of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their air quality permits are currently good through January 2024.59,60,61,62

Monarch Hardware Manufacturing

In Shepherdsville, Monarch Hardware and Manufacturing produces panic alarms and exit devices. These products often contain carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen cyanide. Exposure to these chemicals can cause acute toxicity. In 1997, Ingersoll-Rand purchased 100% of Monarch, making it their subsidiary. Today, Monarch Hardware and Manufacturing produce approximately 110,000 exit units a year.63,64

P&L Railroad Katherine Station Road Site

On October 29, 2012, a Paducah and Louisville Railway (P & L) train had thirteen train cars derailed, nine carrying hazardous materials including 1,3-Butadiene, styrene, hydrogen fluoride, and sodium hydroxide. The train cars containing the 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were breached and released into the surrounding area. The other hazardous materials were also suspected of having been released but not to the extent in which the 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were released. Residents adjacent to the site were evacuated, while those residents who were not adjacent but within a two-and-a-half mile radius of the site were told to shelter in place.65 Two days later, wreckage operations led to a fire breaking out on-site, and three contractors were injured. At this time, the evacuation radius was extended to all residents within a one-mile radius of the site. The shelter-in-place order was also expanded to include those between one to five miles away from the site. Five days later, the fire was finally extinguished, and the removal of the train cars could resume.65 Trace amounts of 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were found in the surface water in the vicinity of the site. By November 21, 2012, the detected amounts of 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were so scant that cleanup efforts were determined to be complete, and thus surface water monitoring was ceased.65

Preston Highway Mercury Spill

On June 25, 2007, the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KDEP) reported a mercury spill on State Route 61 in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky. The source of the mercury spill remains unknown. Hired contractors organized by KDEP were sent to clean up the area by removing the spilled elemental mercury. Across three days of clean up (June 25 through June 27), over twenty-five pounds of elemental mercury was removed from the site.66

Smith's Farm Superfund Site

The Smith’s Farm, located in Brooks, Kentucky, was originally a 560-acre landfill that had both permitted and unpermitted dumping of waste starting in the 1950s. Contamination of groundwater, sediment, soil, and surface water led to Smith’s Farm’s addition to the National Priority List in 1986.67

Sonoco Protective Solutions

Founded in 1899, Sonoco Protective Solutions manufactures packaging materials. The Bullitt County Sonoco plant produces temperature assurance packaging to transport temperature-sensitive products. To make these products, they use urethane produced with diisocyanates which can cause respiratory problems that can lead to respiratory failure and is a known carcinogen. This plant is currently operational and is required to report the use of this toxin to the EPA every year – the most recent report being from June 2021. While they have reported using diisocyanates, there is no data on chemical releases into the environment, discharge into local bodies of water, or any information regarding how they handle toxic waste products.68,69 

Tower International

Founded in 1993, initially as R.J. Tower Corporation, Tower International Inc. manufactures structural components for automobiles. The Shepherdsville, Kentucky plant manufactures aprons, rear floor, and body frames and wielded assemblies predominantly for Ford Motor. In 2017, the plant underwent a 19.9 million dollar expansion that grew the plant by nearly 100,000 square feet. Their metal finishings, products, and machinery are point sources for mercury, oil and grease, and particulate matter. Tower International reported revenue for 2018 was over 1.5 billion dollars, and they employed over 5,000 people. Autokiniton purchased Tower International in 2019 for 1.2 billion dollars. In the past three years, Tower International has not had any facility-level environmental violations.70,71,72,73,74

Tri-City Disposal Superfund Site

The Tri-City Disposal Company Superfund Site, located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, is a fifty-seven-acre site that housed an operational landfill throughout the 1960s. The dump caused contamination of groundwater, soil, and surface water, leading to its placement on the National Priority List in 1989.75

AkzoNobel Resins

Opened in 1919 under Reliance, AkzoNobel is one of the world’s largest coating and paint makers. The company produces industrial coatings, decorative paint, wood varnish, and specialty coatings. This facility produces wood varnishes that contain and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have serious health consequences. 26,27 

A. L. Taylor Valley of the Drums Superfund Site

The A.L. Taylor Site is a 23-acre Superfund site located in Brooks, Kentucky. Also known as "Valley of the Drums," the site was used as an uncontrolled industrial chemical dump from 1967 to 1977. Due to contamination of the soil, groundwater, and surface water, the site was placed on the National Priority List (NPL) in 1983. 28 

For more information about the Valley of the Drums use the link below:

Arcosa Lightweight, Kentucky Solite Corporation, and the Environmental Conservation Systems RCRA Site

Currently known as Arcosa Lightweight, the lightweight aggregate producer in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, has gone by various names, including Kentucky Solite Crop, Environmental Conservation Systems, IRN LW KY LLC, and Trinity Lightweight. Regardless of their name, they continue to produce low iron glass aggregate often found in doors, windows, and lighting. This aggregate is produced onsite, where shale is mined, crushed, and processed in rotary kilns. 29,30,31,32,33 

In a Statement of Basis written by the Kentucky Division of Air Quality in February 2023, they said that “the facility is a major source for VOC, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM10), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)” (18). A summary of the facility's emissions showed that in 2021 they released over 1,700 tons of pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, lead, VOCs, and particulate matter. They released another 277,209 tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. 29,30,31,32,33 

Even though they have had multiple violations of environmental regulations, they continue to be granted permits to continue their operations. They are also required to undertake extensive monitoring of their activities. Sediment basins capture and contain noncontact cooling runoff, stormwater runoff, and coal pile runoff. The sediments from the runoff settle to the bottom of the basin, and then the runoff is discharged. In this case, they have permits from the State Department for Environmental Protection Division of Water and the Surface Water Permits Branch, which allows them to release the runoff into three site adjacent tributaries. They are also required to operate wastewater treatment facilities onsite. They are allowed to discharge the treated wastewater into surrounding waterways, including Clear Run and Blue Lick Creek. 29,30,31,32,33  

The Environmental Conservation Systems RCRA site is part of the larger Arcosa property. This property area has undergone remedial efforts due to contamination from site mining operations. Since 2009, human exposure is no longer at risk as groundwater contamination is no longer a threat. The area’s air quality does not yet meet national standards, and thus, the site remains unused. Compliance monitoring is ongoing and occurs every three months. However, no enforcement actions have been taken in the past ten years. 29,30,31,32,33 

CSX Brooks Train Derailment

In 2007, a CSX train derailed from the tracks in Brooks, Kentucky. Twenty-five train cars went off track, and fourteen caught fire, twelve of which contained hazardous materials. The hazardous materials were predominantly toxic chemicals responsible for the fire, which took five days to extinguish. The chemicals, primarily 1,3-Butadiene, C-Hexane, and Methyl Ethyl Ketone, polluted the air, water, and soil and led to emergency response efforts by the EPA. These chemicals can cause neurological dysfunction, reproductive problems, developmental delays, and neuropsychological effects. Additionally, 1,3-Butadiene is a known carcinogen correlated with an increased risk of respiratory cancers. At least twenty-eight individuals required medical care following the accident, predominantly for respiratory problems. Over three thousand feet of water main were replaced due to concerns about the threat of soil contamination and the continued stability of the line following the accident. Residents of Brooks who lived and worked in a three-and-a-half-mile radius of the derailment would file a class action lawsuit against CSX and General Electric. They would settle the lawsuit for three million dollars, leading to residents receiving compensation of, at most, 10,000 dollars. The site was initially an emergency response scene but is now considered a long-term clean-up. The EPA and the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KYDEP) oversee the current clean-up and monitoring efforts. 34,35,36,37 

CSX Shepherdsville Train Derailment

In November of 1991, a CSX train derailed in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. Ten minutes after a garbage truck hit the bridge overpass on which the train was on, twenty-eight train cars derailed. Half of the railroad bridge collapsed into the Salt River, as did fourteen train cars. The train cars contained various hazardous materials, including cluster bombs and other explosives, propylene oxide, and Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). Approximately three thousand people were evacuated from a one-mile perimeter inside the site. Only two individuals were injured in the initial aftermath of the derailment, but a portion of the train carrying wood pulp made many firefighters ill as the burning of wood pulp released significant amounts of carbon monoxide. None of the toxic chemicals were thought to have entered the water supply. 38,39,40 

Fort Knox

Stretching across three counties, Bullitt, Harden, and Meade, the over 100,000 acre Fort Knox is currently home to the Army Human Resources Command. American military operation began onsite in 1861 but was renamed Fort Knox in 1932. Approximately seven-thousand individuals continue to live on the base, with the daytime population reaching close to thirty thousand. Military activities on site have resulted in soil and water contamination from the almost six tons of waste produced yearly, including toxins like mercury, chromium, methyl ethyl ketone, lead, methane, benzene, and methylene chloride. Drinking water sampling last occurred in 2021where levels of PFOA, PFO, FFHXA, and PFBS were all found to exceed national safety levels; therefore, this land remains out of use. 41,42,43,44 

Integrated Commercialization Solutions, LLC

Opened in 1997, Integrated Commercialization Solutions (ICS) handles supply chain logistics for pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare companies. The ICS plant in Bullitt County is described as providing “distribution services for specialty medications including cell and gene therapy products, branded and generic pharmaceuticals, biosimilars, and medical devices.” Both EPA and state-level officials undertake recurrent compliance monitoring at this site. The evaluations and inspections uncovered violations in 2019, 2020, and 2022. The most recent violations were found in June 2022, but the report describing these violations has not yet been published. The violations in 2019 and 2020 were related to ICS generating more hazardous waste than they had the permits for and not reporting the excess waste, and improper disposal of pharmaceutical products or items contaminated by pharmaceutical products. 45,46  

Interlake Conveyor Co.

In 2009, the Shepherdsville, Kentucky, Interlake Conveyor Co. Inc. was purchased by Mecalux, creating Interlake Mecalux. Interlake Mecalux works in fabricated metal. They design, construct, and service “steel racking, warehouse automation, warehouse management software, and other storage solutions” (41). They have reported to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) since 1987 due to their use of manganese, copper, nickel, and chromium in their products, and they have not had any violations. 47,48,49  

Jim Beam Brands Co. Clermont Plant

Located in Clermont, Kentucky, the Jim Beam Plant is a bourbon distillery and tourist destination. The Jim Beam brand is a subsidiary of Beam Suntory, which has distilling operations around the globe. Bourbon is strongly associated with Kentucky, which has led to facilities like this plant being tourist destinations and active distilleries. In 2019, Beam Suntory invested 60 million dollars in Clermont, changing the plant name to the Fred B. Noe Craft Distillery and enhancing the tourist portion of operations. 50,51,52,53,54 

The bourbon-making process can harm the air and water quality; therefore, Jim Beam must closely monitor and report on their operations and maintain the proper permits. As of their 2017 Air Quality Permit renewal, the Kentucky Division for Air Quality noted that the facility emitted sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, lead, VOCs, and particulate matter. They also emitted several compounds classified as hazardous air pollutants (HAP), including, but not limited to, mercury, hydrochloric acid, methanol, formaldehyde, and arsenic. The plant has had greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Wastewater that results from the bourbon-making process is treated onsite and is permitted to discharge the treated wastewater into surrounding waterways. 50,51,52,53,54    

Following incidents such as the bourbon fire at the Frankfort, Kentucky, distillery in 2019, which resulted in over 600,000 dollars in damages, including damages to local waterways, Jim Beam and Beam Suntory have prioritized sustainability initiatives. Their sustainability report covering 2022 showed that at the Clermont facility, they reduced their water usage by 10% saving approximately 400 million gallons of water. The Clermont facilities also include the Beam Suntory Global Innovation Center, where they are currently testing new equipment to make the distillation process more environmentally friendly and to increase the recyclability of their packaging. 50,51,52,53,54   

Louisville Seating Division of Magna

The Louisville Seating Division of Magna produces automobile seats in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. As of 2018, this location made upwards of 1,200 seats per hour, primarily for Ford and Lincoln. The seat production process is associated with emissions of VOCs, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, and Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, hazardous pollutants that contribute to global warming. 55,56,57  

LSC Communications

LSC Communications is located in Lebanon Junction. The facility prints magazines that require inks, fountain solutions, natural gas dryers, and cleaning solutions. Many chemicals used during printing are volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The printing process is responsible for emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, methane, sulfur dioxide, VOCs, and particulate matter. 58 

Marillia Environmental LLC

Marrillia Environmental LLC is a facility in Mount Washington that acts as a commercial recycling center, solid waste transfer station, and wood incineration facility. At the wood incineration portion of the facility, wood materials are brought in, and they burn clean lumber, wood waste, and yard waste. The resulting ash is mixed with dirt and used as fill. The facility brings in approximately 1,000 tons in cubic yards of waste daily. Waste reception was first permitted in 2005 and is allowed to accept waste from Kentucky and Indiana. The facility has air quality permits for the wood incineration facility that provides for limited releases of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their air quality permits are currently good through January 2024. 59,60,61,62 

Monarch Hardware Manufacturing

In Shepherdsville, Monarch Hardware and Manufacturing produces panic alarms and exit devices. These products often contain carbon monoxide, hydrogen fluoride, and hydrogen cyanide. Exposure to these chemicals can cause acute toxicity. In 1997, Ingersoll-Rand purchased 100% of Monarch, making it their subsidiary. Today, Monarch Hardware and Manufacturing produce approximately 110,000 exit units a year. 63,64 

P&L Railroad Katherine Station Road Site

On October 29, 2012, a Paducah and Louisville Railway (P & L) train had thirteen train cars derailed, nine carrying hazardous materials including 1,3-Butadiene, styrene, hydrogen fluoride, and sodium hydroxide. The train cars containing the 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were breached and released into the surrounding area. The other hazardous materials were also suspected of having been released but not to the extent in which the 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were released. Residents adjacent to the site were evacuated, while those residents who were not adjacent but within a two-and-a-half mile radius of the site were told to shelter in place. 65  Two days later, wreckage operations led to a fire breaking out on-site, and three contractors were injured. At this time, the evacuation radius was extended to all residents within a one-mile radius of the site. The shelter-in-place order was also expanded to include those between one to five miles away from the site. Five days later, the fire was finally extinguished, and the removal of the train cars could resume. 65  Trace amounts of 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were found in the surface water in the vicinity of the site. By November 21, 2012, the detected amounts of 1,3-Butadiene and styrene were so scant that cleanup efforts were determined to be complete, and thus surface water monitoring was ceased. 65 

Preston Highway Mercury Spill

On June 25, 2007, the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KDEP) reported a mercury spill on State Route 61 in Lebanon Junction, Kentucky. The source of the mercury spill remains unknown. Hired contractors organized by KDEP were sent to clean up the area by removing the spilled elemental mercury. Across three days of clean up (June 25 through June 27), over twenty-five pounds of elemental mercury was removed from the site. 66 

Smith's Farm Superfund Site

The Smith’s Farm, located in Brooks, Kentucky, was originally a 560-acre landfill that had both permitted and unpermitted dumping of waste starting in the 1950s. Contamination of groundwater, sediment, soil, and surface water led to Smith’s Farm’s addition to the National Priority List in 1986. 67 

To learn more about Smith's Farm click the link below:

Sonoco Protective Solutions

Founded in 1899, Sonoco Protective Solutions manufactures packaging materials. The Bullitt County Sonoco plant produces temperature assurance packaging to transport temperature-sensitive products. To make these products, they use urethane produced with diisocyanates which can cause respiratory problems that can lead to respiratory failure and is a known carcinogen. This plant is currently operational and is required to report the use of this toxin to the EPA every year – the most recent report being from June 2021. While they have reported using diisocyanates, there is no data on chemical releases into the environment, discharge into local bodies of water, or any information regarding how they handle toxic waste products. 68,69  

Tower International

Founded in 1993, initially as R.J. Tower Corporation, Tower International Inc. manufactures structural components for automobiles. The Shepherdsville, Kentucky plant manufactures aprons, rear floor, and body frames and wielded assemblies predominantly for Ford Motor. In 2017, the plant underwent a 19.9 million dollar expansion that grew the plant by nearly 100,000 square feet. Their metal finishings, products, and machinery are point sources for mercury, oil and grease, and particulate matter. Tower International reported revenue for 2018 was over 1.5 billion dollars, and they employed over 5,000 people. Autokiniton purchased Tower International in 2019 for 1.2 billion dollars. In the past three years, Tower International has not had any facility-level environmental violations. 70,71,72,73,74  

Tri-City Disposal Superfund Site

The Tri-City Disposal Company Superfund Site, located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, is a fifty-seven-acre site that housed an operational landfill throughout the 1960s. The dump caused contamination of groundwater, soil, and surface water, leading to its placement on the National Priority List in 1989. 75 

To learn more use the link below:

Remediated Meth Labs in Bullitt County

Remediated Meth Lab Sites Bullitt County 76 

Methamphetamine is an illegal, highly addictive synthetic drug that stimulates the central nervous system. Classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe physical or psychological dependence. 77,78,79,80 

Production of methamphetamine involves many reactive and dangerous chemicals, including ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (commonly found in cold medicines), ether, acetone, paint thinner, ammonia, red phosphorus, battery acid, lithium, drain cleaner, and Freon. Meth labs generate toxic fumes and highly explosive gases, and production can result in explosions, fires, and the release of hazardous chemicals. Meth labs can be set up almost anywhere, from cars, campgrounds, and motel rooms to vacant structures and rental properties. 77,78,79,80 

Even after a meth lab has been abandoned, the danger remains, as fabrics, clothing, drywall, carpets, and wallpaper can absorb chemical residue. This waste can severely impact the environment, especially if a site is connected to septic systems, as this provides a direct pathway to the subsurface. The illegal disposal of methamphetamine byproducts down drains or toilets can contaminate site soils and groundwater. According to the United States Department of Justice, for every pound of meth manufactured, up to five pounds of toxic waste is generated. 77,78,79,80 

Exposure to these chemicals can lead to many health issues, including damage to the respiratory tract, eyes, nose, skin, and mucous membranes. Therefore, decontamination is an extensive and costly endeavor that requires trained professionals and supervision from appropriate state or federal agencies. 77,78,79,80 

Community Resources

Parks and Nature

Bernheim Arboretum and Forest

Jefferson Memorial Forest

Knobs State Forest and Wildlife Management Area

Frank E. Simon Memorial Park

Shepherdsville City Park

Frank Cornell Park

Lindsey Duvall Park

Bullitt County Fairground Park

Pine Creek Nature Preserve

Mount Washington Ball Park

Bullitt Disc Golf Park

Community Amenities

Lebanon Junction Spray Park

Mount Washington Public Swimming Pool

Maryville Public Swimming Pool

YMCA

White Flag Shelter

Branches of the Bullitt County Public Library System

Central Library

Hillview Branch

Lebanon Junction Branch

Mount Washington Branch

Nichols Branch

Implications

Cumulative environmental justice burdens examine the totality of vulnerability and exposures (positive or negative) that affect the health, well-being, and overall quality of life of the citizens of Bullitt County. Bullitt County’s statewide EJI ranking (0.48) shows that 52% of Kentucky counties have more significant environmental justice concerns than Bullitt County. Over 25% of residents have an income below 200% of the federal poverty level, and over 20% are burdened by housing costs. Socioeconomic status can influence the availability and accessibility of resources for vulnerable citizens, especially regarding healthcare.  9,85,86 

The environmental burdens in Bullitt County, when compounded with health vulnerabilities, create a substantial cumulative impact, especially for those who suffer from pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure (39.5% of residents) and poor mental health (17.4% of residents). Between 2010 and 2020, the population of Bullitt County grew by nearly 10,000 people (74,319 to 83,186). The projected population of the county for 2035 is upwards of 95,000. As the county continues to expand in terms of economic development and total population, environmental and health factors become exceedingly relevant when considering the needs of current and future residents. 9,85,86 

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Authors:

Haley Metcalf-Wade

Sam Satterly

Natasha DeJarnett

Lauren Heberle