Sight preparation for the cleanup of the Airport Road waste disposal is scheduled to be completed this month, excavation of the waste is to begin in April.

Larry Daw from UNC Environment, Health and Safety talked about the plans at a "Chemical Cleanup" meeting Wednesday night.

UNC disposed of their laboratory chemical waste from 1973 to 1979 in the 100' x 200' area at the corner of Municipal Drive and Animal Shelter Drive.  There are approximately 18 separate burial sights, and excavators expect to find anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 bottles containing chemical waste.  

After examining bids from 15 different companies, UNC Environment, Health and Safety plans to bring in WRScompass to excavate the chemicals and ensure the safety of Chapel Hill residents. 

Excavation is scheduled to last through July, and site demobilization is to be completed in August.  The excavated waste will be shipped from the site to Deer Park, Texas where it will be disposed of in a hazardous waste incinerator.