The Hercules 009 Landfill Superfund Site was created out of a "borrow pit" used to construct nearby Spur 25 highway. Manufacturing waste, called "sludge," was placed in the borrow pit. The sludge contained high concentrations of toxaphene pesticide and toxaphene-related chemicals.

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The landfill was closed in 1980 when toxaphene appeared in a nearby creek—a violation of Hercules, Inc. permit. Since then toxaphene has been found along the highway, in an adjacent neighborhood, and on unused school property (Altama Elementary School) near the landfill.