An historical overview and current status update of manufactured gas plants in the United States

This paper reports on the Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) industry which was an essential and extremely beneficial component of urban America for almost a century. The industry was primarily concerned with the production of gas for lighting and heating. Some secondary production of chemical byproducts for use as fuel sources or chemical feedstocks for other phases of industry was also conducted. By providing a centralized and economical source of fuel for public lighting, as well as for private domestic use, the industry prospered by providing major benefits to public safety and urban and industrial development. Although not present at all sites, MGP byproducts and residues remain at or near some MGP facilities in accordance with generally-accepted disposal practices of the times. some of these residues can represent a potential human health hazard from direct exposure. The mere presence of these materials at former MGP sites is not, however, a necessary indication that a significant human or environmental threat is present. The existence of such a potential impact will depend on the type, quantity and nature of the material present. Also, such residues are often buried or otherwise separated from direct exposure pathways. Therefore, these residues usually do not present a direct contact hazard unless disturbed or exposed in some way or unless they have entered local groundwater or surface water