CASE STUDY
From Industrial Legacy to Community Asset: Transforming the Former American Car and Foundry Site
Nestled in Huntington, West Virginia, the former American Car and Foundry (ACF) site carries over a century of industrial history — a place where generations of residents built not just railcars, but livelihoods, pride, and community identity. With the closure of the plant in 2010, the community faced a dual challenge: addressing environmental concerns from decades of industrial activity while igniting a vision for revitalization. Montrose stepped in as an expert partner, bringing not only environmental remediation expertise but also a collaborative, redevelopment-focused approach rooted in innovation and respect for those most affected.
Confronting Environmental Legacy
As the ACF site transitioned from a bustling hub of railcar manufacturing to a quiet symbol of industrial decline, legacy contaminants became a threat to market driven reuse strategies. Environmental hazards—from chlorinated solvents in the groundwater to creosote chemicals in soil were successfully remediated by Montrose. These risks required strategic consulting and swift action by Montrose. Montrose developed a common-sense site-specific Soil Management Plan that assists property owners and developers in knowing what actions to take to protect workers and the surrounding community. An environmental Certificate of Completion was achieved in time for a property transfer and successful beneficial reuse for the City and the community.
Innovative Solutions for Complex Cleanup
A significant accomplishment for the project was achieving a state agency approved variance from the groundwater quality standard. Montrose was the first ever to receive a variance of the groundwater quality standard for a project site. This saved the City thousands of dollars and months of delay. Montrose approaches remediation not just as a technical task, but as an opportunity to be a trusted partner and agent for positive change. Our strategy at ACF included comprehensive risk assessment and targeted cleanup efforts, addressing not only the contaminants but also the long-term vision for the site’s future.
It’s About the Community
The ACF site’s redevelopment was more than a project; it was about restoring faith and rejuvenating the local area. Today, a portion of the site is Marshall University’s new baseball stadium, Jack Cook Field. The Thundering Herd christened their new on-campus baseball stadium with a 3-0 shutout victory. A crowd of 3,124 fans attended the historic event. It was a good omen of things to come when the first pitch resulted in a home run!
Forging a Sustainable Future
As redevelopment progresses, the vision for the former ACF site is becoming a reality. With environmental cleanup largely complete, plans are underway to bring new life to the area through workforce training (robotic, TIG, MIG and SMAW welding), innovation-focused businesses, mixed-use facilities and improved infrastructure. This transformation reflects a commitment to honoring the site’s history while creating meaningful opportunities for the people of Huntington and supporting long-term economic and community growth.
