The site was initially identified in 1991 following a sampling event at the International Paper (IP) State Registry site by the Missouri Department of Health (MDOH). Trichloroethene (TCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-1,2-DCE), which are not associated with the wood treatment wastes at the IP site, were detected in two of the residential wells, both located on Moorhead Drive, directly south of the FAG Bearings property in the Village of Silver Creek. Based on the detection of elevated concentrations of TCE in one of the original wells, nine other residential wells along Moorhead Drive were sampled which confirmed the presence of TCE in the ground water. Results of the initial well sampling indicated that homes located along FAG Bearings' southern property had the highest incidence and concentrations of TCE in Silver Creek. EPA and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) were notified and conducted follow-up sampling and analysis. Ground water was the sole source of drinking water for the people in Silver Creek, Missouri. Investigations at the site have identified the sources of the contamination to be located on the FAG Bearings Corporation Property. FAG Bearings is a facility that has been in operation since 1970 and manufactures roller bearing assemblies such as wheel bearing assemblies for the automotive industry. The facility had used TCE for degreasing ball parts for the bearing assemblies in the past but the operations were discontinued in about 1981. Various VOCs, including TCE and its degradation products such as vinyl chloride, cis-1,2-DCE, and 1,1-dichloroethylene (1,1-DCE) were found in ground water underlying FAG Bearings and down gradient from the facility.

TCE and cis-1,2-DCE were detected at concentrations of 400 µg/L and 11.4 µg/L, respectively in residential wells. Both exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 5.0 µg/L for each hazardous substance. MCLs are the highest level of a contaminant allowed by EPA in drinking water.