Business briefing: Old American Zinc plant makes superfund list

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday added the Old American Zinc plant site in Fairmont City to its national priorities list. More commonly known as a “superfund” site, the plant was located on 132 acres along Illinois 111. The smelting that occurred on the property led to “elevated concentrations of metal in the soil and sediment on site,” the EPA said. “Elevated levels of contaminants, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, zinc and manganese, were found at the former plant, in the yards of nearby residences and in Rose Creek. Metals in soil and source materials pose a potential risk to construction workers and surrounding properties.” Old American Zinc operated from 1916 to 1953.

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Pacific Sunwear, billed as a “California lifestyle clothing” store that you can find in pretty much any mall, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday morning. A restructuring agreement stipulates that PacSun become a privately-held company. The good news: There are no plans to close any of the chain’s stores, one of which is at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights.

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New York City-based Alcoa struck a deal with the French aircraft maker Airbus to supply it with 3D-printed parts for commercial airliners. Fuselage and engine components could be delivered to Airbus by this summer.

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Constellation Brands CEO Rob Sands said sales trends show American drinkers are drinking better, more expensive alcoholic beverages. Proof is in the skyrocketing sales of craft beer and spirits brands, products that are of a higher quality and price, Sands said. For example, Constellation, which also owns the brands Modelo, Corona and Svedka Vodka, completed its acquisition of craft brewer Ballast Point in December. Since then, the brand has notched $27 million in sales.

This story was originally published April 7, 2016 at 9:48 AM with the headline "Business briefing: Old American Zinc plant makes superfund list."