What environmental problem is linked to the Allied Paper Inc. site?

The environmental problem linked to the Allied Paper Inc. site is primarily related to the presence of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls. These hazardous chemical compounds were commonly used in electrical equipment, heat transfer fluids, and many industrial applications until their ban in the late 1970s due to their harmful environmental and health effects.

At the Allied Paper Inc. site, PCB contamination has been a major concern because these substances can persist in the environment for long periods, accumulate in the food chain, and pose significant risks to both human health and ecological systems. The cleanup and management of such sites where PCBs are present are critical to reducing exposure and mitigating their adverse impacts.

Addressing other options, while nitrates and agricultural chemicals involve different issues related to water quality and farming practices, and hexavalent chromium is associated with other industrial contamination cases, they are not the primary contaminants linked specifically to the Allied Paper Inc. site. Understanding the specific nature of PCB contamination helps in formulating appropriate remediation strategies to restore affected environments.