Renewed efforts to address toxic pesticide contamination at the United Heckathorn Superfund Site in Richmond, designated for cleanup in 1990, are ongoing. Previous EPA attempts in the 1990s involved removing contaminated soil but did not achieve complete remediation, as elevated pesticide levels were discovered in 2001. Community concerns have risen, leading to more public meetings aimed at gathering feedback to guide future cleanup efforts. Meanwhile, ongoing fish and mussel testing showed continued high toxin levels, resulting in a fishing advisory near affected areas.
The United Heckathorn Superfund Site spans 5 acres of land and 15 acres of marine sediments in Richmond Harbor's Lauritzen Channel and Parr Canal. It was contaminated between 1947 and 1966 when multiple companies made, packaged and shipped pesticides in the area.
The EPA initially believed the project was successful, but by 2001 they found that pesticide levels in the marine area remained elevated above cleanup goals.
More than two decades later, the contamination persists. Reviews performed every five years have reaffirmed that toxins remain higher than expected after remediation.
The EPA began hosting community meetings this year that are meant to gather public feedback that could influence future cleanup plans of the Heckathorn.
#environmental-protection-agency #pesticide-contamination #heckathorn-superfund-site #community-engagement #toxic-waste-cleanup
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