$1 billion boosts superfund cleanup efforts in Pennsylvania

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final wave of funding exceeding $1 billion for Superfund cleanup projects across the country, including four new sites in Pennsylvania. This allocation, made possible by the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marks a significant milestone in addressing legacy pollution and revitalizing communities.

"This funding delivers on President Biden's promise to clean up America's most contaminated Superfund sites," said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. The investment allows EPA to initiate cleanups at all eligible sites, aiming to improve public health, create local jobs, and enhance economic activity.

EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz emphasized the historic nature of this investment, highlighting its impact on several communities in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania officials, including Senator Bob Casey and Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, echoed the sentiment, recognizing the positive impact on environmental health, economic security, and overall well-being of affected communities.

Nationally, thousands of sites exist due to improper waste management practices, posing potential health risks to surrounding communities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocation will address four such sites in Pennsylvania:

• Jackson Ceramix, Inc. (Jefferson County): Contaminated soil and sediment with lead from past industrial activities will be excavated and disposed of, followed by wetland restoration.
• Salford Quarry (Montgomery County): Buried waste impacting groundwater will be contained using a perimeter wall and impermeable cap.
• Valmont TCE (Luzerne County): Thermal remediation will remove contaminants from below ground using heat, with captured vapors subsequently destroyed.
• Baghurst Drive (Montgomery County): Contaminated groundwater will be treated through soil and bedrock heating, removing the source of contamination and paving the way for restoring it to drinking water standards.

Beyond these new projects, the funding supports ongoing construction at several Pennsylvania sites, including the Crossley Farm and North Penn Area 6 Superfund sites, where previous Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocations have already yielded progress.

This final wave of funding completes the $3.5 billion allocation for Superfund cleanup under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. So far, over $2 billion has been deployed across more than 150 Superfund sites nationwide. This investment builds upon President Biden's commitment to environmental justice, with nearly 80% of the funding targeting communities facing potential environmental burdens.

The historic nature of this investment extends beyond immediate cleanup efforts. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also increases funding for pre-construction activities like investigations, feasibility studies, and community engagement. This ensures a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling environmental challenges and building a more sustainable future.

Established in 1980, the Superfund program empowers the EPA to hold polluters accountable for cleaning up contaminated sites. When responsible parties are unavailable or incapable of undertaking the cleanup, EPA steps in using appropriated funds, like those provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This recent allocation demonstrates the ongoing commitment to environmental protection and community well-being across the nation.

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