This month, we learned that the EPA added the J.H. Baxter site to the Superfund National Priorities List. With this designation, the EPA will be able to further evaluate contamination at and around the site and ensure a thorough cleanup of the former wood treatment facility.
What's Next for the Community?
On July 16, the EPA hosted a community meeting to outline next steps in the cleanup process. So far, the EPA has completed a time-critical removal action to address chemicals left behind when the site was abandoned in 2022 and prevent further contamination. So far, they have removed toxic sludge and waste, demolished tanks, and disposed of contaminated materials.
Next, the EPA will be conducting a Remedial Investigation and continue soil sampling to determine the extent of the pollution. These studies will inform the proposed plan for cleanup, which will be open for public comment when complete.
Arjorie Arberry-Baribeault, Beyond Toxics Community Organizer"Tonight, we're celebrating. This is what we wanted... We did it!"
The EPA will also create a Community Involvement Plan to keep neighbors up-to-date on the cleanup process, and will continue to host community meetings. We will make sure to let you know about these meetings as well!
