Jacksonville Begins Major Cleanup of Hazardous Manufacturing Site After Decades of Contamination

Jacksonville Initiates Cleanup of Contaminated Manufacturing Site

Jacksonville, Florida – The long-anticipated cleanup of a contaminated manufacturing site is officially progressing, as confirmed by local officials. The project is spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Multistate Environmental Response, which is tasked with restoring the site in the city’s Talleyrand neighborhood, located near the Jaxport Terminal.

History of Contamination

The site in question spans 31 acres and has a troubled history extending over 80 years. For decades, the location served as a hub for companies that specialized in producing and storing pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides. When operations ceased in 1978, the Kerr-McGee company abandoned the area, leaving behind hazardous materials that have polluted the soil, groundwater, and sediment. This contamination poses significant risks to public health and threatens the quality of the nearby St. Johns River.

Details of the Cleanup Plan

Officials from the Multistate Environmental Response unveiled a detailed two-year plan for the site’s remediation during a virtual community meeting. Peter Cornais, the senior project manager, discussed the strategy that aims to safely remove and contain the pollutants present without affecting the surrounding neighborhoods.

The remediation efforts include:

• Capping soil to prevent exposure to contaminants.
• Solidifying contaminated materials to safeguard groundwater.
• Building a steel bulkhead to contain and isolate sediment.

“We’ve developed a process to address soil, groundwater, and sediment contamination over time,” Cornais stated. “The soil will be capped to block rainwater infiltration and prevent direct access to pollutants. Contaminated groundwater will be treated, and for sediment, we’re constructing a sealed bulkhead.”

Safety Precautions and Community Engagement

As the cleanup efforts unfold, officials emphasize the importance of monitoring air quality to prevent dust and pollutants from spreading during windy conditions. This is vital for protecting the health of nearby residents and the surrounding environment.

Additionally, the Florida Department of Health has issued advisories cautioning the public about potential health risks associated with fishing in the St. Johns River in this area due to contaminated fish. Residents are urged to heed these advisories for their well-being.

Looking Ahead

Community engagement remains a priority for the Multistate Trust, which plans to hold more community meetings in January to address public questions and provide further updates on the cleanup process. These efforts align with years of planning that focus on transparency and aim to minimize disruptions to local residents.

The initiation of this cleanup marks a significant milestone in addressing a long-standing environmental hazard in Jacksonville. As the project progresses, there is hope that the site can be transformed into a safe and usable space for the community in the future.