EPA holds public meeting for Florida superfund site

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. to review the proposed cleanup plan for the Kerr-McGee Superfund site in Jacksonville, Florida. EPA, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Multistate Environmental Response Trust (Multistate Trust) and the Eastside Environmental Council will also host an open house earlier that day from 5 to 6 p.m.

The open house will feature exhibits and information about the site as well as community projects and initiatives underway in the Eastside and Springfield areas of Jacksonville.

When: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016
What: open house, 5 to 6 p.m.; public meeting, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School Auditorium, 1424 Franklin St., Jacksonville, Florida

The public is encouraged to comment on proposed cleanup plan. Written comments are due to be postmarked to EPA by Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Comments should be emailed to Robenson Joseph, EPA remedial project manager at joseph.robenson@epa.gov or mailed to:

Robenson Joseph, EPA remedial project manager
Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth St. SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Beginning in 1893, the site was used to formulate, blend, package and distribute fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides by several companies, including Kerr-McGee. In 1978, the plant was permanently shut down. Except for several building foundations, all structures and equipment have been removed from the site.

Numerous chemicals were used in the manufacturing process, including pesticides, metals, sulfuric acid, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). These chemicals have contaminated soil on the site and the adjacent Jaxport and CSX properties, groundwater under and near the site, sediment and surface water in the St. Johns River and Deer Creek and surface water in the St. Johns River. Site contaminants (primarily pesticides and metals) are present in soil, sediment, groundwater and surface water at concentrations that may pose a threat to human health and the environment.