EPA Announces Steps to Streamline Superfund Site Cleanups
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WESLACO – The Environmental Protection Agency revealed steps to revitalize the federal program that cleans up hazardous waste sites.
The 42 recommendations are from a superfund task force created by EPA Chief Scott Pruitt in March. Sites that can be redeveloped or sites where nearby residents are under threat, will be a priority under the new steps.
There are more than 1,300 superfund sites in the U.S., including territories. However, some have no cleanup plans or funding.
Donna Lake is the only Rio Grande Valley site in the list. The agency found the cancer-causing chemical PCB in the fish and water more than 20 years ago.
Last month, EPA crews were at Donna Lake using electro-shock methods to remove the fish to prevent people from eating them.
Researchers also took tissue samples from the fish. Fish found at the west main canal near the lake’s siphon exit resulted with the highest concentration of PCB.
Cleanup plans for Donna Lake are expected to be released later this year and will be presented to the public for comment before the plans go through.
The 42 recommendations are organized into the following five goals:
- Expediting cleanup and remediation
- Reinvigorating responsible party cleanup and reuse
- Encouraging private investment
- Promoting redevelopment and community revitalization
- Engaging partners and stakeholder
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