Community members are invited to attend a public meeting Aug. 6, where the Environmental Protection Agency will provide information on a new proposed plan for reusing the Kerr-McGee site.
The proposed remedy involves removing and disposing of contaminated surface soil and backfilling those areas with clean soil to restore the site, according to an EPA press release sent to The Dispatch on Thursday.
The public meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Genesis Dream Center at 1820 23rd St. N. Those who cannot attend the meeting in person have the option to register for a Zoom link of the meeting at usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/xc3MuIzwRVGToYzVf2BIlg#/registration.
Kerr-McGee operated a wood-treatment plant at the site from 1928 to 2003, by which time the pollutant creosote, which is used to treat wood, had contaminated the plant site and surrounding area.
The EPA in 2023 released a combined proposal plan for cleanup at the main plant area of the site, which officials have designated as Operable Unit 3 and Operable Unit 5.
The EPA finalized and approved the plan for OU-3, which makes up the southern side of the main plant area. The remedy includes building a barrier wall to isolate contaminated areas, planting trees and other plants to naturally break down contaminants and placing a soil cover to prevent exposure.
Regarding the plan for OU-5, which makes up the northern side of the main plant area, the public requested an alternative plan for cleanup. The meeting in August will address the newly revised plan for that area.
“This preferred cleanup approach works to protect human health and the environment while allowing for community-supported reuse of the property within OU-5,” the press release said.
There will be a 30-day public comment period beginning July 25 regarding the new proposed plan. Comments should be sent to [email protected].
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
