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News Releases from Region 09

MEDIA ADVISORY: U.S. EPA begins groundwater, soil cleanup at Oakland Superfund site

03/17/2017
Contact Information: 
Michele Huitric (huitric.michele@epa.gov)
415-972-3165

SAN FRANCISCO –  On Saturday, March 18, U.S. EPA Acting Regional Administrator Alexis Strauss will join local leaders and community members to celebrate the installation and start-up of a new groundwater and soil treatment system at the AMCO Chemical Superfund Site. The treatment system will use temperatures of up to 100°C (212°F) to vaporize and capture contaminants, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and vinyl chloride, which will be transported offsite for safe disposal.

The Superfund site was owned and operated by AMCO Chemical as a distribution facility from 1960 to 1989. Bulk chemicals were off-loaded from a rail spur onsite and stored in drums and storage tanks before being transferred to smaller containers for resale; contaminants were released into the soil and groundwater during operations. The 0.9-acre site is bordered on one side by residences.

WHEN:         
Saturday, March 18, 2017
  • 1:00 PM -- Ribbon cutting ceremony
  • 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM -- Community event (educational booths, tours)
WHAT:         
Brief remarks and ribbon cutting, followed by media availability and tour of the Superfund site and treatment system.
 
WHO:            
Alexis Strauss, Acting Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA Region 9
Brian Beveridge, Co-Director, West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project
Bradley Angel, Executive Director, Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice
 
WHY:            
To celebrate the community’s support and involvement in the year-long design and construction process of the treatment system. Removing the contaminants, which include human carcinogens, will protect public health and the environment.
 
WHERE:      
West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project Office (next door to AMCO site)
349 Mandela Pkwy, Oakland, CA 94607
BART parking lots nearby, limited street parking.
 
RSVP:           
Credentialed press who would like to attend this event, please contact Michele Huitric, huitric.michele@epa.gov, 415-972-3165.

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