As of 2023, there are 50 US states. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there were, as of 2021, superfund clean-up sites in all 50 states.
The Superfund program, managed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is responsible for the cleanup of hazardous waste sites across the country. Here is a list of some of the largest Superfund sites, along with a brief description and the current status of their cleanup:
Hanford Nuclear Reservation, Washington State: Used for plutonium production during WWII and Cold War; contaminated with radioactive waste. This nuclear weapons production complex is the largest Superfund site in the US. The cleanup involves removing contaminated soil and groundwater, treating radioactive waste, and decommissioning old facilities. Status: Ongoing cleanup efforts; estimated completion in 2060.
Yosemite National Park, California: Contaminated with pollutants including heavy metals and asbestos from historic mining activities. Status: Ongoing cleanup efforts; remediation in specific areas of the park.
Rocky Flats, Colorado: Former nuclear weapons production facility; contaminated with plutonium. Status: Cleanup completed; site transitioned to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for management.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Colorado – This site was a former chemical weapons production facility. The cleanup involves treating contaminated soil and groundwater and converting the site into a wildlife refuge. Status: The cleanup is ongoing.
Tampa Bay, Florida – This site involves contaminated sediment and water due to industrial activities. The cleanup includes removing contaminated sediment and monitoring water quality. The cleanup is ongoing.
Blackbird Mine, Idaho: This site is contaminated with heavy metals from mining activities. The cleanup involves removing contaminated soil and treating groundwater. The cleanup is ongoing.
Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex, Idaho: Site contaminated with lead, zinc, and other heavy metals from historic mining operations. The cleanup includes removing contaminated soil and treating groundwater. Status: Cleanup actions ongoing; remediation efforts include soil removal and water treatment.
Coeur d’Alene Basin, Idaho: This site involves contaminated soil and water due to historic mining activities. The cleanup includes removing contaminated soil, dredging sediment, and treating water. The cleanup is ongoing.
Calumet Area, Indiana – This site consists of multiple industrial areas contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, and other hazardous substances. The cleanup includes removing contaminated soil and treating groundwater. The cleanup is ongoing.
USS Lead Superfund Site, Indiana: Site contaminated with lead and arsenic from former secondary lead smelter operations. Status: Cleanup activities ongoing, including soil removal and groundwater treatment.
Lake Charles, Calcasieu Estuary System, Louisiana: Site contains contaminated sediments from industrial activities, including oil refining. Status: Active cleanup measures underway; sediment removal and restoration projects ongoing.
West Lake Landfill, Missouri – This site contains radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project. The cleanup includes capping the landfill and monitoring groundwater. The site is awaiting a final decision on the cleanup plan.
Anaconda Copper Mine, Montana: This site was a copper mining operation that caused widespread contamination with heavy metals. The cleanup involves treating contaminated soil and groundwater and restoring the ecosystem. The cleanup is ongoing.
Libby Asbestos, Montana: Contaminated with asbestos from vermiculite mining operations. Status: Cleanup efforts primarily focused on residential areas; asbestos removal and ongoing monitoring.
South Valley Groundwater, New Mexico: This site involves contaminated groundwater due to industrial activities. The cleanup includes treating groundwater and providing alternative water sources. The cleanup is ongoing.
Gowanus Canal, New York: Industrial waste and stormwater runoff have contaminated this Brooklyn canal. Status: Cleanup efforts underway; dredging, capping, and water quality improvements ongoing.
Eighteenmile Creek, New York: This site involves contaminated sediment and soil due to industrial activities. The cleanup includes dredging and capping contaminated areas. The cleanup is ongoing.
Tar Creek, Oklahoma: Mining activities resulted in contamination with lead, zinc, and other heavy metals. Status: Active cleanup operations; extensive soil and water remediation ongoing.
Portland Harbor, Oregon: This site consists of contaminated sediment and water due to industrial activities. The cleanup includes dredging and capping contaminated areas. The cleanup is ongoing.
Willamette River, Oregon – This site stretches along the river and involves contaminated sediment due to industrial activities. The cleanup includes dredging and capping contaminated areas. Status: The cleanup is ongoing.
Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee: Former site of nuclear weapons production and uranium enrichment facilities. Status: Cleanup activities ongoing; long-term remediation efforts.
Texarkana Wood Preserving, Texas: This site is contaminated with pentachlorophenol (PCP), dioxins, and other chemicals. The cleanup includes removing contaminated soil and treating groundwater. The site is awaiting a final cleanup decision.
Lower Duwamish Waterway, Washington: This site is contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, and other substances from industrial activities. The cleanup includes dredging and sediment removal. The cleanup is ongoing
Please note that the status of cleanup efforts may change over time, and these summaries are based on the information available at the time of writing.
