Superfund Sites in Reuse in Puerto Rico
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Barceloneta Landfill
The 20-acre Barceloneta Landfill Superfund site is in Florida Afuera, Puerto Rico. The landfill on site is inactive. About 300 tons of hazardous wastes are in three unlined sinkholes at the landfill. From 1988 to 1995, EPA studied site conditions. Sampling found heavy metals and volatile organic compounds in site groundwater. Local groundwater supplies are used for drinking water and irrigation. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. The site’s potentially responsible parties (PRPs) completed site investigations in 1990. Cleanup activities, managed by EPA, included digging up and removal of waste, groundwater monitoring, landfill capping, and institutional controls. Groundwater monitoring is ongoing. Current site uses include scavenging, driving all-terrain vehicles and fishing. The site’s ecological resources include a stream.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
- Superfund Site Profile Page
- Video: Puerto Rico Multi Site Assessment US EPA Region 2
Cabo Rojo Ground Water Contamination
The Cabo Rojo Ground Water Contamination Superfund site is in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. It consists of three source areas with two contaminated groundwater plumes. The source areas are a former dry cleaner, an active print shop, and a mostly vacant industrial park with a long history of industrial and commercial operations. Routine sampling found groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2011. Further sampling found more VOCs in soil, groundwater and soil vapor. The cleanup plan includes soil vapor extraction (SVE)/dual phase extraction (DPE) to clean up soil and underlying groundwater, monitored natural attenuation of groundwater, institutional controls to limit potential exposure to contamination, and monitoring. A clothing manufacturer is active on site.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Cidra Groundwater Contamination
The Cidra Groundwater Contamination Superfund site is in Cidra, Puerto Rico. It includes four closed public drinking water supply wells, a groundwater plume contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), an industrial facility owned by Ramallo Brothers Printing, Inc., and a former dry-cleaning facility. The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) owns the four closed drinking water supply wells. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2004. Cleanup actions include groundwater treatment and monitoring, soil treatment using vapor extraction, soil excavation, disposal and containment, and capping of unpaved areas. Current site uses include restaurants, hardware stores, a park, a post office and several public services, including a school, churches and a police department.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Fibers Public Supply Wells
The 540-acre Fibers Public Supply Wells Superfund site is in Guayama, Puerto Rico. A synthetic fibers manufacturing plant (the Baxter facility), a sugar cane field and five public water supply wells owned by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) were on site. Fiber manufacturing resulted in soil contamination with asbestos-containing materials and groundwater contamination with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1984. Cleanup actions included groundwater pumping and treatment and removal and off-site disposal of contaminated soils. The site’s potentially responsible parties finished taking asbestos-containing materials and contaminated soils off site for disposal by 1994. In total, they disposed of 7,950 tons of asbestos-containing material in an authorized landfill. Groundwater treatment is ongoing. Two pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are active on site. A proposal to build a photovoltaic park within the Superfund Site is under evaluation by the PR Government.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Frontera Creek
The 100-acre Frontera Creek Superfund site is in Rio Abajo, Puerto Rico. Industrial properties discharged industrial waste into Frontera Creek from 1971 to 1981. In 1977, public concern followed the death of 30 cows grazing in the area. Sampling found mercury and a pesticide called lindane in the creek. Investigations by EPA and local industry confirmed the contamination. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. Cleanup included digging up contaminated soils and taking them off site for disposal. After cleanup, EPA took the site off the NPL in 1998. Current site uses include a clothing store, a restaurant, a church, industrial warehouses, a solar panel company, a housing development and a protected natural area.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
GE Wiring Devices
The GE Wiring Devices Superfund site is a 5-acre area in Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. The General Electric Company (GE) made mercury light switches at a wiring devices plant on site from 1957 to 1969. A half ton of mercury, 4,000 cubic yards of defective switch parts, and plastic scraps were discarded in a half-acre waste area. The discarded material contaminated the site. In 1982, GE added a storm-drain system and a retaining wall to stop mercury from migrating to the nearby residential area. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1983. Cleanup included treatment of contaminated water and soil, separation of mercury from soils through leaching, and placement of cleaned material in disposal areas on site. In 1993, a study found that groundwater was not affected by the waste pile. Cleanup finished in 2000, and EPA took the site off the NPL. The Dewey University, Centro de Juana Díaz campus is now on site. Sources:
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Hormigas Ground Water Plume
The Hormigas Ground Water Plume Superfund site is located between the municipalities of Caguas and Aguas Buenas in east-central Puerto Rico. It includes an area with two former public water supply wells, known as the Hormigas and Eufracia wells. In 2006, groundwater sampling by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) from the Hormigas public water system found tetrachloroethene (PCE) in the Eufracia public supply well. The Puerto Rico Department of Health ordered the well’s closure. PRASA also later closed the Hormigas public supply well. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2011. The sampling results of the Remedial Investigation (RI) conducted by EPA found no site-related contaminants above EPA screening criteria. The original groundwater contamination is no longer present at the site and as such, EPA issued a “no action” cleanup decision in 2016. EPA took the site off the NPL in 2020. Current site uses include a nature reserve and a playground.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Maunabo Urbano Public Wells
The Maunabo Urbano Public Wells Superfund site is in Maunabo, Puerto Rico. It consists of a groundwater plume contaminated with several chlorinated solvents. The Maunabo Urbano public water system that serves the area consists of four supply wells at the site. Chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs), including tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE) and cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE), were first detected at one of the supply wells in 2002 and the well was closed. The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) began treating groundwater from this well using activated carbon filtration tanks to remove the contaminants from water. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2006. Investigations found three contaminated groundwater plumes. EPA is working to identify the source of contamination. Cleanup will include groundwater treatment and monitoring. Current site uses include homes, restaurants, stores, a state police office and parks.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
- Superfund Site Profile Page
- Video: Puerto Rico Multi Site Assessment US EPA Region 2
Papelera Puertorriqueña, Inc.
The Papelera Puertorriqueña, Inc. Superfund site is in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Starting in 1965, Papelera Puertorriqueña, Inc. (PPI) made paper, plastic bags and cardboard boxes on site. These activities resulted in the contamination of soil, sediment, surface water and groundwater with volatile organic compounds. In 2009, EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL). EPA selected a remedy in 2017. PPI continues to make paper bags on site. Public service uses on site include the University Colegio del Este Utuado Campus, the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and the Administración para el Sustento de Menores.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on 5 on-site businesses. These businesses employed 85 people and generated an estimated $8,980,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
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Pesticide Warehouse I
The Pesticide Warehouse I Superfund site is in a rural industrial area of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The 1-acre area includes an inactive pesticide storage warehouse facility. Pesticide Warehouse I (PWI) was on site from 1953 to 2006. It used the property for the preparation, storage and supply of insecticides, herbicides and fertilizers for local pineapple crops. Spills from the chemical mixing process contaminated soil and groundwater with pesticides. Starting in 1996, EPA led several investigations and observed poor housekeeping practices and obtained soil and groundwater samples for analysis. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2006. In 2020, EPA chose a final cleanup plan. The remedy includes digging up contaminated soils and treating them with heat, followed by off-site disposal. Deep contaminated soil will be left on site and covered. Institutional controls will prevent disturbance of the remedy. On-site wells and the site are not in use. The site is zoned for agricultural use and is connected to the public water supply.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
RCA Del Caribe
The 20-acre RCA Del Caribe Superfund site is in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. From 1971 to 1987, a facility made masks for television screens on site. Wastes from facility operations contaminated four lagoons with selenium, chromium and iron. Two lagoons developed sinkholes, resulting in groundwater contamination. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1982. Based on the results of a remedial investigation and risk assessment, EPA found that the site did not pose a threat to human health or the environment. EPA signed a “no action” Record of Decision in September 1994. EPA took the site off the NPL in 2005. The Universidad Ana G. Méndez - Recinto de Barceloneta campus is now on site.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
San German Ground Water Contamination
The San German Ground Water Contamination Superfund site is in San German, Puerto Rico. It includes a large part of the city of San German and the Gaunajibo River. The site also includes surrounding agricultural land, homes and Retiro Industrial Park. From 2001 to 2005, the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDOH) collected groundwater samples from area wells. The samples contained contamination. PRDOH ordered the closure of remaining wells. In 2006, EPA sampling found that two buildings in Retiro Industrial Park were the contamination source. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2008. In December 2015, EPA chose a cleanup plan for soil contamination. Cleanup will prevent soil contamination from affecting area groundwater. Investigations and cleanup to address groundwater contamination are ongoing. Retiro Industrial Park remains active on site.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 39 people and generated an estimated $465,370 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
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Scorpio Recycling, Inc.
The 6.5-acre Scorpio Recycling, Inc. Superfund site is in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. Metal recycling operations started on site in 1972. Operations included battery crushing and temporary storage of scrap steel. In 2010, the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board ordered the end of site operations. Disposal practices released contaminants into soil and groundwater on the industrial part of the site and a conservation area. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2000. From 2002 to 2004, EPA led removal actions that excavated and removed battery cases, debris, contaminated soil, and a sinkhole from the southwest part of the site. Contaminated soil was stabilized before off-site disposal. Waste remains buried under the Rosa del Monte storage shed building and parts of the adjacent paved Rosa del Monte parking lot. After investigations, EPA found that groundwater does not pose a risk to public health or the environment. EPA selected the soil remedy in 2013. It includes a gravel cover at the former industrial area, a soil cover in the conservation area, and institutional controls. EPA completed the remedial design for the soil remedy in 2017. The Rosa del Monte moving company occupies the Rosa del Monte property, next to the industrial area. This property, which includes a storage shed building and a paved parking lot, is on top of contaminated fill material. EPA is currently evaluating alternatives for the RA implementation.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA had data on one on-site business. This business employed 12 people and generated an estimated $780,000 in annual sales revenue. For additional information click here.
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The Battery Recycling Company
The Battery Recycling Company Superfund site (Site) is in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. From the mid-1960s to 1994, the Puerto Rico Chemical Company produced organic chemicals at the facility located in kilometer 72.2, Road PR-2 (facility). A battery recycler, the Battery Recycling Company, started operations in 1994 at the facility. It collected and recycled lead-acid batteries. From 2004 to 2014, it also conducted battery reclamation and secondary lead smelting operations. Smelting created large quantities of waste, including lead slag and lead-contaminated dust. In 2010, EPA found the facility was in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA also assessed homes and vehicles of former company employees contaminated with lead dust from the facility. EPA removed contamination from 149 residential properties, 145 vehicles and a cattle pasture. EPA added the Site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2017. To date, EPA partially dismantled and gross decontaminated the remaining structure on site as well as air emission control equipment and a wastewater treatment plant. Investigations to determine the nature and extent of the contamination were completed in 2022. Most areas of the Site and facility are vacant. Potential reuses may include renewable energy systems, ornamental plant nursery (raised tables), storage units, electrical car charging stations, etc.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Vega Alta Public Supply Wells
The 50-acre Vega Alta Public Wells Superfund site is in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. It includes the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) Industrial Park. PRIDCO has sold and leased properties and buildings to industries for manufacturing operations. The site also includes six inactive and 15 active wells used for the public water supply. The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) operates and maintains the public water supply. The U.S. Geological Survey sampled site wells and surrounding areas in 1983. It found volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including trichloroethene (TCE). EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1984. Affected homes connected to a new water distribution system. Cleanup activities included closing affected wells, putting in groundwater treatment systems for several wells and building a soil vapor extraction system to treat contaminated soil. Treated groundwater discharges into the PRASA system for public use. Current site uses include several businesses at the industrial park, including a grocery store, manufacturing operations and a post office. A fire department and police station are also on site.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
Vega Baja Solid Waste Disposal
The 72-acre Vega Baja Solid Waste Disposal Superfund site is in the Rio Abajo Ward of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. From about 1948 to 1979, the municipality of Vega Baja ran an unlined solid waste disposal and open burning facility on site. It received commercial, industrial and domestic wastes. Improper disposal practices contaminated soil and groundwater with heavy metals and pesticides. During the late 1970s, local residents complained and the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board investigated the site. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1999. Immediate cleanup actions removed highly contaminated soils from residential properties and removed unstable landfill material. Long-term cleanup actions will include removal and capping of contaminated soils, backfilling and revegetation of excavated areas, and institutional controls. The site remains in continued residential use.
Last updated December 2023
As of December 2023, EPA did not have economic data related to on-site businesses, or economic data were not applicable due to site use. For additional information click here.
For more information:
- Superfund Site Profile Page
- Video: Puerto Rico Multi Site Assessment US EPA Region 2