Wade Dump

Wade (ABM) Superfund Site

Wade Dump was a notorious Superfund site located in Chester, Pennsylvania. The site gained infamy due to its extensive contamination with hazardous chemicals, which posed significant environmental and health risks to the surrounding community.

History

The Wade Dump site was originally used as a disposal area for industrial waste. In the 1970s, the site was operated by Melvin Wade, who accepted various types of industrial waste, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other hazardous substances. The improper disposal practices led to severe contamination of the soil and groundwater.

Environmental Impact

The contamination at Wade Dump had a profound impact on the local environment. The hazardous chemicals leached into the soil and groundwater, posing a threat to the nearby Delaware River. The site was also a source of air pollution, as some of the waste materials were burned, releasing toxic fumes into the atmosphere.

Superfund Designation

In 1981, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated Wade Dump as a Superfund site under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This designation allowed for federal funds to be used for the cleanup and remediation of the site.

Cleanup Efforts

The cleanup of Wade Dump involved multiple phases, including the removal of contaminated soil, the treatment of groundwater, and the installation of barriers to prevent further contamination. The EPA worked in conjunction with state and local agencies to ensure the site was properly remediated.

Current Status

Today, the Wade Dump site has been largely remediated, but it remains under monitoring to ensure that the contamination does not recur. The site serves as a reminder of the importance of proper waste disposal and the potential consequences of environmental negligence.

See Also

• Superfund
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Polychlorinated biphenyls
• Volatile organic compounds
• Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act