JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Federal environmental officials are one step closer to cleaning up an area they say is posing a danger. Some are calling this a project years in the making.
The Kerr-McGee site, located on Talleyrand Avenue, closed nearly 40 years ago. While in operation, it was a manufacturing facility for fertilizers and pesticides.
Environmental officials said toxic materials left behind have contaminated the area. They met Wednesday night to discuss some ideas to make the cleanup happen.
The meeting was held at Matthew Gilbert Middle School. The area is known as a Superfund site, meaning it is a priority on a nationwide level for the Environmental Protection Agency.
This drawing from the Florida Times Union depicted the Wilson and Toomer Fertilizer Company
during its prime more than a century ago. Years later, the site became known as the Corporation.
The buildings are now torn down. Acres of grass and a sign warning people to stay away are what's left. The message clear- the area isn't safe. Wednesday night began the process of turning that around.
“It’s most important that we address this issue so we can have it cleaned up,” said Wynetta Wright with Eastside Environmental Council.
Wright has worked to see this happen for several years. “This is very important because of the contaminants that people are being exposed to. Even in the Talleyrand area when you have down winds or winds that blow it’s only a mile away from the community and two neighborhood schools,” said Wright.
The EPA has closely monitored the site. They said it is contaminated by toxic chemicals, like arsenic and heavy metals. The toxins leach into the St. Johns River.
News4Jax spoke to Latonya Spencer with the EPA over the phone. The cleanup will cost $69 million. Once that happens, another question is, what's next?
"A main concern is redevelopment and reuse. So- that's what we've heard most about- is the reuse of the property. What's going to happen to the property once it is clean up," said Wright. “It’s one step to the resolution of getting rid of a site that’s been in the city for 100 years with pesticides and herbicides,” said Wright.
The meeting was for the community. The public was encouraged to come out. One of the things discussed was when the cleanup would begin.