Pennsylvania Takes Major Step Toward Nockamixon Cleanup to Tackle Toxic Contamination Issues

NORRISTOWN, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has recently added the Nockamixon TCE Site in Bucks County to its Priority List of Hazardous Sites for Remedial Response (PAPL). This step, announced on January 18, 2025, marks a significant effort to address a toxic contamination issue that has been affecting local air and water quality for over a decade.

What is the Nockamixon TCE Site Issue?

The contamination at the Nockamixon TCE Site stems from a former 77.2-acre farm located on Brennan Road, where dangerous chemicals were improperly stored decades ago. Trichloroethene (TCE) and tetrachloroethene (PCE), two chlorinated solvents commonly used in industrial and dry-cleaning applications, were found to be polluting the area. The toxic substances are known to contaminate soil and groundwater, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

The problem was first identified in 2009 when the Bucks County Health Department discovered high levels of TCE in private wells serving local residences and businesses. This prompted a series of environmental investigations that revealed more than 100 private wells tested positive for unsafe levels of chlorinated solvents, with 45 wells exceeding the acceptable limits. These findings triggered immediate action by the DEP, which installed carbon filtration systems in 42 homes to provide safe drinking water to affected residents.

Despite these efforts, the contamination has continued to pose health and environmental risks, leading to the recent addition of the site to the PAPL list.

DEP’s Efforts to Tackle Contamination

Jessica Shirley, the Acting Secretary of the DEP, emphasized that this move is crucial for advancing the state’s cleanup program. “By adding this site to Pennsylvania’s priority list, we can effectively address the contamination at its source,” Shirley said. “This will help protect the health and safety of local residents and minimize their exposure to these harmful substances.”

The DEP has already taken significant steps to mitigate the contamination, including installing vapor mitigation systems in two residential properties near the contamination source to prevent hazardous indoor air quality caused by vapor intrusion. In addition, surface water testing near Nockamixon State Park showed slightly elevated TCE levels in a small area near Haycock Cove, though not in public-use areas like trails or parking lots. The DEP continues to monitor the situation in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to ensure the safety of park visitors and the surrounding environment.

Importance of the PAPL Listing

The addition of the Nockamixon TCE Site to the Priority List of Hazardous Sites for Remedial Response allows the DEP to access necessary funds and authority under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act of 1988. This legislation grants the DEP the power to carry out comprehensive cleanup operations and environmental safeguards, ensuring that the contamination is addressed at its source and that long-term solutions are implemented for the surrounding community.

By prioritizing this site, the DEP aims to conduct a full remediation process, which includes removing or neutralizing the chemicals causing the contamination and providing additional protections for local residents. The cleanup will also help restore the environmental quality of the area, benefitting the local ecosystem and wildlife.

Public Engagement and Comments

The DEP has opened a window for public comments on the Nockamixon TCE Site’s addition to the PAPL list. Residents have until February 17, 2025, to submit their written comments. This is an opportunity for the community to voice their concerns, ask questions, or share any relevant information with the DEP.

Individuals can submit comments via mail to Dustin A. Armstrong, Environmental Protection Specialist, at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 2 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401, or via email to [email protected]. The subject line for emails should include “Nockamixon Public Comment.” The DEP encourages community members to engage in the process and stay informed about the ongoing cleanup efforts.

For more details, including how to submit comments and stay updated on the progress of the cleanup, residents can visit the DEP’s official website.

Ongoing Monitoring and Collaboration

In addition to the DEP’s cleanup efforts, the DCNR is also playing a vital role in monitoring and addressing the environmental impact on state park lands. According to DCNR State Parks Director John Hallas, “Staff at Nockamixon will continue to work with DEP to address this environmental issue, as it is our responsibility as stewards of the Commonwealth’s public lands.”

The state parks department will continue to collaborate with the DEP to monitor water quality and take necessary precautions to protect public health and the environment in Nockamixon State Park and the surrounding areas.

The Road Ahead

While the Nockamixon TCE Site’s addition to the PAPL list is an essential first step, it will take time for the full cleanup process to unfold. However, this development represents a significant commitment by the Pennsylvania DEP to protect local communities from the harmful effects of contamination and to restore the environmental integrity of the area.

As more testing and remediation efforts are carried out, residents of Bucks County and neighboring areas can remain hopeful that this persistent environmental problem will eventually be resolved, leading to cleaner air, water, and soil for future generations.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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