Cabot/Koppers Site: New Pipe Phase Launches

Alachua County officials confirmed that prep work began this week for the next phase of cleanup at the Cabot/Koppers Superfund site in Gainesville, Florida. The immediate focus is replacing an existing stormwater ditch with a new pipe system.

Chris Gilbert, the county's hazardous materials program manager, stated that this week marks the first phase of preparation following recent EPA approval. The stormwater management conveyance pipe work is scheduled to run from November through the end of January.

Following the pipe installation, crews will remove contaminated soil. Officials expect that work to conclude by February. The plan also includes constructing an underground barrier, which Gilbert noted is designed to contain the contamination rather than remove it entirely.

The underground wall construction is projected to occur between March and July of next year. This step was recently announced as part of the broader cleanup strategy approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The site has been the subject of resident concerns for decades, particularly regarding water quality and local wildlife. During a recent site visit, signs warned the public to avoid contact with the soil and water on the property.