Work is starting on the last superfund site in Ottawa.
The site known as the NPL-8 Frontage Property is located along the Fox River near U.S. 6/Route 71.
Workers will be removing contaminated soil from the fenced-in property, then the area will be capped to prevent further exposure to people. Work is expected to continue until fall.
The EPA has cleaned up 15 of 16 radiation-contaminated areas. The contamination likely originated from the processing of wastes and demolition debris from the Radium Dial Company between 1918 and 1936 and from Luminous Processes Inc. between 1937 and 1978, according to the EPA. These businesses produced luminous dials for clocks and watches, using radium-based paint.
The 16 areas are scattered throughout Ottawa as well as locations outside the city. Remedial action started in 2006 and is projected to go until 2021, but money for the project will dictate how much of the project at a time can be done. The goal is to eventually remove all contaminated soil.