EPA will host sessions this week to discuss progress on DePue Superfund Site cleanup

DEPUE – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold availability sessions to discuss cleanup at DePue Superfund site, Wednesday, Oct. 21, noon to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EPA is wrapping up for the season and is completing cleanup of 44 properties, including four public areas – DePue Unit School, Lake DePue Park, athletic fields and White City Park.

The public can attend the sessions either in person or by phone:

• In person: outside the VFW Hall, DePue VFW Hall, 202 W. First St.

• By telephone: dial 312-667-5632, then enter Conference ID 514 454 185#.

During in-person availability sessions, EPA observes CDC guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Safety measures include wearing face coverings, having hand sanitizer available and using disinfectant for wiping down any commonly touched surfaces and materials. Attendees are encouraged to wear a face covering during their visit.

The DePue site is a 950-acre area that at one time contained a zinc smelter and a phosphate fertilizer plant. The site is contaminated with elevated levels of metals, including zinc, lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper and manganese.

For more information: Call Charles Rodriguez, 312-886-7472 or email rodriguez.charles@epa.gov.

For more information on the DePue site: visit www.epa.gov/superfund/depue-newjersey-zinc.