EPA Superfund Site

UNITED HECKATHORN CO.

CA | EPA ID CAD981436363

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of September 2024, the United Heckathorn Superfund site is considered ''Current Human Exposure Not Under Control'' because individuals may be exposed to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and dieldrin when fish or other edible biota (e.g. mussels) from the site are consumed. This exposure pathway is considered unacceptable based on EPA risk-based criteria because the remedy has failed and current levels of contamination exceed cleanup goals.

Currently, the planned activities to address this pathway are: The area is restricted by fencing and warning signs are posted on the upland fence and along the marine channel, visible to individuals fishing in boats; however, there have been reports of individuals fishing in the area. These measures do not prevent contaminated fish from migrating outside of the site where they might be harvested and consumed by individuals. EPA is continuing preparation of a focused feasibility study to evaluate alternatives for addressing the remaining contamination. In order to reduce risks inherent at this site, please follow the fish advisories posted in the general vicinity and for more information please contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator posted on our website. EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by 2030 because a Record of Decision Amendment is warranted in order to select a new remedial action.

In addition, EPA presented to the National Remedy Review Board and is currently working on revising the focused feasibility study. Furthermore, EPA sends fact sheets to the site's mailing list, updates the site's Web page, and makes presentations to the city as needed. The upland (soil) portion of the site is considered under control. The five-acre site has been capped and in reuse for industrial purpose since October 1999.