EPA Superfund site
OCHOA FERTILIZER CO.
Human exposure is NOT currently under control
Data limitations: Proximity to a Superfund site boundary does not mean your property is contaminated. EPA site boundaries show the area designated for cleanup, not the full extent of contamination. Groundwater plumes can extend beyond site boundaries. This tool shows publicly available EPA federal data. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPA, and is not a substitute for a professional environmental assessment.
About this site's exposure pathways
As of May 2026, the Ochoa Fertilizer Co. Superfund site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control” (HENC). Residents are known or reasonably anticipated to be exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil on residential properties through direct contact, incidental ingestion, and indoor dust tracked in from yards.
Currently, the planned activities to address this pathway include:
- Completing PRP‑led removal actions to excavate and properly dispose of PCB‑contaminated soil and related materials at affected residential properties, with restoration and confirmation sampling.
- Conducting additional sampling to determine whether other properties are impacted and addressing any properties that exceed cleanup levels.
- Completing the site‑wide Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) to define the nature and extent of contamination in all relevant media and prepare a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) to evaluate remaining risks and inform long‑term remedies.
If you may be affected, you can reduce your exposure by keeping children and pets off bare soil; covering bare areas with clean mulch or sod; removing shoes at the door; wet‑mopping and damp‑dusting indoors; washing hands after outdoor activities; and washing home‑grown produce. Follow any posted advisories and allow access for sampling and cleanup. For assistance, contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Maria Elena Garcia via the site webpage or at (787) 977-5814 or [email protected].
EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by September 2041 because residential PCB removals will be completed at all identified properties, institutional and engineering controls (as needed) will be implemented and effective, and confirmation sampling will verify achievement of risk‑based cleanup goals, as reflected in the Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS). EPA will continue to meet with residents and stakeholders, issue public notices and fact sheets, and keep the site profile on EPA’s website up to date.