EPA Superfund Site

VEGA BAJA SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL

PR | EPA ID PRD980512669

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, the Vega Baja Solid Waste Disposal Superfund Site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control” due to lead contamination at residential properties that requires remediation according to the change in the lead guidance. Past site activities include open burning of received commercial, industrial, and domestic waste. It is estimated that more than 1.1 million cubic yards of waste were disposed of and/or burned at the facility. Between January and July 2015, 9,587 cubic yards of lead-impacted soil and trash mound materials were excavated from 24 residential area properties as part of the Remedial Action (RA) construction. Lead sampling activities are planned to begin during the first quarter of 2025. Once the sampling is completed, those properties that are contaminated above the new cleanup numbers will be addressed. It is anticipated the site could change to "Human Exposure Under Control" in 2031.

EPA ensures community participation throughout the remedial process by meeting with residents and affected stakeholders, issuing public notices, and updating fact sheets. A site profile has been established on the EPA website to keep the community informed of recent progress at the site. Additionally, an EPA Community Involvement Coordinator is assigned to the site and can address specific community concerns as they arise.