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EPA says Westlake Landfill pre-excavation sampling ~93% complete; lab results expected mid-January
Summary
Jessica Evans of the EPA told the Bridgeton council the Westlake Landfill pre-excavation confirmation sampling is about 93% finished, field work is scheduled to end Dec. 22, and EPA has begun reviewing the 100% remedial design; she will post updates and hold local office hours at City Hall.
Jessica Evans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's community involvement coordinator for the Westlake Landfill site, updated the Bridgeton City Council on the cleanup timetable and next steps.
Evans said the pre-excavation confirmation sampling fieldwork began in July and "is approximately 93% complete" as of the week of the meeting. She said the field work is scheduled to end on Dec. 22, and EPA is waiting for the last round of lab results, which are anticipated in mid-January. "The purpose of this field work is to refine those excavation areas that will be addressed during the remedial action," she told the council.
Evans also said EPA has received the 100% remedial design, which lays out technical plans for cleanup, and that the agency has started its review and is working to expedite it. She said portions of the design will be refined after the completion of the field work and additional sampling results.
Evans offered to keep city staff and the public informed: she said she will send updates to the EPA distribution list, update the public-facing Westlake Landfill dashboard and site profile, and hold weekly office hours at Bridgeton City Hall. When Council member Luther asked whether public availability sessions are planned, Evans said none were scheduled at that moment but she would notify the council and post public engagement opportunities when they are set.
Why it matters: The sampling and remedial design review are preparatory steps that determine where excavations and other cleanup actions will occur during the formal remedial action; lab results and EPA's review will influence the final cleanup plan and timeline.
Next steps: EPA will receive and review laboratory results (expected mid-January) and update the public dashboard and distribution list; any scheduled public meetings or office hours will be announced to the council and community.
