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Richmond council unanimously backs community plan pushing EPA for full cleanup of United Heckathorn Superfund site
Summary
The Richmond City Council voted unanimously to endorse a community-developed cleanup plan calling for full removal of DDT and dieldrin contamination at the United Heckathorn Superfund site, urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adopt a permanent remedy designed to withstand sea-level rise.
The Richmond City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing a community cleanup plan that calls on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to pursue a complete, permanent removal of DDT- and dieldrin-contaminated soil and sediment at the United Heckathorn Superfund site.
The endorsement came after a detailed presentation from Janet Johnson, coordinator of the Richmond Shoreline Alliance, who told the council the community plan was drafted with technical input from the Sierra Club and San Francisco Baykeeper and revised with resident feedback. "Richmond has waited decades for a complete cleanup of dangerous pesticide pollution at the United Heckathorn site," Johnson said, urging council support to strengthen EPA's approach.
The community plan recommends isolating and draining part of the Lauritzen Channel with a temporary cofferdam or caisson so crews can work in dry conditions, excavating contaminated pilings, wharves and capped upland soil, and disposing of contaminated materials off-site at permitted facilities. Presenters warned prior 1990s efforts left behind hot spots and said rising groundwater and sea levels risk re-mobilizing contamination unless the remedy removes pollutant sources.
Several council members asked technical and legal questions about the EPA timeline, disposal options and legal remedies if the federal proposal falls short. A technical speaker stated EPA is expected to issue a proposed cleanup plan in late August and initiate a formal comment period. Council member Jimenez moved endorsement of the community plan and Council member Zepeda seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: Speakers and experts emphasized that DDT and dieldrin are persistent in sediment and the food web, posing risks to subsistence fishers and wildlife. Supporters said a strong city resolution would signal to EPA that Richmond expects a remedy that removes contamination at the source, accounts for climate impacts, and protects community health.
What happens next: The EPA's proposed plan is expected in late August; the council's resolution will be part of Richmond's written comments and advocacy to federal and state regulators during the public comment window.
Quotes and attribution follow speakers listed in the meeting record. All quoted material is drawn from public remarks presented to the council.
