The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has commenced a critical soil cleanup operation at the East Troy Contaminated Aquifer Superfund site in Troy, Ohio. This initiative, which began on February 3, 2026, targets volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination within the former Hobart Cabinet property, as reported by the EPA. The agency anticipates completing this phase of the cleanup by summer.
This specific effort focuses on an area identified as a significant source of pollution, aiming to mitigate the spread of hazardous chemicals. The project involves excavating contaminated soil and transporting it for proper off-site disposal, according to an EPA announcement. This action is crucial for protecting local environmental health and preventing further contamination of potential drinking water sources.
The East Troy site, encompassing a 20-square-block area along the Great Miami River, was added to the federal Superfund list in 2008 due to widespread contamination. Historical industrial activities, including operations at the former Hobart Cabinet Company, contributed to the presence of harmful VOCs in the soil, groundwater, and indoor air.
Key contaminants include tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), along with their breakdown products like vinyl chloride, which pose significant health risks. These substances are known to cause cancer and other adverse health effects, making the cleanup a vital public health measure, as noted by WYSO.
Funding for this extensive cleanup is part of a broader $1 billion investment in Superfund sites nationwide, made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the epa announced in February 2024. This financial commitment accelerates efforts to address long-standing environmental hazards across the country.
Residents in the vicinity of the cleanup can expect increased truck traffic during weekdays, with work scheduled from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to the EPA. Dust suppression measures will be implemented to prevent the migration of particulate contaminants from the site, ensuring community safety during operations.
While the cleanup progresses, Troy city officials have reassured the public that the municipal drinking water remains safe. The city employs pre-treatment processes to remove VOCs to non-detectable levels before water reaches homes, as reported by The Driller in April 2025.
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The East Troy Contaminated Aquifer Superfund site, located in Troy, Ohio, spans a 20-square-block area on the west bank of the Great Miami River, designated for cleanup due to extensive volatile organic compound contamination. The site was officially added to the National Priorities List in 2008, signifying its critical need for federal intervention.
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Historical operations at the former Hobart Cabinet Company are a primary source of the contamination, where chemicals were spilled or dumped near a loading dock. Additionally, a former dry-cleaning business, Troy One-Hour Cleaners, operating from 1958 to 1979, also contributed to the pollution through leaked dry-cleaning chemicals.
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The principal contaminants of concern are tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE), which are chlorinated solvents, along with their degradation byproducts such as cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (cis-1,2-DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC). These chemicals have been found in groundwater, soil, and indoor air, posing significant health risks.
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The EPA's cleanup strategy involves the excavation and off-site disposal of approximately 6,000 tons of contaminated soil, followed by backfilling with clean materials and site restoration. This interim soil remediation plan is a crucial step to prevent further leaching of contaminants into the groundwater and potential drinking water sources.
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Prior to the current soil removal, the EPA had already taken steps to address the contamination, including installing vapor abatement systems in 16 homes and an elementary school in 2007 to mitigate indoor air risks. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency first identified elevated levels of VOCs migrating from groundwater into buildings in 2006.
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The cleanup is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated over $1 billion for Superfund site remediation across the country, underscoring a national commitment to addressing legacy pollution. This investment allows the EPA to accelerate cleanup efforts at more than 100 sites, including East Troy.
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Volatile organic compounds are known to have severe health impacts, including links to cancer, and can cause eye and skin irritation, as well as acute inhalation and dermal toxicity. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) concluded in 2010 that contaminated groundwater at the site could harm public health if not properly addressed.
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While the current cleanup focuses on a specific source area, the overall remediation process for the East Troy Contaminated Aquifer site is comprehensive and long-term, involving ongoing monitoring and potential future actions to ensure complete environmental restoration and public safety. The city of Troy's water system includes pre-treatment to ensure drinking water safety.
