The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed adding the J. H. Baxter site in West Eugene, Oregon, to the Superfund National Priorities List. This list identifies hazardous waste sites in the United States eligible for cleanup under the federal Superfund Program.
The EPA's decision follows nearly 80 years of wood treating operations at the J. H. Baxter facility, which led to the release of hazardous substances into soil, groundwater, and sediment. The agency determined that this contamination poses significant risks to both human health and the environment.
"EPA is proud to work with the community of West Eugene, which has fought and advocated effectively for this site cleanup," said EPA Region 10 Administrator Casey Sixkiller. "With these Superfund resources, we can move forward with a comprehensive effort to remove hazardous materials and protect the health of those who live and work near the facility."
In April 2024, EPA requested concurrence from Oregon Governor Tina Kotek regarding its plans to propose listing the site on the Superfund National Priorities List. Governor Kotek responded positively: “I value the cooperative relationship between Oregon and EPA as we continue the cleanup efforts at J. H. Baxter and in the surrounding neighborhood to help return the land to a safe condition for Oregonians living in the area and for future generations to come.”
On August 5, EPA initiated a Time Critical Removal Action at the site as an interim measure aimed at preventing further releases of hazardous substances by safely removing chemicals and their containment structures on-site.
The proposal will be published in the Federal Register on September 5, 2024, initiating a 60-day public comment period ending November 4, 2024. Following this period, EPA will review received comments before finalizing whether to add J.H. Baxter site to its Superfund National Priorities List.
Nationwide efforts are underway addressing thousands of contaminated sites due to improper management of hazardous waste through investments such as those from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which allocated $3.5 billion towards Superfund Remedial Program cleanups.
The J.H. Baxter facility began operations in 1943 treating various wood products with water- and oil-based chemicals until halting operations in January 2022 while leaving over half a million gallons of chemicals on-site.
In September 2022 at Oregon Department of Environmental Quality's request; EPA conducted sampling revealing presence hazardous substances including pentachlorophenol creosote dioxins arsenic copper zinc.
Collaborative efforts involving partner agencies like Oregon Health Authority aim better understanding potential impacts evaluating risks ongoing studies detailed through resources available via EPAs website dedicated JH Baxter Site information updates.
