SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has decided to extend the public comment period on its proposed cleanup of the Superfund Site in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The comment period has now been extended to 16th October, 2023, it said.

The EPA had held a public meeting at Casa Ulanga, Calle Gonzalo Marin #7 on 29th August, 2023 to explain the proposed cleanup action plan. The cleanup targets to address remaining lead-contaminated soil and groundwater at the site where Battery Recycling Company formerly operated.

The contaminated soil will be removed for treatment and containment. The treated soil would be stored in a secure and restricted area at the source property. The groundwater will be monitored. Also, the public access to groundwater will be restricted in partnership with local governments through strict implementation of existing laws and regulations.

The site was used for secondary lead smelting activities and battery recycling operations until 2014. Prior to this, it was also used to manufacture organic chemicals towards production of fumaric acid and phthalic acid. These activities resulted in presence of high levels of lead and other contaminants in the soil and groundwater.

The US EPA had completed its early cleanup activities last year.