The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced removal action for the Lane Plating Works Inc. Superfund site. According to an EPA press release, this removal will include excavating contaminated soil and tearing down what was once an electroplating facility.

The Lane Plating Works in Dallas was in operation for over 90 years.

“Due to violations, investigations and a bankruptcy filing, the facility shut down in 2015 and large volumes of liquid plating wastes were left at the site,” said the press release.

Since 2018, when the site was added to the National Priorities List, the EPA has removed 188,000 pounds of waste material from the site.

Under the current removal action, the electroplating facility will be demolished, the contaminated soil will be excavated to a depth of approximately five feet in the area near the facility, and the building material and contaminated soil will be disposed of at an appropriate landfill.

“EPA will also conduct additional soil sampling and air monitoring to ensure hazardous dust is contained during the removal action. The agency will continue working on the long-term cleanup of the site to address other contamination found at the site,” the press release said.

The EPA’s Regional Administrator, Dr. Earthea Nance, stated that the new removal action comes following years of working with local authorities and leaders.

“This action highlights years’ worth of progress between EPA, resident leaders and local authorities. This brings us one step closer to removing all contaminated materials from the area. The Lane Plating site will continue to receive EPA’s support and attention until all issues are addressed,” Nance said.

The decision made by the EPA came after reports of people breaking into the facility. Being on the site could expose people to levels of hexavalent chromium dust deemed dangerous, the Environmental Protection Agency shared.

A community meeting has been scheduled for November 19 at 11 a.m. at the Highland Hills Library to review the cleanup details. The meeting will also discuss long-term plans for the site.

As the cleanup of the Lane Plating facility continues, the EPA will keep working with the City of Dallas, community leaders, and the Lane Plating Community Advisory Group. According to the press release, the EPA wants to prioritize community engagement regarding the facility.

The agency plans to keep the community educated on the site and cleanup as plans move forward.