ATLANTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will present the Region 4 Excellence in Site Re-Use Award to CSX Transportation (CSX) and their subsidiary Atlantic Land & Improvement (ALI) in recognition of their commitment and dedication for remediating the Raleigh Street Superfund Site. The award ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 11:00 am, at the Raleigh Street Site. The Raleigh Street Superfund Site is located at 4209 Raleigh Street, Tampa, Fla.
CSX/ALI received this honor, because of the work they accomplished as a part of the required site cleanup. This included the restoration of the site property to natural ecological conditions that would support re-establishment of the native habitat. These actions have led to the revitalization of on-site wetlands, establishment of a native habitat for butterflies, birds, and the protection and restoration of a native habitat in part of one of the last undeveloped areas of Tampa Bay. Additionally, the site has become an ecological asset for the Hillsborough County, Fla. community.
From the mid-1970s until 1991 dumping took place on the Raleigh Street Superfund Site. A significant volume of waste originated from unknown parties that impacted this ten-acre site located along the East Bay Channel of Tampa Bay near the Port of Tampa. Waste materials such as battery casings, furnace slag, tires, and construction debris were dumped and used to fill wetlands. In 2013, more than 33,000 tons of soil, debris and sediment were excavated, removed and disposed off-site by CSX/ALI. In addition, over 40 tons of illegally dumped and used tires were recycled during cleanup efforts. Restoration of the groundwater is currently being monitored to achieve cleanup goals.
The EPA views the restoration and preservation of natural habitats and wetlands once affected by contaminated sites as a key component of its mission to protect human health and the environment. The Raleigh Street Site is an excellent example of EPA Region 4 collaboration with environmental stewards, such as CSX/ALI and their contractors, to restore once contaminated wetlands, preserve wildlife habitats and protect sensitive eco-systems in the Southeast.
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