Cabot-Koppers Superfund Site

The Cabot-Koppers site located on NW 23rd Avenue was designated by the Environment Protection Agency as a Superfund site 1983 after hazardous waste contaminated the groundwater, soil, and water. Spanning 140 acres, the Cabot Carbon area operated charcoal and pine tar plants and the Koppers area operated wood processing plants. 

Despite the chemical contamination of the site, remediation processes have not been completed decades later. Recent data indicates various toxins at levels exceeding federal regulations at the Upper Hawthorn Group Aquifer and Lower Hawthorn Group Aquifer. Toxins include benzene (VOC), Biphenyl, Carbazole, Methylnaphthalene, Naphthalene, Nitrobenzene, Arsenic, 4-Dimethylphenyl, many of which are carcinogens.

The unregulated level of toxins unjustly subjects local residents to an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive issues. Cabot-Koppers is near many neighborhoods and schools, particularly in low-income communities.

Although remedial efforts were completed for the Cabot area in 2020, the Koppers area remediation has since stalled due to a disagreement between Beazer East Inc., the current owner of Koppers area, and the Florida Department of Transportation. They are unable to agree about the relocation of a drainage ditch that empties into Springstead Creek.

It should be a priority to finish remedial efforts and conduct regular tests to ensure that chemicals do not leak out. Many of the toxins’ effects will only be evident long term, and by then, it will be too late to undo the damage done to our local residents.