EPA Proposes Plan to Address Lauritzen Channel Contamination at United Heckathorn Superfund Site
Proposal includes dredging contaminated sediment, capping affected areas, and measures to prevent further contamination of the channel
RICHMOND, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2026) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a cleanup plan to address contamination in the Lauritzen Channel of the United Heckathorn Co. Superfund Site in Richmond, California. The Agency is seeking public input on the proposal and will consider all comments before selecting a final cleanup plan.
“After conducting extensive studies on the feasibility of different cleanup methods to restore the Lauritzen Channel, we have developed a proposal grounded in sound science and engineering,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Martucci. “Our experts are confident that this is the best remedy available to address the shortcomings of past cleanups and protect the marine environment -- and the Richmond community -- in the long-term.”
Past industrial pesticide processing led to widespread dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) and dieldrin contamination in the upland and marine areas of the site. While past cleanup activities successfully addressed soil contamination in the upland area, sampling in the marine area continues to show contaminant levels above cleanup goals, indicating contamination in the Lauritzen Channel remains.
To address residual contamination in the marine area, EPA is proposing a new cleanup plan that supports the long-term restoration of the channel. EPA’s proposal includes:
- Dredging contaminated sediment from the Lauritzen Channel for off-site disposal
- Covering dredged areas with a mixture of activated carbon and sand to isolate any residual contamination and reduce the potential for it to spread
- Installing an armored activated carbon cap in a portion of the channel that cannot be dredged
- Taking measures, such as removing pilings, cleaning drains, and using engineered barriers, to prevent remaining sources of contamination from re-entering the channel
These actions will reduce contamination in fish and shellfish, lowering the risks to humans and other wildlife through seafood consumption.
A 90-day public comment period for the community to weigh in on EPA’s proposed plan runs from September 30 through December 29, 2026. EPA will host an in-person public meeting, with an option to attend virtually on October 21 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Richmond Recreation Complex to discuss the Proposed Plan. The public may submit oral or written comments at the public meeting or by mailing or emailing EPA. For more information about the site, the public meeting, and how to offer comment on the Proposed Plan, visit the United Heckathorn Co. Superfund Site webpage.
EPA will respond to all comments in a “Responsiveness Summary” that will be included in the final cleanup plan.
Background
The United Heckathorn Co. Superfund Site is located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay in Richmond, California. The site was contaminated by industrial pesticide operations that released DDT and dieldrin into the soil and sediment.
In 1994, EPA selected a cleanup plan for the site that included capping contaminated soil in the upland area of the site, as well as dredging and off-site disposal of contaminated sediment in the marine area. The upland area’s cleanup remains protective of human health and the environment. EPA is now proposing additional cleanup measures to address remaining contamination in the Lauritzen Channel.
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