Eagle Picher superfund site community meeting scheduled

An update on the Eagle Picher Carefree Battery superfund site is scheduled for 6 p.m. on July 18 at Socorro City Hall. The EPA, in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department, will update the community on the site’s soil and groundwater clean-up activities. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to talk directly to representatives.

“This is a chance where the community can look the EPA and the state Environment Department people in the eyes and get a report,” Vicki Kelsey, community advisory group co-chair, said. “You may not have a specific question in mind, but after you hear their presentation, you might get answers to a lot of your questions. The more people who attend the presentation and get the information, the less misinformation is able to spread.”

The Community Advisory Group (CAG) wants to encourage people to attend to share concerns and ask questions. Kelsey, who has a master’s in atmospheric and environmental science, and her co-chair, Rebe Feraldi, who has a master’s in environmental science with an emphasis in biology, do their best to communicate; however, there is still confusion about the site.

The latest update the CAG received indicated the aim was to complete the site by September. Kelsey said getting public input is crucial because the City will soon be making important decisions regarding its property.

“People who have good ideas should go to the city council meetings because as soon as that site’s done getting cleaned up, and the state certifies it is finished, it’s going to be handed back to the City. The City’s going to have to decide what they want to do with it,” Kelsey said.

She said it’s important to note that the property will be approved for industrial zoning only.

According to Kelsey, the CAG has maintained a good working relationship with the EPA and have been transparent and honest about the process. She said when a valid question, concern, or even rumor comes up, they investigate and address it.

“I have faith in that data from the State Environment Department and the EPA,” Kelsey said.

Eagle Picher made printed circuit boards from 1964 to 1976, dumping industrial waste in unlined lagoons at the site. From 1980 to 1989, the company made lead-acid batteries and dumped more industrial waste into the lagoons. With the efforts of volunteers and the City, it became a superfund site in 2007.