EPA Proposes Removing Four Superfund Sites from Cleanup List

The move signals decades-long remediation work may be complete at contaminated locations in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to remove four contaminated sites in the Southeast from the federal Superfund cleanup list, signaling that decades-long remediation work at the locations may finally be complete. The sites include properties in Florida, Georgia, and Kentucky that were added to the National Priorities List between 1983 and 1990 due to soil and groundwater contamination linked to industrial activities.

Why it matters

Superfund deletions typically occur after the EPA determines that cleanup work has reduced environmental risks to levels considered protective of human health and the environment. While the end of Superfund listing doesn't necessarily mean contamination has completely disappeared, it often indicates that remediation systems, monitoring programs, or land-use restrictions are in place to manage any remaining issues.

The details

The four sites proposed for deletion are: Miami Drum Services (Miami, Florida), Pepper Steel & Alloys (Medley, Florida), Diamond Shamrock Landfill (Cedartown, Georgia), and Caldwell Lace Leather Company (Auburn, Kentucky). Cleanup efforts at these locations have addressed contaminated soil, groundwater, and other environmental concerns linked to historical industrial practices and waste handling.

  • The EPA's proposal opens a 30-day public comment period after publication in the Federal Register.

The players

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency responsible for proposing the removal of these four Superfund sites from the National Priorities List after determining that cleanup work has been completed.

Miami Drum Services

A 1.2-acre property in Miami, Florida that was added to the Superfund list in 1983 due to contaminated soil and groundwater from industrial activities. The site is now owned by the Miami-Dade Transit Authority and used as a train maintenance facility.

Pepper Steel & Alloys

A 25-acre site in Medley, Florida that was contaminated by industrial operations and listed on the Superfund program since 1984. Cleanup efforts have addressed polluted soil and other environmental concerns.

Diamond Shamrock Landfill

A site in Cedartown, Georgia that was placed on the Superfund list in 1990 after groundwater contamination was discovered from the disposal of waste oil and chemical byproducts.

Caldwell Lace Leather Company

A 57-acre site in Auburn, Kentucky where soil and groundwater contamination was linked to historical waste handling practices. Investigations determined that no additional Superfund cleanup actions were required, though monitoring and land-use controls were recommended.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The EPA's proposal opens a 30-day public comment period after publication in the Federal Register.

The takeaway

The removal of these four Superfund sites from the cleanup list signals that decades-long remediation efforts have been successful in reducing environmental risks to acceptable levels, allowing these properties to potentially be redeveloped. However, careful oversight may still be required as these sites transition from federal Superfund oversight to local management of any remaining contamination.