MEDIA ADVISORY: EPA to highlight over $56 million in BIL funding for Southside Chattanooga Lead Site cleanup at press event
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (January 19, 2024) - On Monday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will host a press event highlighting cleanup progress at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site (SSCL) and over $56 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds issued by the Biden-Harris Administration to accelerate the cleanup.
SSCL has used Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding since 2022. This is the largest residential lead site in the region. The site consists of residential neighborhoods and non-residential communal areas (parks, schools, playgrounds, childcare centers), where soils have been impacted by lead-bearing foundry material. The pace of cleanup is being significantly accelerated due to the increased funding from BIL.
As of January 17, 2024, a total of 813 properties of 1,346 properties known to have lead concentrations exceeding the site-specific cleanup level have been remediated. To date 3,032 of approximately 5,424 properties within the Site boundary have been sampled. Cleanups are on track to meet or exceed the fiscal year 2024 cleanup goal of 250 properties. As of December 2023, we have disposed of ~154,091 tons of contaminated soil.
WHO: EPA Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle
Greg Young, Deputy Commissioner TDEC
Mayor Tim Kelly
Remedial Project Manager Rusty Kestle
WHAT: Press event to highlight cleanup progress at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site and showcase results from investments in the area funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
WHEN: 10:00 AM Monday, January 22, 2024
WHERE: Southside Chattanooga Lead Site Staging Area, outside/tent, 915 East 38th Street, Chattanooga, TN 37410)
*** Interested media must RSVP via email to region4press@epa.gov to confirm your participation by COB Sunday, January 21, 2024.
***Reporters will have interview opportunities following the event.