Chicago's Bridgeport district riverfront site polluted by Peoples Gas set for a cleanup operation.

In the heart of Chicago's Bridgeport neighbourhood, Peoples Gas is embarking on a voluntary remediation project to clean up a 3.7-acre property that was once used for gas production from coal and oil. The cleanup, set to begin as early as October and continue throughout the winter, will be carried out by Chicago engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell.

The remediation process involves the removal of over 65,000 cubic yards of soil and the use of in situ solidification/stabilization to trap contaminants in the soil. Real-time perimeter air monitoring and 24-hour sampling will be conducted to monitor dust and particulate matter during the remediation process.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the cleanup on the safety and well-being of the community. Tara Hoffmann, executive director of Recovery on Water, expressed worry about the safety of her rowing team's athletes during the remediation process. Ben Moroney, a resident of Bridgeport, questioned whether the cleanup would prioritize speed over quality. Many residents have also expressed concerns about the quality control measures of the cleanup process.

Kenny, Peoples Gas' environmental consultant, assured that the company aims to be as comprehensive and complete as possible during the cleanup to avoid future costs for ratepayers. Alderwoman Nicole Lee, who represents the Bridgeport neighbourhood, promised to provide answers about the involvement of the Chicago Department of Public Health in monitoring emissions during the remediation process.

Alderwoman Lee also expressed a desire for the land to be made available to everyone once the cleanup is complete. Kate Eakin, managing director of the McKinley Park Development Council, shared a similar sentiment, expressing a desire for the property to become part of the Chicago Park District or for a land trust to purchase it with the eventual goal of turning it over to the public.

Claudia Latapi, a spokeswoman for Openlands, a land trust alliance, saw the cleanup as a rare opportunity to turn a contaminated parcel into safe, accessible green space. Kristen Larson, who runs a children's playdate group in Bridgeport, asked for real-time access to the air quality monitoring data during the remediation process.

Peoples Gas officials acknowledged difficulties with handling and distributing raw data readouts. To address these concerns, the company has set up a dedicated phone line for residents to report excessive noise, dust, and odors. Alderwoman Lee also promised to follow up on these reports.

Lauren Bumba of the EPA clarified that the initial soil remediation work precedes a required "record of decision" outlining the full remediation plan. The future of the site is not yet clear, but a sale could occur after the first part of the cleanup.

As the cleanup progresses, residents can expect regular updates and transparency from Peoples Gas and the relevant municipal or environmental authorities responsible for overseeing the cleanup process. The goal is to ensure a safe and clean environment for the Bridgeport community while restoring the land for public use.

Chicago's Bridgeport district riverfront site polluted by Peoples Gas set for a cleanup operation.