Dublin TCE Site

Overview

The Dublin TCE Site sits on 4.5 acres in Dublin Borough, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and related solvents contaminated groundwater beneath and around the property. Manufacturing operations, particularly those of Kollsman Motor Company, are believed to have caused the contamination through solvent use and disposal. The Bucks County Health Department discovered the problem in 1986, finding TCE in tap water samples from 23 homes. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in August 1990.

Eleven contaminants have been identified in groundwater. These include trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, vinyl chloride, several dichloroethene compounds, chloroform, and manganese. All are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or metals found only in groundwater. EPA determined each one poses an unacceptable risk to human health or the environment based on the amount present and potential exposure. People can be exposed by drinking contaminated water, inhaling vapors during washing, or direct skin contact with contaminated groundwater.

Cleanup has moved through several stages. All affected private wells were taken out of service, and Dublin Borough's public water supply was extended to affected properties by 1996. EPA selected in-situ chemical oxidation as a groundwater remedy in September 2002, but by August 2015 determined that approach had not met cleanup goals. EPA then ordered a pump and treat system instead. Vapor intrusion testing at about 20 homes and businesses in 2014, 2015, and 2016 found no unacceptable health risk. Institutional controls permanently restrict the 120 Mill Street property to commercial and industrial use, with no residential use or groundwater use allowed. The site currently operates as a storage and repair facility for antique cars, with some space leased to other businesses.

Construction of a groundwater extraction and treatment system began in November 2025 and is expected to continue off and on through spring 2026. The area near 120 Meyers Way will be temporarily closed to through traffic during active work, though nearby businesses and residences will stay accessible by detour. Final remedial action is estimated to begin between February and April 2027, with long-term response action estimated to begin between September and November 2028. EPA has determined that human exposure is currently under control and that groundwater migration is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. The agency will continue monitoring to confirm contamination stays within its original area.

Community members can stay involved through EPA's Community Involvement Program. EPA is currently updating its Community Involvement Plan. Residents can share concerns and expectations by contacting the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator. A factsheet about road closures and cleanup progress has been mailed to nearby residents. For technical questions, residents can contact the Remedial Project Manager.