Yellow Water Road Dump

Overview

The Yellow Water Road Dump is a former chemical disposal facility in Baldwin, Florida. It was added to EPA's National Priorities List (NPL) in 1986 after chemicals spilled onto soil during operations that began in 1981. The site covers roughly four acres and includes a capped disposal area plus an occupied single-family home and storage shed. EPA deleted the site from the NPL in May 1999 after cleanup goals were met, and the site achieved ready-for-reuse status in January 2014.

The main contaminants are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and three Aroclor variants (1248, 1254, and 1260), found in both soil and groundwater. PCB waste was solidified and capped on site, and PCB-contaminated fluid leaked from storage tanks. Cleanup was organized into three operable units covering sitewide issues, soil remediation, and groundwater contamination. Workers removed about 4,472 cubic yards of contaminated soil between 1995 and 1997, mixed it with cement, placed it in the former storage area, and covered it with a one-foot cap of clean soil. A chain-link security fence with a locked gate now restricts public access to that area. For groundwater, the selected remedy includes monitoring, monitored natural attenuation, and treatment methods such as pump and treat with carbon adsorption. Groundwater monitoring wells have not detected contamination.

In 2010, legal restrictions were added to the property prohibiting disturbance of the cap, surface soil, and groundwater use. The St. John's Water Management District has designated the site and surrounding area as a groundwater delineation zone, meaning any new well requires District approval. Zoning also prevents incompatible uses such as residential development. Part of the site is currently used for horse and cattle grazing. EPA has determined that human exposure to contaminants is under control, with no unacceptable pathways for people to contact contaminated materials.

Ongoing oversight includes groundwater monitoring every five years and twice-yearly fence inspections by the responsible parties. EPA conducts Five-Year Reviews to confirm protectiveness. One source notes the most recent review was completed in 2020, while another states it was completed in July 2025, with the next estimated between February and April 2027. EPA provides status letters to help property buyers and sellers understand land-use restrictions.

Community members can stay involved through public meetings, public notices, and interviews organized by EPA. Key documents are available through EPA's online system and at the public information repository at Baldwin City Hall, 10 US HWY 90 West, Baldwin, FL 32234. Questions can be directed to the EPA staff assigned to the site.