This Superfund site sits near Valley, Nebraska, and centers on a groundwater plume of trichloroethene (TCE) stretching about 3 miles. The site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in August 2017, after state and federal agencies began investigating in 2002. The contamination source has not been identified, and EPA is still working to locate it and identify parties responsible for cleanup.
Groundwater contains TCE, tetrachloroethene (PCE), dichloroethene (DCE) compounds, and vinyl chloride. Fieldwork between 2019 and 2023 tested indoor air, private wells, ponds, utility lines, and monitoring wells to map the spread and depth of the plume. Physical construction of a remedy is not yet complete, and groundwater migration has not been stabilized.
EPA has taken several steps to protect people in the meantime. Homes with private wells where TCE exceeded acceptable levels were either connected to Valley's public water supply or fitted with whole-house filtration systems. Indoor air sampling found no vapor intrusion problems at properties above the plume. EPA has determined that human exposure is under control and the site is currently protective of human health.
The Remedial Investigation (RI) is now complete. A feasibility study, which evaluates cleanup options, began in May 2020 and is expected to finish by late 2027 or early 2028. EPA plans to publish a Proposed Plan in 2027 and then issue a Record of Decision (ROD) selecting the final remedy, with remedial design estimated to start between August and October 2028. The public will have a chance to comment on the Proposed Plan before the ROD is finalized.
Community members with questions can contact the EPA staff assigned to the site. Site documents are available through EPA's SUPERCPAD system and in person at the Valley Public Library, located at 232 N. Spruce Street in Valley, Nebraska.
