PCE/TCE Northeast Contamination

Overview

The PCE/TCE Northeast Contamination site sits in York, Nebraska, where industrial chemicals have spread into groundwater east and southeast of the contamination source. The EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in May 2014. Cleanup is well underway but not yet complete, and the site is not ready for unrestricted use.

The main contaminants are tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), 1,1-dichloroethylene (DCE), and carbon tetrachloride. These chemicals have affected private drinking water wells in nearby residential areas. Groundwater contamination has not stabilized and continues to migrate.

The EPA ran removal actions from October 2010 through July 2025. During that period, private wells were tested and homes where contamination exceeded drinking water standards were connected to public water supply or given whole-house filtration systems. Five residences received public water connections and four properties received filtration systems. Public water supply wells have tested clean since testing began. Human exposure is currently under control, with no unacceptable exposure pathways identified at this time.

A Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study (RI/FS) began in 2019 to map contamination and evaluate cleanup options. Groundwater monitoring wells were established in 2022, and sampling continues regularly. In fall 2025, a Treatability Study Work Plan was submitted to evaluate injecting a chemical reagent to treat the contaminated groundwater. The EPA and the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment are reviewing the plan. Final approval is expected by mid-2026, with treatment implementation planned for fall 2026. Private well testing will continue as part of that study.

Community members can join the site mailing list to receive updates and learn about future participation opportunities. No public meetings or comment periods are currently scheduled. Two federal support programs are available to the community: the Technical Assistance Services for Communities program offers independent scientists and engineers at no cost, and Technical Assistance Grants of up to $50,000 are available to qualified community groups to hire their own technical advisors. Site documents can be viewed in person at the Kilgore Memorial Library at 520 Nebraska Avenue in York, Nebraska, which can be reached at 402-363-2620.