Latest on Greenway Public Dump Site

I just had a nice conversation with Dinah Frazier this afternoon. Ms. Frazier is the DEP investigator who will be walking and locating the dump location that borders Egan's Creek to the east and roughly Hickory Street and Jasmine to the north and south. I asked about soil testing and was pleased in some ways but concerned in others. DEP is able to document dump sites with past evidence, photos or some information to go on that proves a site existed. The problem with very old sites like this is that most contaminants don't really have a visual que or even if they do are often located on private property. If these dumps are not in the path of development or do not pose an immediate safety threat, they likely will not be cleaned up.

What did I accomplish? Well, several state agencies do have notice of the dump and it will be documented as a dump site. Do I know what might be in the dump? No! I hoped to see thorough testing and had the idea that DEP was actively looking for sites like this to test and clean up. I guess I was a little naive' about the way things work. The facts really are bleak. There are, for instance over 150 dump sites in Jacksonville with only about 10% likely to be cleaned. DEP doesn't have unlimited power and often has to prioritize which dumps or sites will pose the greatest threat. I saw a dump bordering a pristine estuary as a threat to the wildlife and to the Greenway we all wanted to see on our island. Locating and pushing for testing was what I thought would lead to identification of any hazardous material and to eventually a cleaner greenway.

What does this all mean? Any use of the dump will now be subject to testing required of all old dump sites. Any neighbors who want to use well water might be more aware of the possibility of contaminants from an old dump. I don't think there are many wells in the nearby area used for drinking water. What does this mean for the greenway? I'm not sure unless someone steps in to test and more fully identify what might be in the dump.

I am still concerned because of the dates the dump was used. (approx. 1943 to 1970) I don't really think much will happen, but at least the site will be documented as a dump and who knows....maybe someday a contaminant free greenway will be a higher priority...and someone will realize our health depends on the health of our environment. In a perfect world, I would like to think everyone would be held accountable for things like this...but we live in a world of limited resources and priorities.

By the way, I want to thank Ms. Frazier for her time today and for her effort to accurately identify the dump location. I know documenting the existence of this might seem like a small thing, but in reality, this might flag the dump as a source of contamination one day if there is a problem. At the very least, it will force anyone disturbing the site or financing the site to have proper testing.

cc: Dinah Frazier-DEP