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deep_blue003v t1_iwve0j5 wrote

Reply to comment by ten-million in Hilco to start building ‘Bellwether District’ on old PES refinery grounds in early 2023 by ColdJay64

That was me. Worked there for many years. There is absolutely no way that land can be properly cleaned up to the point where it is safe for humans to occupy. I feel bad for any contractors/workers who are tasked with excavating and building on land in that zone and for any people who may end up living/working there in the future.

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all_akimbo t1_iwvuvxc wrote

What can be done with a place like that? I’m asking in earnest, what has been done with similar places? Do they just do a Chernobyl and seal it off to people?

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AbsentEmpire t1_iwvwygq wrote

Dig up as much of the contaminated soil as possible, then cap it with a massive slab of concrete.

Unfortunately this site is fucked for generations to come, it was a refinery site for 100 years.

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deep_blue003v t1_iwx6jk3 wrote

That's what should be done, but unfortunately it won't. The developers will most likely require any businesses or residents of the future projects to sign an agreement waiving legal rights in the event that they are exposed to toxic substances and become sick. This was the case at Sienna Place, a residential development build directly across from the refinery on 26th street. The people who bought homes there have no legal protection from the fact they bought on the contaminated land.

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