EPA Marks Cleanup Success at Two Superfund Sites in Illinois

EPA Marks Cleanup Success at Two Superfund Sites in Illinois

EPA proposes to delete one site and part of another after extensive remediation

March 4, 2026

CHICAGO (March 4, 2026) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to delete the Kerr-McGee Kress Creek/West Branch DuPage River Superfund site in West Chicago, Illinois, and the soil cleanup portion the Velsicol Chemical Corp. Marshall Plant Superfund site in Marshall, Illinois, from the National Priorities List. EPA worked closely with state and local partners - who best understand the needs of their communities - to revitalize these blighted properties and help turn them into an economic engine that will help Power the Great American Comeback.

Deleting a site from the NPL is a major milestone in the cleanup process and sends a clear message that human health and the environment are protected and paves the way for redeveloping these properties into community assets.

"These proposed deletions are the product of years of careful investigation, engineering, and hands-on remediation by EPA, the Illinois EPA, local officials, and residents who partnered with us every step of the way," said EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. "Under Administrator Zeldin's leadership, we've sharpened our focus on accelerating cleanups-setting clear milestones, cutting through red tape, and keeping projects on track-so communities see protective results without compromising safety."

The contamination at the Kerr-McGee Kress Creek/West Branch DuPage River site originated from a facility known as the Rare Earths Facility. Operating from 1932 until 1973, the facility produced gas lantern mantles, non-radioactive elements (known as rare earths) and radioactive elements for private entities and for use in federal atomic energy programs. Production activities at the site generated radioactive mill tailings which were stored in large piles on site. Over the years, radioactively contaminated surface runoff and discharges from the facility entered Kress Creek through a storm sewer. Materials containing thorium residuals were distributed in the sediments and on the banks of the creek and river as well as in some floodplain areas. Cleanup of the 6.7-mile site included removing more than 129,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil and sediment and restoring areas disturbed by cleanup work.

The contamination at the Velsicol Chemical Corp. Marshall Plant Superfund site originated from a former chemical plant which produced products derived from petroleum byproducts and the pesticide chlordane. Operations at the plant contaminated the soil, sediment and groundwater with volatile organic compounds and pesticides. Manufacturing operations at the Marshall plant stopped in 1988. Cleanup of the soil portion of the 420-acre site included removing contaminated sediment and soil, then treating and capping excavated materials.

During cleanups, large and complex Superfund sites are often divided into distinct areas called operable units (OUs). Dividing Superfund sites into OUs may be done geographically or to address specific problems, or mediums - such as groundwater or source soils - where specific cleanup actions are required. EPA is proposing to delete the soil portion of the Velsicol Chemical Corp. Marshall Plant site. Long-term groundwater treatment and monitoring is ongoing, including limiting access to the site.

EPA will accept comments on the proposed actions for 30 days after publication of the Federal Register noticeExit EPA's website. To view supporting documentation or submit a comment on the proposed actions, please visit the following NPL Deletion Dockets:

• Kerr-McGee Kress Creek/West Branch DuPage RiverExit EPA's website
• Velsicol Chemical Corp. Marshall PlantExit EPA's website

Background:

The Trump EPA is committed to improving the Superfund program in support of our commitment to invigorating the economy while protecting human health. Returning contaminated lands to productive use faster supports the Trump EPA's core pillars of clean land, air, and water for every American. EPA is laser-focused on modernizing Superfund-to turn unsafe areas into parks, homes, and businesses to help Power the Great American Comeback.

Deleting a site from the NPL illustrates Superfund cleanup success. It signals to communities that no further cleanup is required to protect human health or the environment. Years, and sometimes decades of complex investigation and cleanup work, has gone into getting sites to where they are today.

While EPA encourages site reuse throughout the cleanup process, deleting a site from the NPL can revitalize communities, raise property values, and promote economic growth by signaling to potential developers and financial institutions that cleanup is complete.

Learn more about the Kerr-McGee Kress Creek/West Branch DuPage River Superfund siteand the Velsicol Marshall Plant Superfund site.

Learn more about the Superfund cleanup process.

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