EPA, Dallas officials celebrate ongoing work at Superfund site

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Community Advisor Group members (CAG) and Dallas city officials hosted an event on Jan. 23 at the Lane Plating Superfund site in Dallas to witness the demolition of the electroplating facility and to recognize the work of local, state and federal officials who have worked on the site’s cleanup.

“This action today is not only an EPA victory, it is a victory for all those who have put time and effort in making sure this community and ecosystem are free of contaminated materials,” EPA Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance said. “This demolition brings the community one step closer to the removal of contamination. We want to thank all of EPA’s partners and individuals who are bringing a cleaner and greener environment to this community.”

The Lane Plating Superfund Site is located at 5322 Bonnie View Road in Dallas. Lane Plating Works Inc., operated an electroplating facility on the site for more than 90 years. The company worked with hard chromium and cadmium plating. The property, which is about 5 acres in size, is near a residential and commercial area, says the EPA in a news release.

“One of the reasons why I ran for Congress was to fight for a safer, healthier and cleaner Dallas,” Texas District 30 Rep. Jasmine Crockett said. “I am proud of the progress that our city’s partnership with the EPA has made in cleaning up one of the nation’s most contaminated sites. We have made crucial steps to improve the livelihoods for the people of southern Dallas, and I look forward to continuing this work together.”

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According to the EPA, the site was assessed in 2016, and the agency determined it was a threat to public health and the environment. Based on air and soil samples on and near the site in 2016 and 2022, there are high levels of hexavalent chromium, lead, asbestos, mercury and arsenic on the site.  

“This demolition is an important step for our city. For too long, this site has stood as a symbol of past generations’ disregard for our communities in southern Dallas,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. “But now, it can represent opportunity and new beginnings. I am grateful to the United States Environmental Protection Agency and all of our partners who are helping us clean up this environmental disaster so we can move our city forward.”

The Lane Plating site was listed as a time-critical site for removal in September 2022. EPA completed clearing the site in late December 2022. Roof panels containing asbestos are were being removed in mid-January, with air sampling being conducted to ensure the asbestos does not migrate to surrounding areas.

“The Lane Plating Community Advisory Group will continue to amplify voices from Arden Terrence, who [are] demanding the safe removal of all hazardous materials from the Lane Plating Superfund Site and the creation of a healthy and safe place for residents,” said Allen McGill, chair of the Lane Plating Community Advisory Group.

The demolition of the facility completes one phase of the removal action. The next phase includes the excavation of contaminated soil and disposal of contaminated soil and building materials. As EPA and city of Dallas officials continue cleanup work, they will stay engaged with residents and other community members. The demolition of the building is expected to be completed by the end of February.