Waste Identified in Soil Boring Samples

As part of pre-construction due diligence for a new raw water main, which carries raw water from Lake Erie to the Collins Park water plant for treatment, the City of Toledo has identified a small area of apparent waste materials within the City’s easement on the Envirosafe property.

Out of ten soil borings taken between the two existing raw water mains, three borings showed visible signs of waste. There is no indication that the water supply has been impacted and drinking water tests continue to show the water is safe.

The discovery was made during routine soil investigations, which were conducted along the entire 9-mile route of the planned raw water main to ensure safety and the structural and environmental suitability of soils.

“This is exactly why we conduct thorough testing before beginning any construction,” said Andy McClure, P.E., Commissioner of Plant Operations. “By identifying this now, we can safely address the issue before it impacts our water. Our top priority is protecting Toledo’s water supply, and the systems we’ve put in place are doing exactly what they’re supposed to.”

Based on the site history, it is likely the waste dates back to the 1950s, long before environmental regulations on landfills were in place. The location is approximately 20 feet from either raw water main and has remained undisturbed for decades.

The City is working with its environmental consultant, Verdantas, to determine the full extent of the affected area. Envirosafe has been notified and will be responsible for all soil remediation work and associated costs. The Ohio EPA has also been informed and will provide oversight throughout the process.

“We are committed to supporting the remediation process and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect public health and the environment,” said a spokesperson for Envirosafe Services of Ohio, Inc. “We have a long history of working with the City to ensure we meet the highest standard of safety.”

Additional soil, groundwater and raw water testing are already underway. Drinking water testing, conducted regularly for PFAs, VOCs, and other contaminants of concern, continues to show no signs of contamination.

The existing raw water mains are protected by a number of safeguards:

Trench drains installed in the 1980s direct groundwater away from the mains.
The raw water mains are pressurized, ensuring that in the unlikely event of a leak, water would flow out—not in and prevent contaminated material from entering the main.
Ongoing maintenance and testing confirm the system’s integrity.

Construction in this area is not scheduled until 2028, giving the City and its partners plenty of time to complete remediation and ensure long-term safety.

More information about the project can be found at toledoh2o.com.

History of the Site

In the 1940s, when the 78” raw water main was constructed, the area was used as an orchard.
By the early 1960s, when a wider easement was acquired for the 60” raw water main, some waste disposal had already occurred in the area.
By 1967, when the 60” raw water main was installed, the trench for the pipe was cleared of waste and backfilled with clean soil.
The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs hazardous waste management, was enacted in 1976.
The landfill received its EPA compliance permit in 1982.
In 1983, the City of Toledo entered into an agreement with the landfill that went beyond RCRA requirements to ensure the safety of the raw water mains.
In 1984, trench drains were constructed to keep groundwater below the level of the raw water mains to direct drainage away from them.