Essex Junction, VT (05453) – Environmental Hazard Report

ZIP: 05453

Essex Junction, Vermont

Score: 10/10

Essex Junction faces a critical environmental threat due to its proximity to the Commerce Street Plume Superfund site. This area has a maximum hazard score of ten out of ten, indicating severe contamination risks. Dangerous chemicals have leaked into the local groundwater and soil, potentially entering homes through a process called vapor intrusion. These hazardous substances mean you must be cautious about your water source and the air quality inside your home to prevent long-term health issues for your family.

Hazard Data Summary

Hazard Score
10/10
Risk Level
Critical
Primary Contaminant
Unspecified Hazardous Substances
Nearest Superfund Site
COMMERCE STREET PLUME
Distance to Nearest
2.0 mi
Sites Within 5 Miles
2
Sites Within 10 Miles
9
County
Chittenden
NPL Status
Active

Regulatory Overview

The Commerce Street Plume is an active site on the National Priority List, signifying it is a high priority for federal cleanup. Contamination originated from industrial activities, leading to a plume of hazardous substances moving through the groundwater. The primary exposure pathways for residents include the ingestion of contaminated well water and the inhalation of toxic vapors that rise through the soil into residential foundations. These substances are linked to serious health risks, including increased cancer potential and damage to the central nervous system. The EPA continues to monitor the site under ID 110071100071 to mitigate further spread and implement remediation strategies. To protect your household, you must take three defensive measures. First, have your indoor air quality professionally tested for volatile organic compounds that may be off-gassing from the soil. Second, utilize high-grade carbon filtration systems for all drinking water if your home relies on private wells. Third, install a vapor mitigation system or ensure your basement is properly sealed to block underground gases from entering your living space. Staying informed about local groundwater restrictions is essential for maintaining long-term safety in this high-risk zone.

Threat Summary

Essex Junction faces a critical environmental threat due to its proximity to the Commerce Street Plume Superfund site. This area has a maximum hazard score of ten out of ten, indicating severe contamination risks. Dangerous chemicals have leaked into the local groundwater and soil, potentially entering homes through a process called vapor intrusion. These hazardous substances mean you must be cautious about your water source and the air quality inside your home to prevent long-term health issues for your family.

Nearby Superfund Sites

Site NameEPA IDDistanceNPL Status
COMMERCE STREET PLUME1100711000712.05 miActive
VT AIR NATIONAL GUARD1100052607243.86 miActive
HARBOUR INDUSTRIES (FORMER)1100711003225.86 miActive
BELL AIRCRAFT DUMP (FORMER)1100711000726.24 miActive
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO LAKESIDE AVE PLANT1100706057176.88 miActive
PINE STREET CANAL1100092598096.9 miActive
RATHE BROTHER'S LANDFILL1100093201277.31 miActive
US ARMY N.G. ETHAN ALLEN FIRING RANGE1100371433657.67 miActive
HARBOUR INDUSTRIES1100711003218.01 miActive

Action Required

Residents must take immediate steps to secure their living environment and advocate for local safety. Contact 350Vermont or 1 For The Planet Inc to learn about local environmental advocacy and ongoing monitoring efforts in Essex Junction. For those concerned about housing safety, property standards, or relocation resources, contact the Champlain Housing Trust in Burlington at 802-861-7394. This agency provides critical guidance on healthy housing and may offer assistance for those living near high-risk zones. Engaging with these local organizations ensures you receive the most current safety updates and professional support to manage environmental risks.

HUD Housing Counseling

Government Verified
Champlain Housing Trust
Burlington, VT

Environmental Organizations

IRS Verified
  • 1 For The Planet IncEnvironmental
  • 350vermontEnvironmental
  • 45 Latitude Labs IncEnvironmental

Data Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS). Facility data from EPA Facility Registry Service (FRS). Nonprofit data from IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File. Housing counseling data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This report is generated from publicly available government data and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For current site-specific information, visit EPA Superfund.

Nearby Reports in Vermont

Colchester, VT
05449
10.0
2.0 mi
Nearest Site
2
Sites <5 mi
Essex, VT
05451
10.0
4.5 mi
Nearest Site
1
Sites <5 mi
Essex Junction, VT
05452
10.0
4.5 mi
Nearest Site
1
Sites <5 mi
Hinesburg, VT
05461
10.0
2.6 mi
Nearest Site
2
Sites <5 mi
Shelburne, VT
05482
10.0
1.9 mi
Nearest Site
2
Sites <5 mi
Lyndon, VT
05849
10.0
4.3 mi
Nearest Site
3
Sites <5 mi

More posts