Ridgefield, CT (06879) – Environmental Hazard Report

ZIP: 06879

Ridgefield, Connecticut

Score: 10/10

Ridgefield faces a critical safety rating of 10.0 due to nearby hazardous locations. The Famous Cleaners site sits less than five miles away and is currently an active Superfund site. Hazardous substances from dry cleaning facilities can soak into the ground and enter the water we drink or the air inside buildings. This means chemicals you cannot see or smell might be present in your environment. You must stay informed about local soil and water quality to keep your family safe.

Hazard Data Summary

Hazard Score
10/10
Risk Level
Critical
Primary Contaminant
Unspecified Hazardous Substances
Nearest Superfund Site
FAMOUS CLEANERS
Distance to Nearest
4.9 mi
Sites Within 5 Miles
1
Sites Within 10 Miles
17
County
Fairfield
NPL Status
Active

Regulatory Overview

The Famous Cleaners site, identified by EPA ID 110001748583, remains on the National Priorities List as an active threat. Cleanup operations are ongoing to address unspecified hazardous substances linked to historical industrial operations. Primary exposure pathways include vapor intrusion into residential structures and the leaching of contaminants into local groundwater systems. Long-term exposure to these substances often correlates with increased risks of respiratory issues, neurological damage, and certain cancers. While the EPA monitors the site, residents in the 06879 area should recognize the high density of secondary sites, including Ashland Chemical and Bethel Latex, which further complicate the local toxicological profile. To defend against potential exposure, residents should first install high-quality carbon air filtration systems to mitigate indoor vapor risks. Second, homeowners utilizing private wells must conduct annual laboratory testing for volatile organic compounds and heavy metals. Third, sealing basement cracks and ensuring proper ventilation can prevent the accumulation of soil gases within the home. Monitoring the official EPA Superfund database for updates on remediation progress is essential for tracking local safety levels. These measures provide a necessary layer of protection while federal agencies work to contain the underground plumes and surface contaminants associated with these active industrial sites.

Threat Summary

Ridgefield faces a critical safety rating of 10.0 due to nearby hazardous locations. The Famous Cleaners site sits less than five miles away and is currently an active Superfund site. Hazardous substances from dry cleaning facilities can soak into the ground and enter the water we drink or the air inside buildings. This means chemicals you cannot see or smell might be present in your environment. You must stay informed about local soil and water quality to keep your family safe.

Nearby Superfund Sites

Site NameEPA IDDistanceNPL Status
FAMOUS CLEANERS1100017485834.91 miActive
ASHLAND CHEMICAL / KYOVA CORPORATION1100092715905.12 miActive
BETHEL LATEX1100092724655.42 miActive
PERKIN – ELMER CORPORATION1100008650295.74 miActive
EMHART FASTENING TEKNOLOGIES1100030155676.18 miActive
WILTON LANDFILL1100092722146.19 miActive
BATCHELDER1100673490606.87 miActive
NORANDA METAL INDUSTRIES1100083065647.02 miActive
RADIAL BEARING1100303819597.07 miActive
WEIR FARM NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE1100244249607.12 miActive

Action Required

Residents must take immediate steps to secure their living environment and legal rights. Contact the Aspetuck Land Trust Inc to learn about local land conservation and environmental health initiatives in the Ridgefield area. For those concerned about property safety or seeking housing assistance due to environmental hazards, contact Westchester Residential Opportunities, Incorporated at 914-428-4507. Alternatively, the Putnam County Housing Corporation can be reached at 845-225-8493 for guidance on safe housing standards. Engaging with these local resources ensures you receive professional support in navigating the risks associated with the Famous Cleaners Superfund site and surrounding industrial zones.

HUD Housing Counseling

Government Verified
Westchester Residential Opportunities, Incorporated
White Plains, CT
Putnam County Housing Corporation
Carmel, CT

Environmental Organizations

IRS Verified
  • American Wanderer FoundationEnvironmental
  • Aspetuck Land Trust IncEnvironmental
  • Better Planet FundEnvironmental

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 Connecticut

Redding Ridge, CT
06876
10.0
2.2 mi
Nearest Site
2
Sites <5 mi
Ridgefield, CT
06877
10.0
1.2 mi
Nearest Site
1
Sites <5 mi
Riverside, CT
06878
10.0
2.0 mi
Nearest Site
3
Sites <5 mi
Westport, CT
06880
10.0
4.0 mi
Nearest Site
11
Sites <5 mi
Westport, CT
06881
10.0
4.9 mi
Nearest Site
1
Sites <5 mi
Weston, CT
06883
10.0
5.0 mi
Nearest Site
4
Sites <5 mi

More posts