Investigation ongoing into chromium leak that closed Bartram’s Mile Trail nearly one year ago.
A recent public meeting held at the Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School addressed ongoing concerns surrounding chromium contamination in Southwest Philadelphia, specifically focusing on the former industrial site owned by Alliance 51st Street LLC. The meeting, which took place on Thursday evening, provided critical updates on the environmental issues that have led to the closure of Bartram’s Mile Trail for almost a year.
The presentation included a slide illustrating the extensive contamination with hexavalent chromium throughout the 12-acre site, a legacy of its industrial use. Eric Carlson, the owner of Alliance, assured attendees that no new contamination incidents have occurred since heavy rainfall in July 2024 triggered significant runoff. He stated that measures have been implemented to mitigate such runoff, including the installation of a berm.
Carlson also highlighted that a comprehensive cleanup and remediation plan had been submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in February and is currently under review. He emphasized that while Alliance did not cause the contamination, the company is committed to addressing it responsibly.
However, skepticism emerged among community members, including Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier, regarding the timeline and feasibility of the planned cleanup. Gauthier expressed concerns about the necessity of finding a tenant before any remediation can occur, hinting that the plan’s viability appears dependent on market fluctuations. Carlson confirmed that the development of a new warehouse on the site hinges on securing a tenant, which complicates the timeline for necessary remediation actions, as these are designed to incorporate building structures to safely cap the contaminated soil.
Residents also voiced their worries about the safety of Bartram’s Trail, a 1.5-mile paved path that runs along the Schuylkill River. Maitreyi Roy, Executive Director of Bartram’s Garden, insists that the trail will remain closed until the city’s health department can assure that chromium no longer poses a threat. Roy conveyed hope for a swift reopening but acknowledged the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
The contamination was first reported by city resident Andy Switzer, who observed “green-colored runoff” from the property. Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of chromium at multiple locations along the adjacent Bartram’s Mile Trail, leading to the precautionary closure of the highly frequented path, often used by walkers, bikers, and anglers. Residents are becoming increasingly aware of potential long-term implications, with many questioning the effectiveness of existing monitoring practices.
Looking ahead, the matter of contamination at the site underscores ongoing environmental and community health concerns that necessitate vigilant oversight and active engagement from both the city and the company. As remediation efforts unfold, the community remains focused on ensuring transparency and accountability in safeguarding public health.
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