The Top 10 Contaminated Superfund Sites in the United States.

Superfund sites are locations in the U.S. that have been designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as requiring cleanup due to hazardous waste contamination. Here are ten of the most notorious Superfund sites, highlighting the severity of contamination and the ongoing efforts to restore these areas.

1. Love Canal, New York

Perhaps the most infamous Superfund site, Love Canal is a neighborhood that faced severe contamination due to the disposal of toxic chemicals by Hooker Chemical Company in the 1940s and 1950s. The site was designated a Superfund area in 1980 after many residents reported health issues. The cleanup involved removing contaminated soil and waste and has become a symbol of environmental disaster and grassroots activism.

2. Times Beach, Missouri

時代海灘曾經是個繁榮的小鎮，但後來因為道路噴灑二噁英以控制揚塵，而成為臭名昭著的超級基金污染場地。 1985年發現污染後，該鎮居民被疏散，整個區域最終被拆除。美國環保署投入大量資源清理這片曾被有毒廢棄物覆蓋的場地，該鎮於1983年被列為超級基金污染場址。

3. The Hanford Site, Washington

漢福德基地是美國規模最大、最複雜的超級基金污染場地之一。它建於二戰期間，用於生產核武所需的鈽。數十年的核子生產遺留了大量放射性廢棄物，導致土壤和地下水污染。清理工作仍在進行中，預計將持續數十年，耗資數十億美元。

4. The Gowanus Canal, New York

The Gowanus Canal has been a contaminated site since the 19th century, affected by industrial waste, sewage overflow, and other pollutants. Efforts to restore this heavily polluted waterway include dredging and habitat restoration projects. The canal’s designation as a Superfund site highlights the challenges in addressing urban contamination.

5. Love Canal’s Neighbor: G- line, New York

由於鄰近拉夫運河，G線地鐵沿線地區也因工業廢棄物處理方式而受到污染。這些地區飽受嚴重的公共衛生問題困擾，促使人們進行大規模的環境評估和清理工作，旨在恢復當地生態系統並防止進一步污染。

6. The Apache Leap Mine, Arizona

阿帕奇利普礦有著悠久的銅礦開採歷史，導致土壤和水體因重金屬和其他污染物而嚴重污染。礦址面臨許多修復挑戰，當地野生動植物和生態系均受到影響。美國環保署的介入旨在減輕危害，同時評估對週邊社區的潛在影響。

7. Paradise Flat, Tennessee

天堂平原因多家企業傾倒危險廢棄物而被列為超級基金場地，導致土壤和地下水受到有害化學物質污染。清理工作的重點是降低人類健康的風險，並恢復當地已嚴重退化的環境。

8. 華盛頓州杜瓦米甚河

The Duwamish River is heavily contaminated due to industrial activities, including shipbuilding and wastewater discharge. It has been linked to toxic pollution affecting wildlife and human health. Contaminated sediments are being removed and treated as part of ongoing restoration programs designed to revitalize the river’s ecosystem and improve conditions for local communities.

9. Montello, Wisconsin

蒙特洛因附近鑄造廠和舊製造廠造成的地下水污染而被列為超級基金場地。當地供水系統中檢測出高濃度的揮發性有機化合物（VOCs），促使當局進行大規模調查和清理工作，以恢復飲用水安全並保護公眾健康。

10. Operable Unit 2, Kettleman Hills, California

位於凱特爾曼山的2號作業單元因其危險廢物處理和處置活動而臭名昭著，這些活動導致了地下水污染。該場地污染引發了當地居民嚴重的健康疑慮。目前正在實施清理策略，以確保環境安全並防止未來再次發生污染。

These Superfund sites serve as stark reminders of the environmental challenges facing many communities in the U.S. Efforts to clean and restore these places are crucial not only for public health but also for the ecosystems that have been compromised. Understanding these issues can help motivate ongoing environmental advocacy and support for sustainable practices.