Jones Road EPA Investigation Update
We want to share the latest information available regarding the ongoing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study. This is the formal process EPA uses to determine where contamination may be located, how it may be moving, what risks it may present, and what options could address it.
The EPA currently anticipates completing the Remedial Investigation in December 2026. According to the agency, this timeline has been delayed by weather and drilling conditions and remains subject to change.
What We Know
The first phase of the field investigation was completed in August and September 2025. During this phase, small devices were placed underground to test for chemical vapors in the soil. According to the EPA, all passive soil-gas samples were non-detect, meaning the chemicals being tested for were not found at levels the laboratory could measure.
The second phase began in January 2026 and is still underway.
During the first stage of Phase 2, contractors completed testing at 10 locations by pushing a specialized probe into the ground. This testing helps investigators understand the layers of soil beneath the site and identify underground areas that contain groundwater. The probe reaches depths ranging from 59 to 105 feet and encounters multiple groundwater layers. Contractors attempted to collect 22 groundwater grab samples but were able to successfully collect six. According to the EPA, those six samples showed no detections of the site’s contaminants of concern.
EPA has also completed construction of the first deep monitoring well, which reaches approximately 300 feet below ground. Monitoring wells allow investigators to collect and test groundwater repeatedly over time. EPA anticipates installing 10 additional monitoring wells. More testing is expected as the investigation moves forward.
Additional groundwater and vapor-intrusion sampling was completed in January 2026. Vapor intrusion occurs when chemical vapors from contaminated soil or groundwater move toward or into a building. EPA is preparing for another sampling event planned for late summer 2026, with additional events currently scheduled for January and July 2027.
Residents have raised concerns about worker protections and materials stored at worksites. EPA stated that it and its contractors operate under Health and Safety Plans that address job hazards, potential exposure to contamination, and precautions required when working at a contaminated site.
What Remains Uncertain
The investigation is not yet complete. Most of the planned monitoring wells have not been installed, and additional groundwater, vapor-intrusion, and geophysical testing remains to be conducted.
The six groundwater grab samples provide information about the locations and depths where they were collected, but they do not tell us what conditions are like throughout the entire site. Samples were not successfully collected from the deeper water-bearing zones during that stage of the investigation. THEA is following this closely as some contaminants at the Jones Rd Site are dense, can sink below the water table and dissolve. Contamination that dissolves in groundwater can move with the underground flow and spread beyond the original source area.
Residents have asked about sampling results from Echo Spring Lane. EPA stated that these results are still considered draft and cannot be released until the final report is completed. Because these results are still in draft form, THEA cannot independently review or verify them at this time. The final report is expected to be posted on the EPA’s website once it is completed.
THEA’s Role
THEA is not part of the EPA and does not conduct the formal investigation, nor select sampling locations, analyze samples, or make decisions about the site. Those responsibilities remain with the EPA and its contractors.
Our role is to help residents understand the information being provided, identify questions that remain unanswered, communicate community concerns to the appropriate agencies, and support meaningful community participation throughout the investigation. We will continue requesting clear and timely information and will share additional updates as they become available.
If you have questions or would like additional help understanding the EPA’s updates, please reach out. We are here to help.
