$1.8M Hazardous Waste Cleanup Completed at Former Pennsylvania Chemical Facility

Following two fires and months of emergency response, the EPA and local partners have finalized hazardous material removal at the Reading Drum site in Reading, Pennsylvania.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Jun 09, 2025

The EPA has completed its final phase of hazardous waste removal at the Reading Drum site, concluding an extensive cleanup effort that began after two major fires damaged a long-abandoned chemical facility in late 2023.

The agency announced Thursday that it had successfully removed more than 550 containers of hazardous materials from the site, including flammables, acids, bases, oxidizers, and peroxides. The cleanup, which cost approximately $1.8 million, involved extensive coordination with state and local agencies.

“We are committed to protecting human health and the environment by removing hazardous substances that present a potential threat to residents,” said Paul Leonard, the EPA Region 3 Superfund and Emergency Management Division director. “Through strong collaboration with local and state partners, we’re pleased to announce the completion of cleanup for the Reading community.”

The site at the former Lincoln Chemical Company facility in Reading was left structurally compromised following two fires in 2023. In response, the EPA initiated an emergency removal action to assess chemical hazards and stabilize the site.

From November 2023 through January 2024, the EPA conducted air and asbestos monitoring, with results showing no levels of concern. On-site crews sorted and categorized the chemical inventory for proper disposal, ensuring the safety of emergency responders and workers throughout the process.

To keep the public informed, the EPA partnered with the City of Reading, Berks County Emergency Services, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) through a Joint Information Center. The agency also distributed factsheets and postcards to residents and businesses and conducted interviews to inform a Community Involvement Plan developed in early 2024.

The EPA stated it remains committed to ensuring the site’s future use is consistent with environmental safety and community development goals.