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Amcast Site Cleanup & Future Redevelopment

Amcast Site Cleanup & Redevelopment:  From legacy contamination to a cleaner, safer, and revitalized Cedarburg

Latest Update:

EPA Sampling To Begin - August 25, 2025

Overview
The City of Cedarburg is working closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers to advance environmental testing and remediation of the Amcast site and surrounding residential areas. This marks a major step forward in our commitment to public health, environmental stewardship, and responsible redevelopment.

What’s Happening Now
• Site Preparation: Temporary trailers will be placed on the Amcast site by the end of this week (weather permitting) to support field operations.
• Sampling Timeline:
         • Residential areas: September through late November
         • Amcast site: Concurrent testing, including sampling of concrete and subsurface materials
         • Project Phase Cost: Approximately $2 million, fully funded by the EPA

What’s Next
• Remediation Funding: The EPA plans to seek funding for cleanup and remediation this winter.
• State Support: The Wisconsin State Budget for 2025–2027 has allocated $4 million to cover the state’s 10% share of the total project cost—demonstrating strong bipartisan support for Cedarburg’s environmental recovery.

What This Means for Residents
• Health & Safety: Sampling will help determine the extent of contamination and guide future cleanup efforts to protect public health.
• Transparency: The City will continue to share updates as results become available and funding decisions are made.
• Long-Term Impact: This work lays the foundation for safe redevelopment, increased property values, and a cleaner, healthier Cedarburg.

Project Overview

The Amcast site (N39 W5789 Hamilton Road) includes:

• Former North and South plant properties

• Sewers near/beneath the plant

• Wilshire Pond (stormwater retention pond southeast of the site)

• Quarry pond in Zeunert Park

• Select private properties to the southeast

History:

Amcast operated for 65 years as an automotive aluminum die‑casting facility, closing in 2005. Operations left behind polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other hazardous substances in soil, sediment, and stormwater systems. The site was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List in 2009.

TID #4 Information

Cleanup Plan Highlights

• Contaminants: PCBs, heavy metals, petroleum compounds

• Proposed Actions:

1) Targeted soil excavation and disposal

2) Sediment removal from ponds and drainage areas

3) Sewer line cleaning and inspection

4) Groundwater monitoring and treatment as needed

Oversight: EPA (lead agency), WDNR (state partner), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (design support)

Redevelopment Vision

While cleanup is the priority, the City will be exploring future uses that may include:

• Public green space 

• Medium to High Density Residential

• Enhanced stormwater and environmental features

Resources & Documents

Stay Informed & Get Involved

Project Contacts:

• EPA Community Involvement: Phil Gurley – 312‑886‑4448 – [email protected]

• WDNR Project Manager: Kevin McKnight – 920‑808‑0170 – [email protected]

• City of Cedarburg: Mikko Hilvo - (262) 375-7917 - [email protected]

Commitment to Transparency
This page will be updated as new sampling data, cleanup schedules, and redevelopment plans become available.