The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4 presented the Excellence in Site Re-Use Award to CSX Transportation (CSX), and their subsidiary Atlantic Land & Improvement (ALI), in recognition of their commitment and dedication for remediating the Raleigh Street Dump Superfund Site in Tampa, FL. CSX/ALI received this honor, because of the work they accomplished as a part of the required site cleanup.  This included the restoration of the site property to natural ecological conditions that supports re-establishment of the native habitat.

From the mid-1970s until 1991, dumping took place on the ten-acre site located along the East Bay Channel of Tampa Bay near the Port of Tampa. A significant volume of waste such as battery casings, tires, and construction debris from unknown parties compromised the wetland area. In 2013, more than 33,000 tons of soil, debris and sediment were excavated, removed and disposed of off-site by CSX/ALI and their contractor. Additionally, they recycled over 40 tons of illegally dumped and used tires during cleanup efforts. Also, in addition to the upland portion of the site, the restoration efforts ultimately resulted in the restoration of 2.6 acres of wetlands, more than doubling the wetland area existing prior to the cleanup.

Part of the award ceremony included recognition of NOAA’s scientific work over the years on the cleanup and restoration.  Dr. Michel Gielazyn of the Assessment and Restoration Division of OR&R accepted the certificate of appreciation on April 5, 2017, at the site.