Soil Contamination Discovered at Former Bender Property
Consultants found toxic levels of lead and other chemicals at the future site of the Mobile River Bridge.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Environmental
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Environmental consultants have identified significant soil contamination at the former Bender Shipbuilding property in Mobile. The site, slated for the construction of the Mobile River Bridge, contains elevated levels of lead, arsenic, and other hazardous materials.
Why it matters
The property poses potential exposure risks to construction workers and the public if not remediated before building begins. Proper cleanup is required to address the historic impact of shipbuilding operations on the land.
Consultants collected soil and groundwater samples from 31 locations and 11 monitoring wells to characterize the contamination. Approximately 90% of the property's surface area presents potential exposure concerns for workers.
The players
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
This state agency is responsible for reviewing and approving cleanup plans for contaminated sites.
Alabama Department of Transportation
This department is overseeing the development of the Mobile River Bridge project.
The details
The analysis revealed lead concentrations reaching 15,000 parts per million, alongside mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and PCBs. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has deemed the proposed cleanup plan for the site technically adequate.
Timeline
Environmental consultants collected soil and groundwater samples from February to October 2024.
The initial public comment period ended on August 25, 2026.
The deadline for submitting written comments on the cleanup plan is November 13, 2026.
Deeper Dive
The findings are measured against the Alabama Department of Environmental Management's industrial screening levels. This assessment marks a critical step in the remediation process to ensure safety for the future Mobile River Bridge construction project.
The discovery necessitates strict safety measures and site remediation to prevent health hazards for construction workers and the community. Following the cleanup, officials plan to safely transform the property into a corridor for the new Mobile River Bridge.
The takeaway
Future bridge construction remains contingent on the successful removal or containment of hazardous materials found in the soil. Residents and stakeholders should monitor the final approval of the cleanup plan to ensure all safety protocols are met.
What happens next
The public can submit written comments regarding the cleanup plan for the Mobile River Bridge site until November 13, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local environmental oversight in the Mobile Environmental section.
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