Long‑time Olathe residents Hazel and Charles Forgey have kept every letter the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sent them since the 1960s, documenting a persistent groundwater problem at the former Chemical Commodities Inc. Superfund site that borders their home.
EPA five‑year review confirms continued risk
The agency’s most recent five‑year review, released in early 2026, indicates that contaminated groundwater is still migrating toward a couple dozen nearby houses. Twenty‑two homes now require new or repaired air‑handling systems to keep vapors from entering living spaces. The EPA emphasized that the city’s drinking water supply remains unaffected.
Residents recall early warning signs
“We saw green water running down the gutter and orange water, and we didn’t know what it was,” Hazel Forgey recalled. The couple also noted a stronger odor after demolition crews began removing structures at the site, a sign that volatile compounds were being released.
Air‑cleaning systems and ongoing testing
Both Hazel and Charles say their home was fitted with a specialized air‑cleaning system decades ago. “We let them put it in so we could be aware of anything that they did find if it affected us,” Hazel explained. The EPA has sampled roughly 100 homes over the past five years, installing or repairing fans and filters as needed. “They run all the tests,” Charles added, noting that the agency monitors the equipment continuously.
EPA outreach and community response
In response to viewer questions, an EPA spokesperson directed residents to recent public meetings and door‑to‑door outreach efforts. The agency reported that it successfully accessed 107 of the 156 homes it contacted for sampling.
What the Forgeys’ records reveal
The Forgeys’ archive includes every EPA correspondence, most recently a letter dated Jan. 17, 2025 stating that contamination levels at their property were below the agency’s level of concern. Their meticulous record‑keeping provides a clear timeline of the site’s remediation and the agency’s ongoing responsibilities.
Implications for Olathe homeowners
While the EPA assures that the city’s water supply is safe, the continued presence of vapor‑intrusive contaminants underscores the importance of air‑cleaning systems for homes near the former Superfund site. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about EPA meetings and to maintain their air‑handling equipment.
Looking ahead
The EPA’s five‑year review signals that the cleanup effort is still active. Olathe officials and community members will need to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that any additional homes requiring mitigation receive timely assistance.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
