Ripon Community to Weigh In on Nestlé Groundwater Cleanup Plans

Photo Credit: Mary L. Martin Vintage Postcards

In a significant development for Ripon residents, state water officials have scheduled a public meeting to discuss the cleanup of contaminated groundwater at the former Nestlé USA facility. The meeting, set for March 25 at Ripon City Hall, marks a crucial step in addressing environmental concerns that have spanned more than four decades.

The story began in the 1960s when Nestlé's Ripon plant regularly used trichloroethene (TCE), a common industrial solvent. By the late 1980s, testing revealed TCE had seeped into both soil and groundwater near the Industrial Avenue facility. Since then, the company has worked to contain and clean up the contamination, though traces still remain.

Today, Nestlé operates two groundwater treatment systems at the site, turning contaminated groundwater into clean water used to replenish the local aquifer and irrigate nearby school playing fields. More than 170 monitoring wells track the cleanup's progress, showing dramatic reductions in TCE levels over the years.

But the work isn't finished. Some areas still show chemical levels above cleanup goals, prompting Nestlé to propose a final remedy through its Remedial Action Plan. The plan, along with a Water Replacement Contingency Plan for affected wells, will be the focus of the upcoming public meeting.

Local residents will have their chance to speak up during an open-house format meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in the EOC Room at Ripon City Hall. Representatives from both Nestlé and the Water Board will be on hand to answer questions and address concerns.

Those unable to attend can still make their voices heard. The Water Board is accepting written comments through April 13, 2025, either by mail to their Rancho Cordova office or by email to Amber.Ginorio@Waterboards.ca.gov.

All relevant documents, including detailed plans for the final cleanup phase, are available on the State's Geotracker website. Once public feedback is incorporated and final plans are approved, Nestlé has committed to swift implementation of any additional cleanup measures needed to protect public health and the environment.

The meeting represents what many hope will be the final chapter in a long environmental cleanup effort that has shaped this Central Valley community's relationship with one of its former major employers.