How Philly is Cleaning One of its Most Hazardous Sites
For residents of Port Richmond in the Northeast, the Franklin Slag Pile is a familiar sight. It's a huge black mound at the corner of Castor and Delaware Avenues, covered in a tarp, fenced off behind chain link. The pile may not look like much, but the Environmental Protection Agency has deemed it one of the most hazardous sites in Philadelphia. Now, more than 20 years after declaring the Franklin Slag Pile a Superfund site, the EPA says it's going to start cleanup in the coming months. Reporter Jordan Gass-Poore joins senior producer Abby Fritz to talk about why this effort has taken so long and how climate change is making toxic sites in Philadelphia even more dangerous.
Read Jordan’s full report about the Franklin Slag Pile here.
Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.
Call or text us: 215-259-8170
Instagram: @citycastphilly
Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm
Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why is PGW’s Boss Flying to Florida? Who is Eating Sushi from Wawa? What Happened at the Gubernatorial Debate?
We talk about WHYY’s investigation into Philadelphia Gas Works CEO’s years of free secret trips to Phillies spring training and how that...
What’s Happening for Halloween, Beef Bandits & Preserving Philly Arts
Philly does it big with fall festivals, haunted attractions, and costume contests this time of year. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by contri...
We Are Epicenter of Sports Betting, Tackling Copper Wire Theft & City Council Races
We’re taking a look at how the city is tackling copper wire theft, which darkens recreation centers and parks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined...
Evaluating Mayor Parker on Kensington, Black Bottom on the (Official) Map & HitchBOT Lives
We’re zooming into Kensington and talking about how the Parker administration has been addressing issues in this neighborhood. Plus, Blac...
A Future Philly: Car-Free Streets, a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway & Biking Through Stop Signs
What might be the future of our streets? We’re listening back to conversations we’ve recently had about a bill that would allow cyclists...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Philly
When Philly looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City d...
Why You’re Paying More for Water, Philly Chocolates Inspired by Ghosts & Parallel Parking Showdown
Your water bill is increasing, and here’s why. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz dive into how to read your bill and why...
Your Guide to October 2026 in Philly
Get ready for some seasonal fun because this month is packed with fall festivals, art exhibits — and, of course, haunted adventures. In t...
Eagles Highlights in Trump Deportation Video. Plus: Tailgating Under Threat & Free Dating Advice
We’re talking about why this is an exciting time to be a Philadelphia sports fan (other than the Trump administration’s questionable use...
Best & Worst Places to Pee, Our Philly Bucket List & Can the Academy of Natural Sciences Be Saved?
When you gotta go, you gotta go! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior creative producer Abby Fritz and Santiago Ortiz, founder of No Shor...