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EPA Selects Cleanup Plan For Contaminated Soil and Groundwater at Chemsol Federal Superfund Site in Piscataway, New Jersey

Release Date: 10/02/1998
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(#98142) NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected a cleanup plan for removing contaminated soil and treating groundwater at the former Chemsol, Inc. property in Piscataway, New Jersey. The inactive solvent recovery and waste processing facility on Fleming Street is a federal Superfund site. The cost of the overall remedy is estimated to be between $16.7 and $17.7 million, depending on the types of treatment used.

"The Agency acted early and aggressively at this site to contain groundwater contamination and protect the public," said EPA Regional Administrator Jeanne M. Fox. "Now, after extensive studies and public comment, we have selected a permanent remedy as a comprehensive solution to the problems posed by the site. Once the cleanup work is completed, the site will be suitable for redevelopment."

In 1991, EPA decided that an interim measure to address groundwater contamination at the site was needed until a final remedy for the problem could be identified and put into action. Responsible parties paid for the construction of an extraction and treatment system, which has been effectively controlling a plume of volatile organic chemical (VOC) contamination in the groundwater since 1994. EPA's permanent remedy involves the installation of additional extraction wells to further remove and control the contaminated groundwater. It also calls for the removal and off-site disposal of approximately 18,500 cubic yards of soil contaminated with VOCs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead. The VOCs in the soil are the main source of the groundwater problem.

For more information contact:
Richard Cahill, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3666 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: [email protected]