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

Release Date: 08/13/1997
Contact Information:

(#97108) NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) presented its proposed plan in a public meeting today 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 Agency took an early action at this site to contain groundwater contamination and protect the public," said EPA Regional Administrator Jeanne M. Fox said. "Now, after extensive studies, we are recommending a permanent remedy that is a comprehensive solution to the problems posed by the site. Once the cleanup work is completed, the site will be suitable for redevelopment with clearance for residential and/or recreational uses."

EPA decided in 1991 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 proposal involves the expansion of the existing treatment system to include additional wells to further remove and control the contamination in the groundwater. It also calls for the removal and off-site disposal of the source of the problem, approximately 18,500 cubic yards of soil contaminated with VOCs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The cost of the overall remedy is estimated to be between $10.7 and $12.2 million, depending on the types of treatment used.

The agency will accept comments on its plan during a public comment period that begins on July 22 and ends on August 20, 1997. EPA has scheduled a public meeting to discuss its plan on August 13, 1997 at 7:00 P.M. at the Piscataway Municipal Building, Municipal Chambers at 455 Hoes Lane. At the meeting, the other options EPA evaluated, ranging from no action to on-site treatment of the soil, and adding another treatment method to augment the existing system for groundwater contamination, will also be discussed in detail.

Citizens have access to the proposed plan and other pertinent documents related to the site at the following information repositories:

Kennedy Public Library

500 Hoes Lane,

Piscataway, New Jersey

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Records Center,

290 Broadway 18th floor

New York, New York

(By appointment: (212) 637-4308)

Written comments should be addressed to: Nigel Robinson, Remedial Project Manager, USEPA-Region II, Emergency and Remedial Response Division, 290 Broadway, 18th floor, New York, N.Y. 10007-1866.

For more information contact:
Rich Cahill, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3666 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: cahill.richard@epamail.epa.gov