U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a plan to clean up contaminated sediment, soil and industrial waste in Pierson’s Creek, a 1.5-mile waterway that runs through an industrial area in Newark, New Jersey. The proposed plan targets remediation in areas with high levels of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead and other hazardous substances linked to historic industrial operations. This marks the first major phase of cleanup at the superfund site.
“This plan marks major progress in our work to protect human health and clean up a waterway that has long suffered from industrial pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “EPA is working hard to Power the Great American Comeback, which includes providing clean water for all Americans. This proposed cleanup plan is designed to reduce risk and help Newark reclaim a healthier environment for future generations.”
EPA’s proposed plan includes the following actions:
- Remove contaminated creek sediment:
EPA would excavate and dispose of the top two feet of contaminated sediment along the full length of the creek. In a smaller, highly contaminated area near the upper section of the creek, EPA would remove all impacted sediment.
- Install a protective cap:
This involves placing an engineered cap over remaining sediment to prevent exposure and stop contaminants from spreading.
- Remove heavily contaminated bank soil:
This would be achieved by fully removing soil along portions of the creek banks that contain oily chemical waste (known as non-aqueous phase liquid or NAPL) from past industrial activity.
- Clean enclosed sections of the creek:
EPA would flush out and dispose of contaminated sediment from sections of the creek that flow underground through enclosed pipes and concrete channels.
- Restore wetlands and monitor over the long term:
EPA would restore disturbed wetlands by replating native species as needed and conduct long-term monitoring to ensure the cleanup remains protective.
Pierson’s Creek flows beneath Newark Liberty International Airport and the New Jersey Turnpike before emptying into Newark Bay. Contamination in the creek and along its banks comes largely from historical chemical manufacturing activities at nearby properties, including a former facility at One Avenue L. Due to its complexity, EPA is conducting the Pierson’s Creek site cleanup in phases. The current proposed plan focuses on contamination in the creek and along its banks. A separate area at the former chemical manufacturing facility at One Avenue L is still under investigation. EPA expects to propose a cleanup approach for that area in 2027.
EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed plan for 30 days, beginning January 15 and ending February 17. The public may submit written comments to Brandon Holsten, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2890 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837 or by email to Holsten.Brandon@epa.gov.
EPA will also hold a virtual public meeting on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the cleanup proposal and answer community questions. To receive the meeting link, please register on the meeting registration page.
Visit the Pierson’s Creek Superfund Site profile page for additional background and site documents.
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