USA: EPA Announces Bridgewater Cleanup Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized its plan to clean up contaminated soil, ground water and six waste disposal areas at the American Cyanamid Superfund Site in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, located adjacent to the Raritan River.

The soil, ground water and waste disposal areas, called impoundments, are contaminated with volatile organic compounds and other hazardous materials. The ground water underlying the site is highly contaminated with benzene. Many volatile organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals and benzene can cause cancer in people. The extent and nature of potential health effects depend on many factors, including the level and how long people may be exposed to the contaminants.

Residents within the area impacted by the contaminated ground water are serviced by a public water supply that provides a clean source of drinking water.

The final cleanup plan announced last week addresses contaminated soil and impoundment material at the site in addition to contaminated ground water. The plan was first proposed to the public in February 2012. The EPA held a public meeting and took public comment for 90 days.

[mappress]

Press Release, October 1, 2012