$79 Million Cleanup Will Remove Toxic Lead from Popular Beach and Public Park
(New York, N.Y. – Jan. 30, 2014) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has directed NL Industries to conduct a $79 million cleanup at the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund site in Old Bridge and Sayreville, New Jersey. Soil and sediment at the site are contaminated with lead-containing waste that was used to construct a seawall and jetty at the popular beach. In May 2013, the EPA finalized its plan to clean up lead contamination at the Raritan Bay site. In fact, the Raritan Bay Lead Cleanup is a major undertaking for the region. The order requires that NL Industries implement that plan.
Lead is a toxic metal that is especially dangerous to children because their growing bodies can absorb more of it than adults. Lead in children can result in I.Q. deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, reduced attention spans, hyperactivity and other behavioral disorders. The order requires the removal of lead-contaminated material and its replacement with clean material in order to reduce the risk to those who use the beach. In particular, this is important for children.
Lead Contamination in Raritan Bay
The lead contamination at the Raritan Bay beach and park is a threat to the health of the people who live in this community and it is now time for NL Industries to fulfill its legal responsibility to conduct the cleanup,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “The cleanup will make it possible for children to play at the beach safely and for everyone to enjoy the beach without fear of lead exposure.”
The Superfund program operates on the principle that polluters must pay for cleanups. Therefore, taxpayers do not bear these costs. After the EPA places sites on the Superfund list, it actively searches for responsible parties. Consequently, it holds them accountable for investigation and cleanup costs. The Raritan Bay Lead Cleanup represents a significant step toward rectifying environmental harm in this region.
NL Industries has been identified as a party responsible for the cost of cleanup. Historical documents provide evidence that at least some if not all of the slag found at the site came from the former National Lead Company (now NL Industries) facility in Perth Amboy, NJ. The facility was in operation approximately 40 years ago.
Raritan Bay Slag Site
The cleanup of the Raritan Bay Slag site will be conducted in three areas contaminated with lead-containing materials. This is including lead slag, which is a byproduct of metal smelting. One sector includes the Laurence Harbor seawall. It’s also adjacent to the Old Bridge Waterfront Park in the Laurence Harbor section of Old Bridge Township. Another section consists of the western jetty in Sayreville and extends from the Cheesequake Creek Inlet into Raritan Bay. The remaining section is approximately 50 acres of Margaret’s Creek and has elevated lead levels along with areas of slag and battery casings. Importantly, the Raritan Bay Lead Cleanup project will address each of these sectors to ensure the entire area is safe for public use.
For both the Laurence Harbor seawall and the western jetty sectors, workers will dig up or dredge contaminated soil, sediment, and waste, including slag and battery casings. Moreover, they will dispose of the material at permitted facilities outside the area. Finally, they will restore the excavated areas with clean material.
Margaret’s Creek Section
Within the Margaret’s Creek section, the EPA requires the removal of slag and battery casings. Additionally, they will address areas of contaminated soil related to these materials. They will place clean material as needed in the excavated areas. Throughout the cleanup, the team will conduct monitoring and testing to ensure public health and environmental protection. Moreover, they will keep the community informed about activities and progress. The EPA collaborates closely with the Community Advisory Group for the site throughout both the investigation and cleanup. Additionally, the Raritan Bay Lead Cleanup is being closely monitored by local agencies to guarantee its effectiveness. Finally, the EPA oversees all cleanup activities conducted at the site.
To view a copy of the EPA’s order. In addition and or for more information on the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site. Please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region2/superfund/npl/raritanbayslag
Image Source:
English: Perth Amboy waterfront at mouth of Arthur Kill near Raritan Bay. This is just south of Ferry Slip with view to Tottenvile, Staten Island, Date, 27 November 2011
