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EPA to Conduct Public Information Meeting on Combe Fill South Superfund Site Cleanup
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a public meeting to update residents about the planned cleanup of the Combe Fill South Superfund Site, addressing contaminated groundwater and potential noise, traffic, and air quality impacts.
WASHINGTON TWP, MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold a public information meeting on Thursday, August 24 at 7 pm at the Chester Municipal building in Chester, NJ, to discuss the latest information and forthcoming activities concerning the Combe Fill South Superfund Site, located in Chester and Washington Townships, Morris County, New Jersey.
The meeting aims to keep the public informed about the Combe Fill South Superfund Site, where the EPA initiated preparations in the spring for field work scheduled this summer. Plans include constructing a new groundwater treatment plant and installing wells to extract contaminated groundwater.
Who: The EPA, in collaboration with the townships of Chester and Washington, will host the meeting, with residents, especially those living close to the site, encouraged to attend.
What: The meeting will focus on sharing the latest information about the Superfund site, including a new groundwater treatment system, the demolition process, noise and traffic impacts, and air monitoring during the cleanup activities.
When: Thursday, August 24, at 7 pm.
Where: Chester Municipal building, 1 Parker Road, Chester, NJ.
Why: To ensure transparency and to keep residents informed about the site's activities and potential impacts on their lives.
How: Residents can join the meeting at the specified time and venue, with the option to contact Pamela J. Baxter, Remedial Project Manager, at (212) 637-4416 or baxter.pamela@epa.gov, and Pat Seppi, Community Involvement Coordinator, at (646) 369-0068 or seppi.pat@epa.gov for more details.
The Combe Fill South Landfill site operated as a municipal landfill from the 1940s until 1981, accepting various waste types, including chemicals and waste oils. Groundwater contamination led to the site's closure, and it was subsequently placed on the National Priorities List in 1983. Several steps were taken to address contamination, including covering the landfill, treating groundwater, and collecting landfill gas. In 2009, 1,4-dioxane was detected in groundwater beneath nearby properties, leading to further investigations and measures.
The forthcoming cleanup activities will include the construction of a new groundwater treatment system for 1,4-dioxane and the extraction of contamination from deeper groundwater wells. The work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2024. Noise impacts from the construction, traffic control coordination, and air monitoring during demolition are among the topics to be addressed in the public meeting.
The EPA’s commitment to community engagement ensures that residents are aware of the site's progress and any potential impacts on their lives. This approach emphasizes the agency's dedication to safeguarding the environment and public health in the affected areas of Morris County.
