The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposed $151.1 million agreement on Thursday to fund the cleanup of the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund site in New Jersey. This plan aims to address high levels of lead contamination that have posed health risks for residents and visitors to the Old Bridge Township and Sayreville areas.
EPA $151M Cleanup Plan : Details of the Deal
The proposed consent decree involves several parties, including NL Industries Inc., its former customers, Old Bridge Township, New Jersey, multiple federal agencies, and the state of New Jersey. These entities will collectively contribute $132.4 million to cover the EPA’s past and future cleanup efforts. An additional $18.7 million will be paid to the Natural Resource Trustees for environmental restoration efforts.
This agreement, now filed in New Jersey federal court, is subject to a 60-day public comment period once published in the Federal Register and New Jersey Register. After the comment period, the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will review public input before seeking final court approval.
Returning the Waterfront to the Community
“This settlement would allow EPA to finish this cleanup and return the waterfront back to the community so that residents and visitors can use the beach without being concerned about their health,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. She emphasized that the EPA is committed to removing lead contamination from the area, particularly in the seawall and jetty.
