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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.

The cleanup will help restore the area’s ecosystem while ensuring the community is protected from the harmful effects of lead exposure.

History of the Raritan Bay Slag Superfund Site

The Raritan Bay Slag Superfund site is located on the southern shore of Raritan Bay, where industrial waste, including slag from blast furnace bottoms, was used to build a seawall and jetty in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Battery casings were also improperly discarded in Margaret's Creek, a nearby 47-acre wetland. Over time, these materials have released toxic substances, particularly lead, into the surrounding environment, posing a significant public health threat.

The EPA’s proposed $151 million cleanup plan is intended to mitigate these risks and ensure the area can be safely used by the public once again.

EPA $151M Cleanup Plan : Next Steps in the Legal Process

The EPA and state authorities are seeking public input before the court gives final approval to the $151 million settlement. During the 60-day comment period, residents, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to express their opinions and suggestions on the proposed plan.

If the settlement is approved, the cleanup will move forward, marking a significant step toward resolving one of New Jersey’s most pressing environmental issues.