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.
