The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public input on proposed changes to its cleanup plan for the Welsbach & General Gas Mantle Superfund Site, also known as Camden Radiation, located at the Gloucester Marine Terminal in New Jersey. The EPA aims to modify its original 1999 cleanup plan based on new information and conditions identified since then.
The site, situated in Gloucester City and Camden, includes an active port facility on the Delaware River. The proposed changes focus specifically on radiological contamination at the former Welsbach facility within the terminal's footprint.
The 30-day public comment period begins on August 19, 2024. A public meeting will be held at the Gloucester City Courthouse at City Hall, 313 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, New Jersey, on August 29, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the amended cleanup plan.
“Based on scientific study, EPA is adapting its approach to its original cleanup at the Gloucester Marine Terminal to ensure a safe and effective cleanup while also taking into account this portion of the site is an active and thriving port business,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA looks forward to its continued coordination on this project with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, our contract partner at this Superfund site, and with the port community and port business.”
The amended cleanup plan includes:
- Removal of radiologically contaminated soil and waste material from selected areas at the terminal.
- Disposal of excavated material at an off-site, licensed facility.
- Backfilling excavated areas with clean soil.
- Restoring paved areas to their previous condition.
- Implementing institutional controls such as deed restrictions.
These changes are necessary due to a greater volume and depth of soil contamination than initially assessed. Removing these materials would significantly increase costs and disrupt port operations. EPA’s study confirms that the amended plan will protect public health and safety even with some contamination remaining under certain structures after cleanup.
The Welsbach/General Gas Mantle site was added to the federal Superfund list in 1996. Due to its complexity, EPA divided investigation and cleanup into multiple phases. Since selecting a plan for phase one in 1999, EPA has removed over 200,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil from more than 90 properties in Gloucester City and Camden.
Written comments may be submitted to Thomas Dobinson, Remedial Project Manager at EPA's New York office or via email: dobinson.thomas@epa.gov.
For more details about the proposed plan visit the Welsbach & General Gas Mantle Superfund site profile page.
Follow EPA Region 2 updates through social media channels or visit their website for additional information about ongoing projects.
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