The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized an update to the 2008 cleanup plan for the Emmell’s Septic Landfill Superfund Site in Galloway Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey. This revision aims to address soil contamination affecting groundwater quality more effectively.

According to the EPA, contaminated soil will be removed down to a depth of five feet and transported to a licensed facility off-site. For deeper soil containing volatile organic compounds, treatments will be applied to bind or break down contaminants and prevent their spread. The excavated area will then be filled with clean soil and replanted.

The updated plan also removes the requirement for biosparging wells, initially intended to inject air into groundwater to aid bacteria in breaking down vinyl chloride. Recent sampling indicates that vinyl chloride levels have decreased naturally and through other site cleanup efforts, rendering these wells unnecessary.

This update is part of ongoing efforts by the EPA to manage groundwater contamination at the site. Previous measures included constructing a groundwater pump and treatment system in 2010, expanding it in 2012, and replacing affected drinking water wells between 2017 and 2022.

For further details on the final cleanup plan, referred to as a Record of Decision, interested parties can visit the Emmell’s Septic Landfill Superfund site profile page.