The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an extension of the public comment period for its proposed final cleanup plan for the 80-120 Lister Ave. portion of the Diamond Alkali Superfund Site in Newark, New Jersey. The deadline, initially set for October 10, has been moved to November 12. This decision follows a public meeting held on September 19 where the EPA explained the proposed plan.

The plan suggests maintaining and enhancing the current remedy by reinstalling and reactivating seven groundwater pumps, upgrading the existing groundwater treatment system, and repairing the cap that covers contaminated materials if necessary. This strategy aims to continue previous efforts while avoiding short-term risks linked with alternative methods like excavating and removing contaminated material.

Public comments on this proposal can be submitted until November 12, 2024. Submissions should be directed to Eugenia Naranjo, Remedial Project Manager at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, located at 290 Broadway – 18th Floor, New York, NY 10007 or via email at Naranjo.eugenia@epa.gov.

For more information about the background and details of the proposed cleanup plan, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Diamond Alkali Superfund site page.