The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed an updated plan to address groundwater contamination at the Radiation Technology Inc. Superfund site in Rockaway Township, New Jersey. The EPA's recent studies indicate that contaminants from historical rocket-engine testing are naturally degrading and remain confined deep within the bedrock, posing no threat to nearby homes or Lake Denmark.
Michael Martucci, EPA Regional Administrator, said, "Years of study show that the contamination is trapped deep in the rock and isn’t reaching drinking water or Lake Denmark." He added that there is no current exposure risk to people or wildlife, and groundwater quality is improving over time. The EPA plans to monitor groundwater long-term to ensure ongoing protection for human health and the environment.
The proposed cleanup builds on work conducted between 1994 and 2021, during which contaminated soil was removed, unsafe structures were demolished, and hazardous materials like asbestos and PCBs were cleared. These efforts addressed primary concerns and reduced potential human contact with contaminants.
Initially selecting a pump-and-treat method in 1994, further studies revealed that fractured bedrock at the site hinders effective treatment of remaining contamination. The updated plan acknowledges three small areas where contaminants are embedded too deeply for engineered treatment. Instead, long-term monitoring will confirm ongoing improvements.
Public comments on the proposal are invited from December 22, 2025, to February 5, 2026. Comments can be submitted to Brian Quinn at the EPA via mail or email. A virtual public meeting will take place on January 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., providing an overview of the cleanup proposal and addressing community questions. Registration for this meeting is available online.
