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Informatiom from POLREP #35 8/17/2005	8/17/2005
Pumps are up and running. There has been very little recovery since remob after the winter shutdown. The oil has a very high sediment content and moves very slow, even when being pushed by the ground water. We have not had a spooge since last sping. The heavy rains of late had little or no visible effect on the flow of the oil. Recovery since the spring restart is less than 8 gal/wk. The wetlands appear fully recovered. There are still the invasive "purple loosestrife" plants in the wetland but their numbers are low and appear to be stable. A large number of the beetles survived the winter and egg sacks are found throughout the plants. This indicates that a population of the controlling beetle has established, and will hopefully will continue to survive. The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens has come out and did their final plant repopulation study and a formal report is forth coming. The Ecostrategies Group will provide a final ecosystem report on the evolution of the wetland from spill to demobilization. The environmental/ecology departments of William Patterson University and Rutgers University have both used the site for graduate level visits and have shown an interest in contiuing to do so. They have agreed to infomally monitor the wetland for as long as the wetland fits their needs. They have agreed to keep me informed of any developments on the site. The site also is now "state" listed as a habitat for an endanger species of turtle. This means there will be occasional visits from NJSF&W as well. Planned Removal Actions The pumps will remain active until the week of September 12. At which time demobilization will start. We hope to have the site demobilized by September 23 at the latest. All funding will be stopped as of September 30.
Information from POLREP #34 10/13/2004	8/17/2005
The three pumping systems are up and running and oil is being recovered. In spite of the flooding and trapping of the oil, keeping much of it from reaching the wells, there is 50 gallons/month being recovered. The beetles have been working but not as well as we would like. Although a majority of the plants show damage, they still made it to seed. William Patterson University, Department of Environmental studies will be overseeing, care and documenting progress of the wetland development, after EPA finishes. They will be seasonally oriented to the site over the next 12 months. Additional state and federally protected species have been spotted and registered over the past few months by the university group. The advantages for their access to the site is already paying-off, environmentally. Should spooges occur after 9/2005 they will be handled on an individual basis at that time. Should it become a frequent occurance re-activating the site will be considered, but at that time. All utility appliances (without power unless they choose to fund it) and buildings will remain for use and maintenance by the University. Planned Removal Actions We plan to retain possession/clean-up operations of the site for the next fiscal year (2005). Additional funding has been requested from the National Pollution Fund Center for that year.
Information from POLREP#32 3/2/2004	6/2/2004
Due to some freezing problems the site has been shut down since December. As of 3/2/04 all wells are showng more than 1.5 feet of accumulated oil. A new spooge area has surfaced in the wetland area approximately 8 feet from the previous one which has shown little or no activity in the past two years. The past fall and early winter (prior to shut-down) has been sufficient time to develop the new well RW#6, for active pumping during the next pumping season. It gives indications that approximately 10,000 gallons can be extracted from this location. From the readings in the other wells on the site it appears that this is the last pool of recoverable oil on the site. All or most of the free-floating oil has migrated to this location and to the recovery trench. Recovery wells RW#1 still has been producing about 500 gallons/year, RW#2, RW#3 and RW#4 are closed but each has some measurable oil in them. The proximity of these wells to the trench system shows that there may be some cross over. This factor will be looked at this spring once the three active recovery wells are reactivated. At that time the new spooge area will also be researched. The methods used here for both oil recovery and site recovery/restoration has become of national interest. Several presentations at regional and national level symposiums have been made and/or are planned in the near future as well as articles in nationally recognized newsletters and magazines/journals in related fields.
Information from POLREP #33 6/2/2004	6/2/2004
The three pumping systems are up and running and oil is being recovered. In spite of the flooding and trapping of the oil, keeping much of it from reaching the wells, there is still 50-100 gallons/week being recovered. Approximately 2000 more beetles were released this past week to try and control the purple loose-strife. There is evidence that for the first time several beetles from last year survived the winter. They already began feeding on the young purple loose-strife sprouts. This is a significant discovery and big victory in the battle for this persistant invasive. A close watch will be maintained throughout the summer. Several local universities have been interested in studying the sites redevelopment. EPA will be meeting with them over the next few months to try and come to some sort of arrangement. This will allow them to maintain records and observe the re-establishment of the flora & fauna of the wetland. It will also allow for someone to remain with the site and maintain a "spooge-watch" in the event that oil resurfaces after EPA has ceased operations. It is hoped that funding will be made available by the National Pollution Fund Center to allow EPA to remain on site through September 2005. Since there is still several hundred gallons of recoveable oil that pose a substantial threat to the Pequannock River and the wetland.
INFORMATION FM POLREP #31 10/27/03	11/3/2003
Pumping system #1 (small diameter well) is operating properly. It is producing approximately 10 gallons of oil per week. Pumping system #2 was producing for a good part of the year but has developed buoyancy problems and is currently being worked out by the manufacturer. Since its installation last spring it produced approximately 3000 gallons of oil. In June it began sinking after 2-3 cycles. It is believed that the oil is so caustic to the material that the floats that they are becoming heavy. The manufacturer is trying to rectify the situation at this time and hopes to find a solution shortly. A large pool of oil was found on the southeastern corner of the property. The monitoring wells show a depth of 5-6 feet and approximately 1/2 acre in area. A new extraction well was just completed and is being developed at this time. It will be an oil only pumping system. It appears that the water portion of the pool is in the zone of influence of the trench pumping system. How ever the subsurface geology appears to be trapping the oil at its depth but allowing the water layer to pass under it. The overall geomorphology appears to be stabilizing and the oil is becoming organized. There has not been a spooge in the wetland area since sping in spite of the fairly wet summer. It appears that the controlling of the groundwater flow is working in spite of the amount of oil still observed on the site. The wetland plant situation is considered a success. The native plants that were planted by us are doing very well. The purple loose-strife however is too. The plant is beginning to show-up in our control area as well. This plant is inundating wetlands and fields all over the eastern seaboard. Unfortunately the preditor beetle used to fight it cannot reproduce fast enough to fight it alone. Manual harvesting has become necessary, unfortunately the harvesting window is very short. We think we were able to take a big chunk out of the population on this site but will not really know until spring. No snakes were observed this summer. The bears however have been very active. The resident female had two cubs this season. Recently she has been seen with four cubs. She must have adopted them since no other female has been spotted in the area, it is assumed that the other female was hit by a car. It appears to be a common occurence in the area.
QUICK UPDATE 8/6/2003	8/6/2003
The trench system has been working fairly well. There were gliches experienced over the winter months that seemed to have been worked out. Over the past few months the system has been averaging 100 gallons of recovered oil per week. Approximately 2600 gallons of recovered product has been taken off-site last week for recycling. The small diameter point recovery system has not been recovering much oil at all. It is felt by the groundwater gurus that the trench system is receiviung the bulk of the oil that the smaller system would have been collecting. Spooges still occur in the wetland after large rain events if the small diameter water recycler is off-line. So it has a definite influence on the entire groundwater environ and will be kept on-line in spite of its lack of oil production. Monitoring well #15 (MW15) has been maintaining between 6 and 8 feet of product at all times. There does not seem to be much influence from the trench system. When MW15 is bailed, it experiences full recovery within 2 hours. It is obviously located in a major pool of oil. A temporary extraction system is currently being planned for the well and should be on-line shortly. The purple loosestife is has produced a “bumper” crop this season. The exceptionally cold and large amout of snow production this past winter has reduced the number of the surviving beetles. So the crop was not reduced as expected. Approximately 3,000 more beetles were added this year and 3,000 more will be introduced this week. Cropping of the seed pods will also be done by hand as soon as they are ready. It sounds like allot of effort is being put into this invasive plant and rightfully so. The plant is choking out native plants needed to maintain a healthy wetland environment. Which commercial and residential developing in the area is doing well enough on it’s own. All of our natural wildlife seem to be back. Besides the wild turkey, deer, and other of the common species, the bear pair had a cub. Many snakes have also been spotted, but no “rattlers” yet this year, but nobody seems to be complaining.
QUICK UPDATE-11/22/02	11/22/2002
Over the past four months, in spite of the drought, 1240 gallons of oil from the groundwater (940 of which was from the trench system). This amount is over half of what was collected all of the previous twelve months (2000 gallons). To prepare for the winter months, heaters were placed in the buildings that house the pipes that are prone to freezing. The big stumbling block this year had been the electrical system. The lightening strike knocked out the system for some time and varmints chewed through one of the underground cables supplying the main power to the trench recovery system. The system has now been totally replaced. During the nor’easter in late October there was a slight spooge in the river. It appears to have been easily handled by the booming around the site. Due to the amount of the oil recovered this past few months it does not appear that this summers draught has effected the recovery. We feel however, that there would have obviously, been more oil recovered had there not been a draught. The past two nor'easters (first two weeks of November) did not appear to help the recovery. The rain was too intense in too short of a period of time that the water ran straight off into the river. This situation did not give the runoff-water enough time to seep down into the aquifer to raise the water table. Remember that the site sits at the very top of the groundwater aquifer charge zone. On the wildlife front it appears that a flock turkeys (14 were counted) has moved onto the site. They have been there for five weeks now. The bears are still in residence but only one rattlesnake was seen this year. A combination of manual cropping of the seed pods and the beetles doing their job, appears to be reducing the problem with the purple-loose-strife plant. Of course, the real results won’t be known until spring. The drought did not appear to affect the wetland plant restoration project. The river has been down considerably, but appears to still flow enough to maintain the foliage. It has been noted that the leaves began turning earlier this year and that is attributed to the drought.
Information from POLREP #29 08/16/02	8/16/2002
ACTIONS TAKEN: Since the last POLREP there had been severe drought conditions at the site and very little oil had been collected. The system ran at low yield for the remainder of the summer and early fall of 2001. Approximately 370 gallons were collected. The system was shut down for the winter months. Both of the systems were reactivated this past April and again due to severe drought conditions only about 160 gallons of oil were collected. As a reminder: since the oil is on a shallow aquifer, oil collection is heavily dependent on rain events. A groundwater recirculating system is being used on the site to reduce the need for rain events to collect the oil. However, under the severe drought conditions of the past year there has been a very little water in the aquifer to recirculate. After a rash of thunderstorms in early summer 2002, which brought the water table up to an acceptable amount, approximately 1600 additional gallons of the oil were collected. At that time an oil recycler was brought in and approximately 2500 gallons of oil was removed and properly disposed of. Unfortunately, during one of the thunderstorms a lightening strike somewhere in the area, struck the watertable either through a tree or a wellhead belonging to one of the local residents. The strike damaged every well pump (mostly for residential drinking water) in the area including the two oil pump systems on the site. Our pumps were protected against surges from the power side of the system but not the water side. The result was approximately $6,000.00 damage to the systems. During the week of August 5, the pumps were repaired and are now up and running. A lightening protection system was installed to help prevent future damage. This past week in spite of low rain and on-site temperatures reaching close to 105 degrees approximately 180 gallons of oil were collected. During the storm surge oil surfaced in the wetland at the usual place and was promptly cleaned up. This spooge usually only appears when the groundwater recirculation system is not operating, as was the case this time. It appears that the local wildlife is re-establishing. The three different black bears were spotted. Evidence of beavers were found, they cropped off and stole some of our woodystem shrubs. Several snakes were spotted, so far this season: one timber rattle-snake approximately four feet long, four pilot black snakes one over six feet long, two eastern ringed water snakes both, approximatly three feet long and many garter snakes of various sizes up to about eighteen inches. Unfortunately, the purple loose strife (PLS) "weed" is still invading. The 300 beetles that were put on site in the last growing season to control the plant are overwelmed. Approximately 3,000 more were added this season. It is too early to tell how effective they will be. The plant is over-running wetlands and meadows accross the country and are doing serious damage to the indigenous plant populations, especially where there is major amounts human real-estate development. The plants that we had placed in the wetland appear to be thriving in place but, spreading slowly due to the PLS invasion. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS The clean-up is funded until the close of the 2004 fiscal year. If all continues to go well with the combined newly established trench system and the old well system, there should be a sufficient amount of time and funding to bring the clean-up to an acceptable level of safety. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing. We will continue to pump oil from the groundwater table and monitor the re-establishment of the wetland and make repairs as needed.
Information from POLREP #28 6/11/01	8/19/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #26. V. ACTIONS TAKEN During the week of May 14, 2001, the shoring for interceptor trench bays 2 and 1 were removed, the extraction well was set in bay 1 and those bays were refilled with gravel and soil. The removal of the shoring was even more difficult than the last three. The oil and water that entered the trench as the digging continued created a suction around the plates making them very difficult to remove in these last two bays as well. On the last 8' x 16' panel had a 1" x 3" gash in it which allowed it to fill with water adding 4000 pounds to the 3700 pounds that the panel normally weighs. This problem has delayed the entire project by a minimum of ten (10) working days. All other tasks on the job, such as the piping and wiring installation, the regrading of the landscape to its original shape and the construction of the wellhouse were also delayed but should be completed by close of business Tuesday (5/22/01). VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Complete the final phases of the construction of the trench system. Complete the details of the protocols for the operation of the trench system and the coordination with the operation of Extraction well #1. The problem with the invasive plant, purple loose-strife (PL-S) is still with us. It is trying to take over wetland areas statewide, including the Green Pond Road Site. The ERT in cooperation with the NJDOA, will be releasing a special beetle that thrives on the plant. It has been used successfully in other areas of the state. The beetle has a reputation for excellent population control and is said to only eat the PL-S. As soon as the weather begins cooperating 3000 of the insects will be released on the site. The entomologist said that the PL-S population is high enough to keep the beetles busy over the next two to three growing seasons and creates a low probability of the beetles migrating off-site. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Information from POLREP #27 5/21/01	8/19/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #26. V. ACTIONS TAKEN During the week of May 14, 2001, the shoring for interceptor trench bays 2 and 1 were removed, the extraction well was set in bay 1 and those bays were refilled with gravel and soil. The removal of the shoring was even more difficult than the last three. The oil and water that entered the trench as the digging continued created a suction around the plates making them very difficult to remove in these last two bays as well. On the last 8' x 16' panel had a 1" x 3" gash in it which allowed it to fill with water adding 4000 pounds to the 3700 pounds that the panel normally weighs. This problem has delayed the entire project by a minimum of ten (10) working days. All other tasks on the job, such as the piping and wiring installation, the regrading of the landscape to its original shape and the construction of the wellhouse were also delayed but should be completed by close of business Tuesday (5/22/01). VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Complete the final phases of the construction of the trench system. Complete the details of the protocols for the operation of the trench system and the coordination with the operation of Extraction well #1. The problem with the invasive plant, purple loose-strife (PL-S) is still with us. It is trying to take over wetland areas statewide, including the Green Pond Road Site. The ERT in cooperation with the NJDOA, will be releasing a special beetle that thrives on the plant. It has been used successfully in other areas of the state. The beetle has a reputation for excellent population control and is said to only eat the PL-S. As soon as the weather begins cooperating 3000 of the insects will be released on the site. The entomologist said that the PL-S population is high enough to keep the beetles busy over the next two to three growing seasons and creates a low probability of the beetles migrating off-site. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Onformation from POLREP #26 5/11/01	8/19/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #25. V. ACTIONS TAKEN During the weeks between April 30, and May 11, 2001, the shoring for interceptor trench bays 5, 4 and 3 were removed, the breather well was set in bay 4 and those bays were refilled with gravel and soil. The removal of the shoring was more difficult than expected. The oil and water that entered the trench as the digging continued created a suction around the plates making them very difficult to remove. This unexpectedly delayed the ERRS portion of this phase of the project causing the project to be 10 days behind schedule. A 5 day delay was budgeted for, the additional 5 days resulted in an additional delivery order to be written for the ERRS contractor to continue operations and maintenance after construction of the trench system is completed. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Complete the final phases of the construction of the trench system. Complete the details of the protocols for the operation of the trench system and the coordination with the operation of Extraction well #1. The problem with the invasive plant, purple loose-strife (PL-S) is still with us. It is trying to take over wetland areas statewide, including the Green Pond Road Site. The ERT in cooperation with the NJDOA, will be releasing a special beetle that thrives on the plant. It has been used successfully in other areas of the state. The beetle has a reputation for excellent population control and is said to only eat the PL-S. As soon as the weather begins cooperating 3000 of the insects will be released on the site. The entomologist said that the PL-S population is high enough to keep the beetles busy over the next two to three growing seasons and creates a low probability of the beetles migrating off-site. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Information from POLREP #24 4/20/01	8/19/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #23. V. ACTIONS TAKEN On April 16, 2001, the ERRS contractor (WRS Infrastructure and Environment, Inc.), RST and REAC were mobilized to the site. Preparations had begun for the construction of the new recovery trench and to reactivate the site after the winter shut-down. All of the soiled boom has been changed out for new boom. The oil puddles in the wetland area have been removed. The piping and wiring to Pump-house #2 have been dug-up, disconnected and capped-off. The connections will be reused for the new recovery trench. Repaired minor miscellaneous damages to buildings, fences and other site structures that occurred over the winter. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS On April 23, the ERRS Contractor will begin actual construction on the new recovery trench system. It will be an interceptor trench type system. The trench will be approximately 100 feet long and 25 feet deep. It will be situated between the two large deposits and is designed to draw the oil from both. The pumping system for the new system will be the separator pump previously used in Recovery Well #4 since the well will not be used while the trench system is in service. The problem with the invasive plant, purple loose-strife (PL-S) is still with us. It is trying to take over wetland areas statewide, including the Green Pond Road Site. The ERT in cooperation with the NJDOA, will be releasing a special beetle that thrives on the plant. It has been used successfully in other areas of the state. The beetle has a reputation for excellent population control and is said to only eat the PL-S. As soon as the weather begins cooperating 3000 of the insects will be released on the site. The entomologist said that the PL-S population is high enough to keep the beetles busy over the next two to three growing seasons and creates a low probability of the beetles migrating off-site. The winter had taken its toll on the sorbent boom around the site and it will be replaced during the mobilization. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Information from POLREP #23 4/6/01	8/19/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #22. There were some minor oil releases during the winter. Small puddles of oil were evident in the wetland area under/in the ice and snow and seen trapped in the standing ice in the river during the periodic visits to the site. This is not unusual when pumping operations have been seized. There have been several flood episodes that covered the entire wetland area on both sides of the river. Periodic extensive searches have been conducted throughout the winter for evidence of oil outside the boom-line. It appears however that the boom has done its job, in that there is no evidence of oil spooge beyond the boom-line. V. ACTIONS TAKEN Due to an early and frozen winter, oil recovery had to be halted in Mid-November. The heaters in the pump buildings were able to keep the pipes from freezing however, the oil itself was too viscose to move through to the tanks, and we had difficulty keeping the Fe-Remede (keeps iron in solution) from freezing. Therefore, no pumping activities have occurred since then. The pump in Extraction Well #4 had some mechanical problems and was sent back to the factory for repairs. The pump has since been returned to the site however it has not been activated due to the cold conditions. On September 29, 2000 the amended IAG with NPFC was signed and the additional $150,000.00 was allotted to the total site funds. The site is becoming very popular with wetland ecologists interested in wetland restoration. Royal Nadeau of the ERT has been entertaining groups of scientists from around the country demonstrating how damaged wetland areas can be restored to their original condition. Emphasizing that in most cases the restoration process can be done while cleanup operations are ongoing. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS On April 16, the ERRS Contractor will be mobilized to the site to begin construction on a new recovery system. It will be an interceptor trench type system. The trench will be approximately 100 feet long and 25 feet deep. It will be situated between the two large deposits and is designed to draw the oil from both. The pumping system for the new system will be the separator pump previously used in Recovery Well #4 since the well will not be used while the trench system is in service. The problem with the invasive plant, purple loose-strife (PL-S) is still with us. It is trying to take over wetland areas statewide, including the Green Pond Road Site. The ERT in cooperation with the NJDOA, will be releasing a special beetle that thrives on the plant. It has been used successfully in other areas of the state. The beetle has a reputation for excellent population control and is said to only eat the PL-S. As soon as the weather begins cooperating 3000 of the insects will be released on the site. The entomologist said that the PL-S population is high enough to keep the beetles busy over the next two to three growing seasons and creates a low probability of the beetles migrating off-site. The winter had taken its toll on the sorbent boom around the site and it will be replaced during the mobilization. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Information from POLREP #22 9/11/00	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #21. V. ACTIONS TAKEN Due to a shift in the groundwater the pump system from Extraction Well #2 was moved to Extraction Well #1. The shift is typical for mid-fall and unusual for late summer. However, two weeks ago there was a storm that dropped 12 inches of rain in 24 hours on the site. That amount of rain in such a short period can easily cause an early shift. The rain caused minor flooding on the site which forced oil up through the soil in the wetland. A small amount washed across the wetland and entered the river. After careful investigation there was no evidence of the spooge getting past the booms. The soiled boom has since been replaced. There was no major plant damage just some staining less than one-inch above the ground. The pump in Extraction Well #4 had some mechanical problems and was sent back to the factory for repairs. The pump is due back on site by 9/22. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing. A trench system is now being considered to increase the productivity of the recovery process. After reviewing the groundwater data from the past two years the hydro geologists are convinced that the plume is not homogenous. A more consistent recovery rate can be achieved if the recovery field was an elongated type system rather than the point system the is now being used. The new system is now being designed by REAC and it is hoped the it will be installed before the first frost. The original plan was to transfer the maintenance of the site to the City of Newark at the end of the summer of 2000. This plan has recently been reviewed by EPA for administrative and technical feasibility. After observing the progress of the project over the past few months, and making several changes in the recovery procedures it has been decided that the relinquishing of the site to Newark, will be postponed indefinitely. A new “Incident Specific Interagency Agreement (IAG)” is being processed to include the $150,000.00 increase to the project ceiling and extending the expected completion date to 9/30/04. The funding has already been allotted by the USCG 1st District.
Information from POLREP #20 5/10/00	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #19. V. ACTIONS TAKEN After a winter hiatus from 12/15/99 to 4/6/00 the site was reactivated. Since that date approximately 650 gallons of oil were recovered from the groundwater via the well/pumping system. The wells were monitored weekly, by START, throughout the shut down for fluctuations. During the shout down small amounts of oil were periodically released into the river. The booming scheme however, appears to have performed as expected and controlled the releases. After careful investigation it appears that no oil was released beyond the sorbent boom. The soiled boom has since been replaced with new booms and the pumping systems were reactivated on 4/6/00. Since that time, there has been no evidence of an oil release into the river. The data collected over the winter showed a decrease in the groundwater levels of as much as two feet. REAC states that it is still early in the rainy season so that should increase as the season progresses. This of course, has a direct influence on the amount of oil recovered. Both pumping systems are operating but are not producing consistently due to the low water levels. REAC now estimates that approximately 50,000 gallons of oil will actually be recoverable of the 150,000 to 180,000 gallons on the site. The remaining oil will be locked into the soil. Since the oil has been in the soil for almost 100 years, it should not affect the upland vegetation. The free product however, is mobile and directly effects both the wetland and aquatic plant species in the lower areas as well as the total ecosystem of the river. The monitoring of the wetland revegetation project has now resumed since the winter hibernation period is over and the plants are now starting their spring growth. There was some plant die-off over the winter. However, there appears to be patterns to the dead plants. The die-offs appear to be restricted to the woody herbaceous plants, along a line parallel to the base of the downstream section of the embankment and between the upland and wetland areas. The sedges and rushes did not appear to be effected. The ERT suggested that since we deliberately did not remove and replace soil from the wetland that the oil may actually be responsible for the loss. A soil sampling plan is now being developed to help determine if the oil was responsible. If that is the case then in the future, it may be necessary to replace contaminated soil in areas where certain types of plants are to survive. An investigation to see if there is some other cause of the loss such as predation is also being planned. Several species of the reptile and amphibious population have been spotted. Both, the tick and mosquito populations appear to be higher this year than last. Therefore, precautions are being taken to prevent the Lyme and West Indies Diseases. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing. Determine the cause of the die-off newly planted herbaceous plants. The original plan was to transfer the maintenance of the site to the City of Newark at the end of the summer of 2000. This plan is currently being reviewed by EPA for administrative and technical feasibility. After observing the progress of the project over the next few months, the actual decision as to when or if this transfer will actually occur will be made.
Information from POLREP #19 10/14/99	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #18. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The wells are continually being monitored for fluctuations. The oil in the wells appear to be settling into a pattern. The oil still appears to be sloshing back and forth parallel to the river. As much as 6 feet of free product has been found in some of the wells. Recharge time after baildown tests, however has been really slow. Approximately 800 gallons of free product has been removed from the site this summer to date. Production has been about 15 gallons per week due to the seasonal low groundwater level compounded by the severe drought conditions. Although Hurricane Floyd did raise the surface waters the groundwater levels at site altitude were not noticibly effected. The replacement extraction well has been in place since late July. It has produced approximately 100 gallons of oil. The Hydrogeologist claims that the low production was due to the drought conditions. The re-vegetation project has been completed the plants are doing very well. NRCS is overseeing the maintenance of the plants. Purple loose-strife, an opportunist/invasive species, as some of you might have read about in the paper has plagued the state. This site was no exception. We were however able to manually remove a large quantity of the plant from the site. This will hopefully enable the wanted species to expand into the voids. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing. It is our intention to turn the caretaking of the site over to the City of Newark, by late spring or early summer of the year 2000, once we train their personnel on all of the in place systems. We will continue to monitor the re-vegetation project and be available to offer any assistance the city may need until the site is closed.
Information from POLREP #18 7/12/99	8/19/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #17. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The wells are continually being monitored for fluctuations. The oil in the wells appear to be settling into a pattern. The oil still appears to be sloshing back and forth parallel to the river. As much as 6 feet of free product has been found in some of the wells. The original pump system has remained in service. Approximately 8,000 gallons of free product has been removed from the site to date. This being summer the production is at about 10 gallons per day due to the seasonal low groundwater level. An additional extraction well has been installed in order to increase the amount of oil removed from the groundwater. Unfortunately due to a geological formation not previously detected the well produced about 50 gallons of oil and had to be shut down due to lack of production. The hydrogeologist had selected that location due to its proximity to two monitoring wells which both show an average of 6 feet of oil in them. A replacement well is currently in the plans. The re-vegetation project has been completed the plants are doing very well. NRCS is overseeing the maintenance of the plants. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Relocation of the additional extraction well. The groundwater study will locate the optimum position for that well. We will more than likely enlarge one of the existing monitoring wells, that shows a high production potential, to accommodate the pumping system. It appears that the re-vegetation will begin in mid-April depending on weather conditions. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Information from POLREP #17 3/12/99	8/19/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #16. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The wells are continually being monitored for fluctuations. The oil in the wells appear to be settling into a pattern. The oil still appears to be sloshing back and forth parallel to the river. As much as 6 feet of free product has been found in some of the wells. The pump system has remained in service. The heating precautions taken to prevent freezing in the hoselines appears to be working. The weather has a definite affect on the system, when the air temperature is below 20°F the recovery rate drops as much as 10 gallons per day. Approximately 6,500 gallons of free product has been removed from the site so far. The agreement Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to design and oversee the re-vegetation project has been signed. The design has been completed and the call for bids is being prepared by ERCS for release next week. REAC has surveyed and G.P.S. located the wells and other key positions on the site for the groundwater survey. A three dimensional view of the oil plume is forthcoming in the near future. This coupled with the well data will allow for a more accurate estimate of the amount of free product (oil) on the groundwater. An EXXON representative has visited the site, and is looking further into any possible legal connections EXXON may have to the site. He says if there is a connection they will be willing to step in and assume responsibility. The 1911 “TRUST BUST” of Standard Oil of New Jersey, split properties and holdings of many of the operations occurring prior to the “BUST.” Although the original responsible party (RP) is recognizable, due to the many business moves over the past 84 years the current RP is very difficult to identify. At this time the City of Newark is the owner of the property, and is therefore by OPA-90, the designated RP. Since the purchase of the property by Newark, the land has only been used as watershed easement VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Addition of the second extraction well. The groundwater study will locate the optimum position for that well. It appears that the re-vegetation will begin in mid-April depending on weather conditions. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Information from POLREP #16 1/20/99	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP #1 through #15. V. ACTIONS TAKEN Eleven additional monitoring wells were installed on the site, to establish a groundwater matrix. The wells are continually being monitored for fluctuations. Each of the four monitoring wells near the lower boundary are showing a minimum of 2.5 feet of product, the additional wells down river show as much as 4 feet. The oil appears to be sloshing back and forth parallel to the river. There appears to be a groundwater intrusion, that is influenced by the river, situated perpendicular to the river. It appears to be creating two pools of oil that are connected on the inland side of the plume. The pumping-system is, as expected, drawing the oil plume toward the extraction well, the groundwater intrusion however is interfering with the lateral flow. The pump-system had a mechanical problem and had to be sent back to the factory. The system was shut-down for three weeks. Fortunately the ground has been frozen creating a barrier to contain the oil, and preventing it from entering the river (it has been found that when the pumping-system is shut down for more than two days oil seeps into the river). The problem appears to have been solved, and the system is back up and running. Approximately 3,000 gallons of free product has been removed from the site so far. The climatology of the area presents a freezing potential for the pump piping. The exposed system piping is protected with heat tape. It was found however, that although the underground portion of the piping is below the established frostline when the pumping-system goes through an extended stand-by period (for recharge) the smaller lines tend to freeze, this includes the oil line (due to the viscosity). The heat tape at the front end of the system was not raising the liquid temperature high enough to maintain it during the static period. It was necessary to heat the extraction well structure to maintain above freezing temperatures in the liquid prior to entering the underground portion. After several days of sub-zero temperatures the system appears to be working. The bio-logs are working well. The shoreline that had been reinforced with biologs are not showing signs of erosion, the iceflows are being deflected away from the shoreline. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS It has been determined that there is a need for a second extraction well. The groundwater study will locate the optimum position for that well. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U. S. Department of Agriculture has been designing the re-vegetation portion of the site. It appears that the re-vegetation will begin on schedule in mid to late March depending on weather conditions. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing.
Information from POLREP #15 10/29/98	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREPs #1 through #14. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The Site Specific Inter-agency Agreement, for an additional amount of $400,000.00 with the National Pollution Fund Center has been implemented, as of October 1, 1998. The wells are continually being monitored for fluctuations. START, REAC and ERT are continuing the extent of contamination study. Each of the four monitoring wells near the lower boundary are showing a minimum of 2.5 feet of product. The pump-system problems have been solved. Due to a combination of the viscosity and the specific gravity of the oil, the size of the tubing throughout the system had to be increased. This has been corrected and the system pump rate has been improved from 12 gallons to approximately 45 gallons per day. The manufacturer determined that since the specific gravity of the oil is so close to that of water the problem with the level detectors giving false signals, is due to the buoyancy of the floats and has installed those with the appropriate buoyancy, which corrected the problem. No oil has been found encroaching into the wetland area since the problem with the pumping system has been solved. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U. S. Department of Agriculture has visited and evaluated the site. They have made several recommendations for the revegetation of the wetland portion of the site. ERT is arranging a blanket “inter-agency agreement” (IAG) to use the NRCS at the site to actually perform and oversee the wetland work for this site as well as future sites. The NRCS was found to be an excellent resource, they are very knowledgeable and have been very helpful during their entire involvement. Accompanying them on their visit were both county and state agencies with wetland concerns. The group will submit an official report to the OSC in the near future. The shoreline has been reinforced with bio-logs which will better secure the coconut matting under freezing conditions. In the spring they will serve as a base for the plants that will be placed along the shoreline for a more permanent solution to the erosion potential. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS The climatology of the area presents a freezing potential for the pump piping. The areas of the system piping that have that potential are being protected with heat tape. The revegetation of the shoreline has been changed to mid-March, at the recommendation of NRCS. The contracting for the purchase of the plants will be completed over the winter months. A complete groundwater study by ERT and REAC is continuing. The array of monitoring wells will be expanded during mid-November. The decision to expand the array is due to the amount of oil found in the existing wells. The wells will be monitored throughout the winter to determine whether additional extraction wells will be necessary. This study will also help to determine the extent of contamination, which appears to be more extensive than originally predicted.
Information from POLREP #14 9/29/98	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREPs #1 through #13. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The wells are being continually being monitored for fluctuations. START, REAC and ERT are on site determining the extent of contamination. Each of the four monitoring wells near the lower boundry are showing a minimum of 2 feet of product. The pump-system is continuing to have problems. At first it was thought that the problem was mechanical due to the viscosity of the oil however, it works well on manual control. The manufacturer is now trying to determine if the problem is in the computer or the level detectors giving false signals. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Possible change in pump-system, if problem with current system can not be shortly rectified. The system selected is considered state-of-the-art, by the experts. They are currently trying to find another system as an alternative should the problems with this system not be rectified. The revegetation of the shoreline will begin sometime in mid-October. A meeting with the BIO-mass group is scheduled for October 1, it is assumed that by that time all of the necessary agencies experts will have visited the site. The revegetation strategy will be completed at that meeting and the start of that phase of the project will begin at the agreed time. An Incident Specific Inter-Agency Agreement (ISIAG) has been approved for this project to continue into PHASE 2, beginning October 1, 1998 and to continue for a period of one year, for the amount of $400,000.00 (this is in addition to the current ceiling).
Information from POLREP #13 9/11/98	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREPs #1 through #12. V. ACTIONS TAKEN All of the protective structures have been completed. All of the underground conduit, and piping have been installed and buried. The wells are being monitored for fluctuations. The ERCS contractor has been demobilized for the time being. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS The pump delivered for the extraction and separation of the oil and water had some problems and was sent back to the factory for repairs and is expected to be delivered to the site by 9/15. At that time ERCS will be called to the site to install the pump. REAC will monitor and make adjustments as necessary, and the pump will be left to operate on its own. The product tank will be monitored for disposal and accounting purposes, as needed by the OSC and/or START. The revegetation of the shoreline will begin sometime in mid-October. A meeting with the BIO-mass group is scheduled for October 1, it is assumed that by that time all of the necessary agencies experts will have visited the site. The revegetation strategy will be completed at that meeting and the start of that phase of the project will begin at the agreed time. A Site Specific Inter-Agency Agreement (ISIAG) is in the approval process for this project to continue into PHASE 2, beginning October 1, 1998 and to continue for a period of one year, for the amount of $400,000.00 (this is in addition to the current ceiling).
Information from POLREP #12 8/21/98	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREPs #1 through #11. The monitoring well closest the river has been consistently measuring at 1.7 feet of free product (oil). The hydro geologist are estimating that recovery will be 5 - 10 gallons of pure product per day, which is consistent with similar projects around the country. The unusually low water table has aided our efforts to restore the shoreline area in that the oil has not been surfacing. Because of this the wanted grasses and sedges are recovering in the shoreline area. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The extraction well has been drilled, the pumping system has been selected and ordered, and the power for the pumping station has been installed. Power for the building is expected next week. The underground piping for the system has been installed and awaiting the pumping system. A ceiling increase to provide funds until the end of the fiscal year was granted by the 1st Coast Guard District, at which time an incident specific IAG will go into effect for the completion of the project. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to visit the site on 8/24/98, to aid in the bio-mass study. The delivery of the extraction pumping system is expected by the end of next week.
Information from POLREP #11 8/14/98	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREPs #1 through #10. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The draw-down wells have been drilled and are being developed to determine the optimum placement of the extraction well. The re-injection system is now complete and awaiting the extraction system. The shed on the concrete slab that will be used for the mechanical portion of the groundwater extraction and oil separation systems has been constructed and fenced. Research is continuing for the most efficient pumping system to be used is being performed by REAC and WRS. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Upon the completion of the development of the draw-down wells, the location of the extraction well will be established and the well will be dug. The completion of the extraction system is expected to be 8/28/98. The groundwater is predicted to take about one week to re-establish at that time the system will be fully operational. Restoration of the shoreline area will begin upon completion of the extraction/monitoring system. This will prevent damage to restored areas by equipment that may have to be used in adjoining areas.
Information from POLREP #9 7/29/98	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREP’s #1 through #8. Due to increased precipitation, this winter, and changing hydro-geology within the aquifer the amounts of contamination being continuously released into the river, and the wetland area is increasing. These amounts however, are being contained by the sorbent boom. It has been decided however, because of this change that more aggressive action is being taken. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The site has been reactivated. Mobilization began on July 23, 1998. The clearing of brush in the immediate area of the office trailer and work base area began Tuesday July 28, 1998. The office trailer is now on site and electricity and phone service is expected to be installed by close of business today. The containment boom will be reset and the existing sorbent boom will be replaced with new boom today. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS The clearing of the brush on the shoreline will begin Thursday July 30, 1998. Note that the clearing of the brush on the shoreline area is important for safety and health of the workers. Several species of poisonous plants, wood and deer ticks, and the aggressive “northern water snake” are in abundance. The several large trees that have fallen over the past winter will be cut up and cleared by Friday. Excavation of the oiled soil on the shoreline of the river should begin early next week. The REAC study is complete, the appropriate method of removal has been selected, and active removal is expected to begin by mid-August. The OSC is in the process of contacting the appropriate NJDEP wetlands group to discuss the plans for removal, remediation and restoration of the site.
Information from POLREP #8 6/24/98	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See POLREPs #1 through #7. Due to increased precipitation, this winter, and changing hydro-geology within the aquifer the amounts of contamination being continuously released into the river, and the wetland area is increasing. These amounts however, are being contained by the sorbent boom. It has been decided however, because of this change that more aggressive action is being taken. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The containment boom located near the release location is being periodically monitored for its performance and condition. The EPA/ERT, REAC, and the OSC visited site on March 31, 1998 and is evaluating several methods of active removal. A National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) evaluation was completed, June 9, 1997 and the areas of significance were identified. The areas designated by the evaluation should not directly impact cleanup efforts, and cleanup efforts should not impact the designated areas. VI FUTURE ACTIONS An interim cost documentation package (EPA Form 1610-1) is being prepared to be submitted to NPFC, as well as an Incident Specific Interagency Agreement (ISIAG), and a Long Term Removal Plan. An ERCS Contractor evaluation has been performed, a contractor has been selected, and in the process of being procured. Upon completion of the REAC study, the appropriate method of removal will be selected, and active removal will begin, which is currently expected to be mid-July. The OSC is in the process of contacting the NJDEP wetlands group to discuss the plans for removal and remediation of the site. The OSC and/or START will continue to monitor the containment boom, as well as the oil levels in the three pre-existing monitoring wells.
Information from POLREP #7 5/7/96	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See Polrep #1. Very small amounts of contamination are being continuously released into the river. These small amounts however, are being contained by the sorbent boom. V. ACTIONS TAKEN A Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) search has been completed. The analysis of the data and samples collected from the pizometers has been completed and plotted. Removal stategies are now being considered. However they will not begin until ORC has advised RPB on how we should proceed. The containment boom located near the release location is being periodically monitored for its performance and condition. Due to increased volume and current from the snow melt, the sorbent boom was doubled for effectiveness. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells are being periodically monitored. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS The OSC and a START member will continue to monitor the containment boom, and the oil levels in three monitoring wells. Forward the PRP search information to the Office of Regional Council (ORC)and an attorney assistance will be requested.
Information from POLREP #6 3/29/96	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See Polrep #1. Very small amounts of contamination is being continuously released into the river. These small amounts however, are being contained by the sorbent boom. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The installation of the temporary pizometers initiated on March 5, 1996 is completed. To date, 43 pizometers have been installed, groundwater sampled, and then removed. Extensive amounts of petroleum contamination have been recovered from many of the pizometers. On March 21, drilling of pizometers began on the property adjacent to the railroad tracks. This property is owned by the Newark Water Authority and is leased to the Spiniello Construction Company. Twenty pizometers have been drilled and sampled on the property. Drilling here has allowed for an oil boundary to be established. The containment boom located near the release location is being continually monitored for its performance and maintenance. Due to increased volume and current from the snow melt, the sorbent boom was doubled for durability. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells are being continuously monitored. Elevations for all of the pizometers have been established using a TOPCON surveyor. From this information, REAC will create a contour map of the site. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS The OSC and a START member will continue to monitor the containment boom, as well as to monitor the oil levels in three pre-existing monitoring wells. START will continue to conduct research to determine a PRP.
Information from POLREP #5 3/22/96	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See Polrep #1. Very small amounts of contamination is being continuously released into the river. These small amounts however, are being contained by the sorbent boom. V. ACTIONS TAKEN The installation of the temporary pizometers initiated on March 5, 1996 is continuing; to date, 29 pizometers have been installed. START and the REAC contractor continue to obtain ground water samples from the pizometers for analysis by REAC for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Volatile content. Extensive amounts of petroleum contamination are being recovered from many of the pizometers. Additional locations are being designated by EPA in consultation with a REAC Geologist to evaluate the extent of contamination at the site. On March 21, drilling of pizometers began on the property adjacent to the railroad tracks. This property is owned by the Newark Water Authority and is leased to the Spiniello Construction Company. Nine pizometers have been drilled and sampled on the property to date. The containment boom located near the release location is being continually monitored for its performance and maintenance. Due to increased volume and current from the snow melt, the sorbent boom was doubled for durability. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells are being continuously monitored. Elevations for all of the pizometers have been established using a TOPCON surveyor. From this information, REAC will create a contour map of the site. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Soil and ground water samples will continue to be collected at the direction of EPA by the START contractor. Samples collected will be analyzed for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Volatiles as needed by the EPA-ERT REAC contractor. Installation of the temporary pizometers will continue until the extent of product contamination has been determined. Northern, southern and eastern boundaries have been established on the property leased to the Spiniello Construction Company. Drilling will continue until further boundaries can be established. The containment boom located near the release location will be continually monitored for its performance and maintenance and replaced as needed by the ERCs contractor. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells will be continuously monitored. The START contractor will continue to conduct research to gather more PRP information.
Information from POLREP #4 3/15/96	8/8/2002
IV. SITUATION See Polrep #1. Very small amounts of contamination is being continuously released into the river. These small amounts however, are being contained by the sorbent boom. V. ACTIONS TAKEN Following the on-site meeting of February 20, 1996, a vendor was selected (AJB Drilling Services of Buffalo NY), to install the pizometer grid at the site. Installation of the temporary pizometers was initiated on March 5, 1996. To date, 24 pizometers have been installed. START and the REAC contractor have obtained ground water samples from the pizometers for analysis by REAC for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Volatile content. Pizometer grid locations were initially selected based upon the plot results of the electro-magnetic (em) survey performed by the REAC contractor on February 22, 1996. Due to the extensive amount of petroleum contamination recovered from the pizometers, additional locations were designated by EPA in consultation with a REAC Geologist to evaluate the extent of contamination at the site. Two water, and one soil sample originally collected on February 21 from three pre-existing wells located in the wetland area of the site were analyzed by the EPA-ERT REAC contractor. Samples were chemically fingerprinted to determine the exact nature of the product material observed at the site. Results of the analysis were discussed with the OSC during the site visit by Dr. Royal Nadeau ERT-EPA, who visited the site on Thursday, March 14, 1996. The Newark Watershed Authority provided the EPA with copies of deed information relating to the site as well as aerial photographs from the late 1920's and early 1930's. This information will assist EPA in identifying potential PRP's to assist in financing the site remediation costs. Visits by the START contractor to the Morris County Court House discovered maps originating from 1887 which clearly indicate the existence of an above ground storage tank in the bermed area immediately upgradient to the release site. The containment boom located near the release location is being continually monitored for its performance and maintenance. Due to increased volume and current from the snow melt, the sorbent boom was doubled for durability. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells are being continuously monitored. VI. FUTURE ACTIONS Soil and ground water samples will continue to be collected at the direction of EPA by the START contractor. Samples collected will be analyzed for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Volatiles as needed by the EPA-ERT REAC contractor. The containment boom located near the release location will be continually monitored for its performance and maintenance and replaced as needed by the ERCs contractor. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells will be continuously monitored. Installation of the temporary pizometers will continue until a determination of the extent of product contamination has been determined.
Information from POLREP#3 3/6/96	8/8/2002
IV.SITUATION See Polrep #1. Very small amounts of contamination is being released into the river. These small amounts are being contained by the sorbent boom. V.ACTIONS TAKEN Following the on-site meeting of February 20, 1996, a vendor was selected (AJB Drilling Services of Buffalo NY), to install the piziometer grid at the site. Installation of the temporary piziometers was initiated on March 5, 1996. To date, 19 piziometers have been installed. START and the REAC contractor have obtained ground water samples from the piziometers for analysis by REAC for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Volatile content. Piziometer grid locations were initially selected based upon the plot results of the electro-magnetic (em) survey performed by the REAC contractor on February 22, 1996. Due to the extensive amount of petroleum contamination recovered from the piziometers, additional locations were designated by EPA in consultation with a REAC Geologist to evaluate the extent of contamination at the site. Two water, and one soil sample originally collected on February 21 from three pre-existing wells located in the wetland area of the site were analyzed by the EPA-ERT REAC contractor. Samples were chemically fingerprinted to determine the exact nature of the product material observed at the site. Results of the analysis indicated that the petroleum product is Number 6 Pennsylvania Crude, most likely discharged from the pipeline which ran through the area during the years of 1888-1928. Dr. Royal Nadeu ERT-EPA visited the site on Thursday, March 14, 1996 to discuss the results of the analysis with the EPA On Scene Coordinator. START continues to make investigations of the release sites previous ownership through title search activities performed at the Morris County Courthouse. Efforts have been hampered due to the changing styles of property ownership documentation used by Morris County New Jersey between the onset of site use (1888) to the present. Maps originating from 1887 clearly indicate the existence of an above ground storage tank in the bermed area immediately upgradient to the release site. The containment boom located near the release location is being continually monitored for its performance and maintenance. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells are being continuously monitored. VI.FUTURE ACTIONS Soil and ground water samples will continue to be collected at the direction of EPA by the START contractor. All samples collected will be analyzed for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Volatiles by the EPA-ERT REAC contractor. The containment boom located near the release location will be continually monitored for its performance and maintenance and replaced as needed by the ERCs contractor. Additionally, product levels in the three pre-existing wetland area monitoring wells will be continuously monitored. Installation of the temporary piziometers will continue until a determination of the extent of product contamination has been determined.
Information from POLREP #2 2/22/96	8/7/2002
SITUATION Very small amounts of contamination is being released into the river. These small amounts are being easily contained by the sorbent boom. ACTIONS TAKEN Approximately 600 feet of hard and absorbent containment boom has been placed around the wetland to prevent oil contamination from reaching the mainstream of the river. On February 20, an 1on-site meeting was held with potential bidders for the installation of pizometer grid. The bidders were briefed on the proposed locations and the specifications for the pizometers. On February 21, samples were collected from three pre-existing wells located in the wetland area. A soil sample was also collected. These samples will be used for fingerprinting and identification of the oil. On February 22, REAC performed Electromagnetic Anomaly survey to determine sub-surface conductivity. The sub-surface conductivity can help determine the location of sub-surface oil. The containment boom is being continuously monitored for its performance and maintenance. FUTURE ACTIONS REAC will analyze the Electromagnetic Anomaly survey and the collected samples. START will send out the Request for Proposal to the potential bidders for installation of pizometers. Upon determination of the source of the oil, the ERCS contractor will be recalled to the site for mitigaion. The containment boom will be continuously monitored and kept in place during the duration of site activity.
Information from POLREP #1 2/2/96	8/7/2002
On 2/2/96 USEPA/R2/RPB was notified by the NRC and the NJDEP of an oil sheen on the Pequannock River in Jefferson Township., Morris County., New Jersey. NJDEP and the City of Newark Water Authority was on-site and authorized the digging of three test pits along the river. Oil product was found inside the pits. On 2/5/96 the NJDEP requested the assistance of the USEPA. The USEPA responded to the site. During that time recovery wells were being established in the test pits and the river bank was boomed. Attempts were made to establish the source of the oil. No true source was found. It has been established that an abandoned pipeline and pumping station was in the close proximity to the spill area, that is now being investigated. The initial responding OSC?s, Bonnie Green and Arlene Anderson, had established that the spill is a substantial threat to a navigable surface water of the United States and is therefore eligible for reimbursement funds under OPA if necessary. Due to funding restrictions of the NJDEP and the City of Newark and the scope of the spill, on 2/9/96 the EPA was asked to assume the clean-up. It was agreed by all parties that the EPA would assume the clean-up on Monday 2/12/96. ACTIONS TAKEN On 2/9/96 a Federal Project number (FPN 016600) and project cost ceiling ($100,000.00) was obtained. The EPA, accompanied by the START team and ERCS contractor (O.H.M.) responded to the site on 2/12/96. A site evaluation was performed and a plan to stabilize the area to prevent further oil from reaching the main stream of the river was established as well as a plan for locating the source. Containment and recovery preparations have been prepared by ERCS. These activities began on 2/13/96. Geological studies, such as Electro-magnetometer surveying, began 2/14/96, to attempt, to locate the source of the oil. FUTURE ACTIONS Containment of the seeping oil is expected to be stabilized by the close of business 2/15/96. At that time any recoverable sheen on the river will be removed. Upon completion of these activities O.H. Materials will be demobilized until further notice. The source search will reconvene on Tuesday 2/20/96. Area historical and geographical data will be researched by START. Since it appears the oil is being transported to the site by groundwater a piezometer grid will be installed to sample and analyze the groundwater aquifer. Bid proposals for the installation of the piezometer grid will be entertained by START and REAC. Should a recoverable amount of oil be observed on the site at anytime and/or the source found O.H. Materials will be remobilized to mitigate the oil. If the results of the source search should reveal a responsible party, or parties, a CWA administrative order will be issued for the continuation of the containment and the recovery operation.

Green Pond Road Oil Spill

Notices