On July 22, 2015, EPA received a request from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to evaluate the Site for a CERCLA removal action. The Site is a former paper and metal recycling business located on Basin Street in Princeton, New Jersey. The recycling business began operations in 1955 and ceased operations in 2003. Allegedly operations at the facility included draining PCB transformers and the burning of wire casings. In 2014 and 2015 NJDEP performed extensive sampling of the surface and subsurface soil on the Site and determined the extent of PCB, lead, SVOC and dioxin contamination. Levels of all of these contaminants exceed the RMLs in Site soils. PCB concentrations (mainly Aroclor 1260) were found as high as 2,800 parts per million (ppm) in surface soils. Lead concentrations were detected as high as 11,300 ppm. Benzo(a)pyrene and dioxin were detected as high as 17 ppm and 1.3 parts per billion (ppb), respectively.
The Site is located in a residential neighborhood and is directly adjacent to a tributary to the Stoney Creek. The Site property is unsecured and accessible to trespassers. The results from the NJDEP sampling indicate there has been a release of CERCLA designated hazardous substances at the Site, which is a facility under Section 101(9) of CERCLA. Based on the available information, a CERCLA removal action is warranted at the Site. An Action memorandum signed by the Region 2 ERRD Director on August 10, 2015 authorized funding for the excavation and off-site disposal of approximately 7,500 tons of contaminated soil. This work is expected to begin in September 2015.
