The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is delivering on its commitment to invest in America and address Superfund sites that have been awaiting funding. Using approximately $30 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the EPA has demolished the heavily contaminated building at the site and completed the removal of contaminated soil. Starting in September, Sevenson, serving as the U.S. Army Corps contractor, will excavate and remove PCB-contaminated sediment from wetlands and streams downstream and monitor groundwater.
“Three years ago, I stood at this site and promised that the EPA would use Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to clean up legacy pollution at our nation’s most toxic sites,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “Today, we’ve delivered on that promise in Fairfield, restoring the property and creating opportunities for community redevelopment.”
EPA initiated the cleanup in 2023. Sevenson demolished the former Unimatic building in May 2023 and began excavation in October, removing over 50,000 tons of PCB- and pesticide-contaminated soil and replacing it with clean soil. With the first phase concluding in September, the second phase will focus on downstream wetlands and streams, including sediment excavation and groundwater monitoring.
Mayor of Fairfield Township William Galese added, “The cleanup of this Superfund site demonstrates effective collaboration between the community and the EPA to protect residents from dangerous chemicals. Over 50,000 tons of hazardous material have been safely removed without any impact on local taxes. On behalf of our community, we thank the EPA for eliminating this threat from our town.”