EPA removed more than 52,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil from a New Jersey Superfund site; 2,500 more tons of downstream sediment were cleared before restoration | World News

A cleanup at the Unimatic Manufacturing Corporation Superfund Site in Fairfield, New Jersey, has been completed to remove PCB contamination. The US Environmental Protection Agency removed more than 52,000 tons of contaminated soil from the manufacturing property and cleaned up areas where the pollution had spread downstream. The former Unimatic building was demolished, and contaminated materials were removed for disposal.In April 2026, more than 2,500 tons of contaminated sediment were also removed from downstream areas. The excavated areas were then filled with clean material, and trees and shrubs were planted to restore the site. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, groundwater and the restored areas will continue to be monitored to make sure the cleanup remains effective over time.

What steps did EPA take to clean up the Unimatic site

The EPA began investigating the Unimatic site after finding PCBs in soil and sediment at the manufacturing facility and in downstream areas. The contamination posed a risk to surrounding communities, leading the agency to add the site to the Superfund National Priorities List in 2014.Cleanup work progressed in phases. It began with investigating the extent of contamination, followed by removing contaminated soil and building materials at the source. EPA then demolished the former manufacturing facility and addressed contamination that had moved beyond the property into downstream areas.In April 2026, EPA completed removing more than 2,500 tons of contaminated sediment downstream. The agency also backfilled excavated areas with clean material and restored them with trees and shrubs as planned.

More than 52,000 tons of contaminated soil and sediment removed from the site

As part of the cleanup, EPA demolished the former Unimatic building and disposed of the contaminated materials. More than 52,000 tons of soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, were removed from the site and sent to licensed facilities for safe disposal.The cleanup also covered downstream areas where the contamination had spread. In April 2026, EPA completed the removal of more than 2,500 tons of contaminated sediment from these areas. The excavated areas were then filled with clean material. Trees and shrubs were planted to restore the affected areas. The cleanup addressed contamination at both the manufacturing property and the downstream areas. Long-term monitoring will continue to track conditions at the site.

How will the Unimatic site be monitored and managed after cleanup

Although the cleanup is complete, EPA will continue monitoring the site. Groundwater will be monitored over the long term to make sure the cleanup remains effective. The agency will also conduct a five-year review, with the first review scheduled for 2028 to assess the cleanup.Over the next year, EPA will inspect and maintain the restored areas, including checking plant growth and maintaining protective fencing. The current owner of the 25 Sherwood Lane portion of the site will remain responsible for maintaining the property until it is sold.Under a 2021 consent decree with EPA and New Jersey, the owner will sell the property, and the proceeds will reimburse EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for cleanup costs.

How will EPA track the site after restoration

EPA said drinking water for nearby residents meets federal and state standards and is routinely tested by the Verona and Essex Fells water departments. The agency will continue monitoring groundwater and inspecting the restored areas after the cleanup.EPA will also maintain protective fencing and monitor plant growth during the year. These measures will help ensure the cleanup remains protective. The five-year review scheduled for 2028 will further assess the effectiveness of the work. As part of the restoration, trees and shrubs were planted after downstream sediment was removed and the excavated areas were filled with clean material.