E.P.A. Removes Drums of Hazardous Materials from Landfill in Jersey City

(New York, NY) The E.P.A. (EPA) is preparing to remove exposed steel drums and other containers from a century old landfill in Jersey City, New Jersey. For the next 6 months, E.P.A. will be working with its contractor to identify the contents of the drums and containers in order to dispose of them at an appropriate facility. Interested individuals can attend a public information session on November 20, 2006 at the Frank E. Conwell Middle School #4 Cafeteria from 3:00 to 7:00 pm to learn more about how E.P.A. will conduct the work at the landfill.

"We don't know what is in some of these drums and that is a cause of concern for us," said Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg. "Removing the drums will help limit the contamination and make it easier for the city to continue the cleanup at the landfill."

In 1991, E.P.A. assisted state and local emergency response personnel with extinguishing a large tire fire at the landfill. In order to alleviate the chance of fire, E.P.A. installed firebreaks and a security fence as well as removed exposed rums, cylinders and tanks. In May 2006, additional drums became exposed due to soil erosion and other conditions at the site.

The Turnpike Dump location was a landfill that was operated without a permit from the 1900's through the 1980's. A variety of materials have been found at the location including ash, tires, construction debris, drums, cylinders, metals, and vehicles. It is surrounded by the Children's and Wilzig Hospitals as well as homes and commercial establishments.

For more information about this site, please visit EPA's Web location at: http://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/removal/turnpikedump/

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