New Contamination Found

After these efforts were exhausted, the NJ Turnpike Authority conducted a feasibility study on site to extend the Turnpike at Exit 12 to Linden/Tremley Point. They took samples from the sludge ponds, and the results showed elevated levels of contaminants which had been previously indicated (in a 1991 study by DEP) but deemed at the time to be insignificant. This study was brought to the attention of the landowners in April 2010, after the property had been purchased. The new landowners contacted the Authority and previous landowners to verify the report.

The new landowners gave the Turnpike study to the Department, and the team was directed to conduct a more thorough investigation of the composition of the sludge and impoundments. Elevated contamination was found widespread on the property and the Department was provided with the results of these findings. The Department advised the team that "some remedial action" would be required, but the exact nature and methods of permitting were still undecided.

 

Having finally decided that he SRP program would govern the clean-up, permitting was again delayed due to the effects of a new law establishing the emergent Licensed Site Remediation Program (LSRP). Following signature of the Site Remediation Reform Act (SRRA) by Governor Corzine in May 2009, and throughout these early regulatory discussions in 2010 and 2011, the LSRP program was being developed and final regulations were still being written. Accordingly, the team had to wait to see what rules and requirements would apply before initiating the extensive and costly geotechnical investigations and engineering of the closure. The delays were frustrating and many outside parties started to push for a decision because the pollution was continuing and the berm conditions deteriorating.

A common misconception is that the vegetation on site is lush and productive. The fact is that multiple studies on site from the 1970's onward showed that very little will grow in the cyanide contaminated materials. The sludge lies right on the surface and prevents most non-invasive plants, especially the preferred native species that promote diverse habitat, from germinating.

 

Trees that do manage to get established develop poor root structure and die or blow over before reaching maturity.

In July 2011, DEP decided that the landowners needed to address the contamination and closure required under the new statute. This was done in November 2011. A summary of the investigative findings was provided to DEP and the local community during the public hearings in early 2012.

Remarks by LSRP to Middlesex County Freeholders – dated March 7, 2012

The geotechnical investigations, engineering and permitting progressed diligently for the next two years. Millions of dollars were invested during this period to hire world-class engineers and scientists to design the cap and develop a loading plan through construction. All these reports and materials were shared with DEP including the Final Geotechnical Report by Michael Baker International.

Rahway Arch Geotechnical Report

Pictures of the site before remediation began April 2014