The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a cleanup plan for contaminated soil, groundwater and six waste disposal areas at the American Cyanamid Superfund Site in Bridgewater Township, N.J., located on the Raritan River. The soil, groundwater and waste disposal areas, called impoundments, are contaminated with volatile organic compounds and other hazardous materials. The groundwater underlying the site is highly contaminated with benzene. Area residents are serviced by a public water supply that provides a safe source of drinking water.
The EPA is encouraging the public to comment on the plan through March 31, 2012, and will hold a public meeting on March 8, 2012, at 7:00 p.m.
"The cleanup plan for the American Cyanamid site is an important milestone in the EPA efforts to protect the health of people who live or work near the facility and water quality in the Raritan River," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “EPA encourages the public to comment on the proposed plan and to learn more about it at the March 8 public meeting.”
Many volatile organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals and benzene can cause cancer in people. Some volatile organic compounds have no known health effects. The extent and nature of potential health effects depend on many factors, including the level and length of exposure.
Source: EPA
