EPA proposes first-phase cleanup plan for Pierson’s Creek Superfund site in Newark

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a cleanup plan to address contaminated sediment, soil, and industrial waste in Pierson’s Creek, a 1.5-mile waterway running through an industrial corridor in Newark, New Jersey. The proposal represents the first major phase of remediation at the Pierson’s Creek Superfund site and targets areas with elevated levels of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, and other hazardous substances linked to historic industrial activity.

“This plan marks major progress in our work to protect human health and clean up a waterway that has long suffered from industrial pollution,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci in a press release. “This proposed cleanup plan is designed to reduce risk and help Newark reclaim a healthier environment for future generations.”

Under the proposed approach, EPA would excavate and dispose of the top two feet of contaminated sediment along the full length of the creek, with deeper removal in highly contaminated upstream areas. The plan also includes installing an engineered cap over remaining sediment, removing heavily contaminated creek bank soils containing oily chemical waste, and cleaning enclosed sections of the creek that flow through underground pipes and concrete channels. Disturbed wetlands would be restored with native vegetation, followed by long-term monitoring.

Pierson’s Creek flows beneath Newark Liberty International Airport and the New Jersey Turnpike before discharging to Newark Bay. EPA is addressing the site in phases due to its complexity, with a separate area at a former chemical manufacturing facility still under investigation.

EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed plan through February 17 and will hold a virtual public meeting on January 27 to outline the proposal and answer questions.