EPA Adds Historic Potteries Site in Trenton to Superfund National Priorities List
Trenton, N.J. (July 7, 2025) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is adding the Historic Potteries site in Trenton, New Jersey, to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) — a critical step that will advance long-term efforts to clean up legacy lead contamination affecting homes, parks, and public spaces across the neighborhood.
“For decades, families in East Trenton have lived with contamination left behind by historic industrial operations,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “By adding this site to the National Priorities List, EPA is addressing public health risks and laying the groundwork for community revitalization and economic growth.”
The Historic Potteries site includes areas once home to dozens of commercial pottery (ceramics manufacturing) operations dating back to the 1800s. These facilities commonly used lead in glazes and coatings, contributing to soil contamination across East Trenton. EPA investigations identified elevated levels of lead in soil at residential properties, schools, and recreational areas. Long-term exposure to lead, especially for children, can cause serious developmental and health issues.
Since 2018, EPA has worked closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the City of Trenton, and community partners to investigate and respond to these risks. Short-term actions—including soil covers and fencing—have already been put in place by EPA at key locations, while today’s NPL designation will allow for comprehensive, long-term cleanup supported by federal funding and authority. Today’s announcement builds on years of previous work already done at the site by EPA and NJDEP to protect the community.
EPA’s Superfund program is designed to clean up the nation’s most contaminated sites and protect communities from harmful pollution. Adding a site to the NPL allows EPA to use federal funding for investigations, design and cleanup at the site. EPA will also pursue potentially responsible parties for cleanup costs wherever possible.
Visit the Historic Potteries site profile page for additional background and site documents.
Visit the Current NPL updates profile page for more information on new proposed NPL Sites and new NPL Sites.
Follow EPA Region 2 on X, Instagram, and visit our Facebook page. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.
25-033