EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Proposed Cleanup Plan for Pierson’s Creek Superfund Site
Newark, N.J. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for its proposed plan to clean up contaminated sediment, soil and industrial waste in the Pierson’s Creek Superfund Site, a 1.5-mile waterway that runs through an industrial area in Newark, New Jersey. The comment period will now remain open through March 19, 2026, to accommodate community members seeking additional time to review the proposal.
EPA’s proposed plan includes removing contaminated creek sediment, installing a protective cap, removing heavily contaminated bank soil, cleaning enclosed sections of the creek, restoring wetlands and monitoring over the long term.
Pierson’s Creek flows beneath a portion of Newark Liberty International Airport and the New Jersey Turnpike before emptying into Newark Bay. Contamination in the creek and along its banks comes largely from historical chemical manufacturing activities at nearby properties, including the facility at One Avenue L. Due to its complexity, EPA is conducting the Pierson’s Creek site cleanup in phases. The current proposed plan focuses on contamination in the creek and along its banks. A separate area at the chemical manufacturing facility at One Avenue L is still under investigation. EPA expects to propose a cleanup approach for that area in 2027.
EPA held a public meeting on January 27 to present the plan and answer questions. The presentation from that meeting, along with additional background and site documents is available on the Pierson’s Creek Superfund Site profile page.
The public may submit written comments to Brandon Holsten, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2890 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837 or by email to Holsten.Brandon@epa.gov.
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