EPA anounces cleanup plan for contiminated N.J. dry cleaners site

By on August 23, 2013
Earth and Atmosphere News


Dry cleaners dumped enough volatile organic compounds in a Northeast New Jersey site to cause $19 million in environmental damages, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency press release.

Groundwater and soil in Wall Township, Manasquan Borough and Sea Girt, N.J., has been contaminated with perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene from dry cleaning facilities.

The EPA points to White Swan Cleaners and Sun Cleaners as the two organizations at fault for the pollution. The agency reports that the chemicals seep into residential and commercial buildings near the defunct companies.

A proposed cleanup plan calls for removing 5,000 cubic yards of soil.  Cleanup workers will also use air sparging, which relies on air pumped into the ground to volatilize contaminants so they evaporate from soil.

Residents withdrawal water from below the contaminated layer of pollutants keeping them safe.  Air quality in homes will continue to be monitored.

The EPA will hold a public meeting on the proposed cleanup plan on August 27 at the Wall Township Municipal Center.

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