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SRP Community RelationsSite Information ProgramHudson Chromate ProjectUpdate #33

The following is a summary of significant developments that have occurred between January 2006 and November 2007 regarding the Hudson County Chromate Waste Sites.

Occidental Chemical

Occidental has continued to perform under the Administrative Consent Order (ACO). Interim remedial measure (IRM), remedial investigation (RI), and remedial action (RA) activities have been ongoing.

An Interim Response Action Workplan (IRAW) for Sites 113 (Diamond) and 116 (Standard Chlorine) was submitted to the Department for review. Several revisions of the work plan have been submitted in response to Department comments. The latest version is currently under review by the Department.

IRMs were constructed at Site 61 within buildings 20 and 26. Implementation reports have been submitted to the Department for review. In addition, an IRM work plan was submitted for Site 41 (St. Johnsbury).

In response to Department comments on the Site 113 RI Report, a Supplemental RIWP and Porewater Sampling Work Plan were submitted by Occidental. Both work plans are currently being implemented and are proceeding according to schedule.

The Site 59 (Trumbull) remedial action was completed in accordance with the approved RAWP. In addition, supplemental remedial action activities were performed at Site 210 (Ace / Roadway) AOC 1 in order to facilitate development plans by the property owner. Remedial Action Reports were submitted for both sites and are under review by the Department.

Honeywell, Inc.

Study Area 1:

College Towers Apartments NJDEP Site 154:
College Towers Apartments is a 320-unit apartment complex in Jersey City, New Jersey that houses elderly residents. The complex was built in 1955 in a low-lying area that was formerly a baseball field. Thirteen adjacent residential properties are associated with this site. COPR, construction debris and other fill material were historically used as backfill at this location. Following the successful removal of the COPR and other cleanup and decontamination activities, the site is now in a periodic inspection program, to ensure that engineering controls put in place are in good working order and function as intended. A periodic post-remediation groundwater monitoring program was also implemented and is currently in progress. Honeywell has submitted remedial action reports for the adjacent townhouse properties and they are currently under review. The remedial action report for the apartment complex is awaiting a signed deed notice for a complete submittal.

Study Area 2:

Bayonne Sewer Pipeline NJDEP Site 144:
Supplemental Remedial Investigation Work Plans were submitted by Honeywell during 2005-2006 to collect additional data for completion of RI work along the pipeline (Sections A, B, and C). The work plans are currently under review.

Remediation of the Stanco Property within Pipeline Section C was completed by Honeywell during 2007. The remedial actions included removal of chromium-impacted fill (approximately 11,000 tons) and replacement of the sewer pipeline (approximately 300 linear feet). Post-remediation groundwater monitoring was completed by Honeywell to demonstrate effectiveness of the remedial actions, and no further action approval for the Stanco Property was issued by the NJDEP in September 2007.

Route 440 Extension NJDEP Site 166:
In early fall 2005, a new area of chromium contamination was identified by the NJDEP during an inspection of the City of Bayonne Nature Park under construction at that time. This new area of contamination was delineated by Honeywell and a removal action was completed (approximately 500 tons) during late fall 2005. An Interim Remedial Measures (IRM) Report and revised/updated Draft Deed Notice for the site was submitted by Honeywell during April 2006, and is currently under review. The Nature Park was opened during the Spring of 2006.

Study Area 3:

Communipaw Jug NJDEP Site 071
Supplemental RI field work was completed during 2005 and a combined Supplemental RI Report and Remedial Action Selection Report was submitted during March 2006. In the Spring of 2006, an IRM consisting of placement of gravel was completed by Honeywell to address an area of potential surface contamination identified during a site inspection. This site has been proposed for redevelopment as a car dealership. Honeywell has been working with the site owner/developer with respect to site security and development of future remedial actions.

Study Area 4:

Foodtown NJDEP Site 115:
The redevelopment of this site for an elementary school was put on hold during 2005-2006 due to funding issues associated with the former New Jersey Schools Construction Corporation (NJSCC). During the latter part of 2006, Honeywell submitted a Draft Remedial Action Work Plan (RAWP) in anticipation of the site redevelopment by the NJSCC. During the summer of 2007, the NJSCC was replaced by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (NJSDA). Following receipt of NJDEP comments on the Draft RAWP, Honeywell submitted a revised RAWP during November 2007. The proposed remedial actions include removal of chromium-impacted soils to a depth of 10 feet (estimated 10,000 cubic yards), treatment of residual contamination below 10 feet, and post-remediation groundwater monitoring.

Study Area 5:

MI Holdings NJDEP Site 184 and Baldwin Steel NJDEP Site 090:
New Jersey City University (NJCU) plans this site for redevelopment. Investigation and delineation have been completed and reports have been submitted to the NJDEP. Honeywell submitted a combined Supplemental Remedial Investigation Report, Remedial Action Selection Report, and Remedial Action Work Plan during July 2007, which has been approved by the NJDEP. Remedial action design activities are currently in progress and planned to continue during 2008, with remedial action field activities estimated to begin during 2009. The proposed remedial actions include removal of chromium-impacted soils to depths up to 20 feet in a designated Residential Development Area; capping of chromium-impacted soils in a designated Commercial Development Area; installation of a perimeter permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for source and groundwater treatment; and post-remediation groundwater monitoring. Implementation of remedial actions will be coordinated with NJCU site redevelopment activities.

Route 440 Vehicle Corp. NJDEP Site 79:
Supplemental RI activities were completed by Honeywell during 2005 consisting of additional soil delineation activities. A Supplemental RI Report was submitted by Honeywell during July 2006 and is currently under review.

Former Ryerson Steel (Home Depot) NJDEP Site 117:
Periodic cap inspections are being conducted to ensure that engineering controls are in good condition. Biennial cap inspection reports were submitted by Honeywell during 2005 and 2007.

Former Morris Canal NJDEP Site 153:
A Supplemental Remedial Investigation Work Plan was submitted by Honeywell during 2005 to collect additional data for completion of RI soil and groundwater delineation. Following receipt of NJDEP comments, Honeywell transmitted a revised work plan during September 2006, which is currently under review. A portion of Site 153 abutting Sites 090/184 is also being addressed as part of the remedial actions for Sites 090/198 (NJCU Property).

Study Area 6

Study Area 6 North: Jersey City Properties (JCIA/JCIA Well Site NJDEP Sites 087/088)
Supplemental RI activities were completed by Honeywell during 2005-2006. Honeywell submitted a Supplemental RI Report during September 2006, which was approved by the NJDEP during June 2007. A combined Remedial Action Selection Report and Remedial Action Work Plan was submitted by Honeywell during November 2007 and is currently under review. The proposed remedial actions were developed in consultation with the City of Jersey City and are based on a Site redevelopment concept that encompasses all of Study Areas 6 and 7, approximately 100 acres of land between Route 440 and the Hackensack River. The proposed remedial actions include removal of chromium-impacted soils down to depths up to 20 feet in a designated Residential Development Area; capping of chromium-impacted soils in a designated Open Space Area; containment/treatment of residual groundwater impacts using permeable reactive barrier and hydraulic barrier systems; and post-remediation groundwater monitoring.

Study Area 6 South: Kellogg Street Sites (Degen Oil NJDEP Site 073, Roosevelt Bowling Lanes NJDEP Site 124, Delphic Consolidated NJDEP Site 125, Old Dominion NJDEP Site 134, ABF Trucking NJDEP Site 140, Posnack & Turkish NJDEP Site 163):
Supplemental RI activities were completed by Honeywell during 2005-2006. A Supplemental RI Report is in progress and is planned to be submitted by Honeywell during the fourth quarter of 2007.

Study Area 7 (Roosevelt Drive In NJDEP Site 115, Trader Horn NJDEP Site 120, and Clean Machine Car Wash NJDEP Site 157):
Pursuant to a Federal Court Order, Honeywell is proceeding with investigation and remediation activities at Study Area 7 (Roosevelt Drive In – NJDEP Site 115, Trader Horn – NJDEP Site 120, and Clean Machine Car Wash – NJDEP Site 157). A 100% Design was completed for remediation of the Chromium Ore Processing Residue (COPR) on site. Per the Court-ordered decision, a subsurface hydraulic barrier wall was constructed around the perimeter of the site to isolate the site ground water from the neighboring properties and the Hackensack River. A dewatering and groundwater treatment system was constructed and site excavation activities commenced during the Spring of 2006. The excavation activities consist of removal of COPR and chromium-impacted soils to depths of 15-20 feet throughout the entire 34-acres site, estimated at approximately 1.20 million tons. Excavated material is being transported to off-site Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) and the excavation areas are being backfilled with clean fill. The remedial actions are anticipated to be complete by early 2010.

The Court Order also requires investigation and remediation of sediment and groundwater in the vicinity of Study Area 7. Honeywell has completed investigations of the nature and extent of deep overburden and bedrock groundwater plumes and their potential discharge to the Hackensack River. In addition, a sediment investigation program to delineate total chromium contamination above 370 mg/kg in the River was completed.

Honeywell submitted a Deep Overburden Groundwater Remedial Alternatives Report during 2006, which recommended implementation of a groundwater pump/treat system to capture the deep overburden groundwater contamination (before it reaches the river) for conveyance to the on-site wastewater treatment facility. The recommended remedy was approved by a court order dated October 6, 2006. A Final Groundwater Investigation Report was submitted by Honeywell during February 2007. Honeywell submitted a Bedrock Groundwater Remedial Alternatives Report in 2007 which incorporates one bedrock well with the deep overburden pump/treat system. The current schedule anticipates installation of the conveyance system and pump and treat start-up by approximately September 1, 2008.

Honeywell submitted a Sediment Remedial Alternatives Analysis Report to the court in December 2006. A sediment remedy was agreed to by the Plaintiffs and Honeywell and that remedy is currently under consideration by the court.

PPG Industries, Incorporated

Group 1 - Chrome site # 156: This is a residential site with two apartment towers. CCPW fill is located betyween and along parts of the two buildings. No signs of chromate material have been observed in the walls or other building material. Contaminant delineation and other RI work is largely complete and a RAWP was submitted in July of 2006. The cleanup (excavation) was to be coordinated with construction of a parking garage between the buildings. The RAWP was under Department review but withdrawn in 9/2007 due to a sale of the property. Discussion of site plans with the new owner must be completed.

Groups 2,3,4,5 - Chrome site #s 008, 112,112A, 016 (portion), 002,003,004,005 & 066:
Chrome site #s 002, 003, 004, 005, 008, 066, 112: All these sites combined are also known as the Liberty National Development Site or Tankport Site. For the Liberty National Development Site in general: CCPW was in the tank farm berms. A soil Remedial Action, which includes institutional and engineering controls, is complete and NFA approval for soils was issued in August 2004. Ground water contaminated with oil byproducts (from previous petroleum terminal at the site) is contained by a slurry wall. Ground water within the containment area is pumped and treated. Data reportedly show that chromium is not a significant ground water issue. A ground water CEA is proposed, but not yet approved. RA Operations and Maintenance monitoring is ongoing for both soils and ground water, although the O&M plan needs NJDEP review.

Chrome site # 016: For this site, only a small portion was remediated and included in the Liberty National site. The 8/2004 NFA approval only includes the portion incorporated into Liberty National. An adjacent water way, the "Claremont Ditch" was also remediated by removing sediemnt and lining the ditch. RA Operations and Maintenance monitoring for the portion of the site in Liberty National is ongoing for both soils and ground water, although the O&M plan needs NJDEP review. The remainder of the site not included in Liberty National still needs RI/RA. A Remedial Investigation Report was submitted in 1993 and reviewed and discussed, but the work was not finalized. Shallow chromate contamination around the Levy and Son Warehouse building, an active business, is addressed with an IRM in the form of asphalt paving along a portion of one side of the building.

Chrome site # 112A: For this particular part of Liberty National, some CCPW was excavated and consolidated with CCPW from adjacent Site 112. Site 112A was then capped and surrounded with a slurry wall. Existing ground water monitoring data reportedly show no ground water concerns. RA O&M monitoring is ongoing for both soils and ground water, although the O&M plan needs NJDEP review.

Group 7 - Chrome site #114 (Garfield Avenue) : Initial phases of on-site RI work are completed and a RI report was received in March 2006. Significant soil and gorund water contamination is present. A RIWP for off-site work, including contaminant delineation where contamination extends from the site, was submitted in September 2006. This is for surrounding and adjacent properties, primarily to the southwest. These chrome sites are #s 121 (Garfield Auto Parts), 132 (Town and Country Linen Warehouse), 133 (Ross Wax), 135 (Vittarroz), 137 (Rudolph Bass), and 143 (Tallarrico Auto Parts). The RIR and RIWP are under NJDEP review but off-site RI work is underway with preliminary NJDEP comments. RA measures/treatment options are currently being evaluated and a Field Sampling Workplan was submitted in October 2006. This document is under NJDEP review. Some laboratory or bench scale soil treatability studies are currently being conducted.

An IRM work plan, primarily plans for some soil excavation in an area with some of the highest contaminant levels, was submitted in July 2006. This would remove some of the higher contaminant levels and allow evaluation of factors that would need to be considered in larger scale excavation to be evaluated. The workplan was reviewed by NJDEP in December 2006 but the proposal was withdrawn in September 2007 over air/dust control and monitoring issues.

The site is presently fenced and patrolled by guards. A portion is capped by a temporary liner (consisting of a layer of plastic and gravel for dust control) and former building foundations. There is also an IRM for storm water/ground water seepage previously impacted by chromate waste. This water is collected in sumps, containerized and shipped off-site for disposal/treatment.

Group 6 & 8 & 9- Chrome Site #s 121, 132, 133, 135, 137, 143: Site 121 is an active business with IRMs in the form of patching of an existing parking lot; Site 132 is a currently vacant building with an IRM is the form of paving (parking lot; Site 133 is a vacant warehouse with IRMs in the form of wall coverings, replacement of small portions of flooring and epoxy sealing of cracks in flooring; Site 135 is an active business; Site 137 is an active business with IRMs in the form of wall coverings, paving, soil liner and a dry well; Site 143 is an active business with an IRM in the form of a plastic liner and gravel cover. A RIWP for these sites was submitted and is under NJDEP review. PPG is presently conducting work based on preliminary NJDEP comments. The RI work (contaminant delineation) is related to the Garfield Avenue site RI work.

Group 11 - Chrome site #147(Hartz Mountain Site, Weehawken Township):The Remedial Action, which is primarily capping, is complete but a deed notice still needs to be finalized. A small portion of the site was recently purchased as part of the Port Imperial development. (Chromate Site # 191).

Group 12 - Chrome site #s 063 & 065:
#063: Baldwin Oil and Commodities - This site is a former solvents blending and distribution facility, which included a small tank farm. Buildings associated with the former solvent blending and distribution operation were demolished in 1999 and the site is presently an undeveloped lot. Some CCPW Remedial Action was conducted when the buildings were demolished. The foundations were removed and CCPW soil was excavated to the water table within the building footprint. As a further IRM, the excavation was lined with plastic and then filled with clean fill and gravel. As shown by post-excavation soil sampling, there is CCPW contamination under the liner area. Other areas also have an IRM in the form of plastic and soil cover. In addition to the CCPW, there is also some contamination from the solvent blending operation. RI work is needed.

#065: Burma Road - This is presently an undeveloped lot with and IRM in the form of plastic and soil cover. Given its location, contaminant conditions are likely similar to the Baldwin Oil site. RI work is needed.

Group 13 - Chrome site #146: This site has an IRM in the form of paving. RI work is still needed.

Chrome site # 191 - Port Imperial South: This former industrial site is being converted to residential development with some commercial establishments. RI work is mostly complete. Significant RA work is also complete, but additional RA is ongoing as development continues. RI/RA work included non-chromate areas of concern, including petroleum above and below ground tanks, spill areas and transformers which were excavated and removed. Most of the site is also on historic fill.

The chromate RA includes two cap areas, one to the north and one to the south. The area to the north includes two separate areas, one under the "Brownstones at Port Imperial" and one under a parking lot. Work at the Brownstones is largely complete, although some deed notice issues must be finalized. A RAWP proposing excavation and off-site treatment/disposal was submitted in May 2007 for the parking lot area. A park was constructed above the area to the south. As part of the park construction, some CCPW was excavated in the winter and spring of 2006. The remaining CCPW was capped.

Droyer's Point (Site #119)

The Droyer's Point site is a 300+-townhouse development. K. Hovnanian has completed construction of the townhouses and received a soils-only NFA in January 2006.

July 2, 1993 Allied Signal Directive Sites and Orphan Sites Groups 1 & 2

The Preliminary Site Characterization (PSC) soil investigations have been completed at all twenty-three (23) sites in the Allied Directive group. These sites are numbered 007, 015, 019, 067, 068, 069, 070, 091, 092, 093, 094, 097, 098, 099, 100, 101, 130, 165, 172, 175, 178, 183 and 185. All of the PSC analytical data from these investigations have been validated. The results and recommendations will be presented in the PSC Remedial Investigation (RI) reports. Monitor wells have been installed at sites 007, 015, 019, 068, 070, 091, 092, 093, 094, 099, 100, 101, 130, 165, 172, 175, 183 and 185. All building inspections have been completed (19 sites). PSC surface water and sediment sampling has been completed at sites 015, 068, 091 and 165. Initial PSC soil sampling has been completed at all twenty-three (23) sites under the Allied Directive category. PSC Remedial Investigation Reports have been completed for sites numbered 015,067,091, 094, 165,172,175,178,183 & 185. The Final Site Characterization (FSC) proposal was received from the contractor during May 2002.

NJDEP is undertaking a Remedial Investigation, Remedial Alternatives Evaluation (RAE) and a Design to support an IRM for what is collectively referred to as the "Gateway Sites" that includes Chrome site #s 68,69,70,71 and 130. As part of the RAE an innovative technology Pilot Study is underway to determine the viability of on-site treatment.

Removal actions were initiated at three sites: Site 175 (Morris Canal No. 2); Site 165 (Tempesta); and, Site 15 (Liberty State Park).
#15 - NJDEP conducted an IRM addressing source removal of hexavalent chrome contaminated soils and removed 28,000 tons of material for off-site disposal. Subsequent restoration activities included construction of a 3-acre open-water pond and a 4-acre "wet meadow" with installation of indigenous vegetation. No detectable hexavalent chrome was present in post-removal ground water sampling. Removal and construction activities are at 95% completion with the remaining activities to be performed in the spring. Operations and Maintenance will then be turned over to the Park.

#165 - NJDEP conducted an IRM addressing source removal of hexavalent chrome-contaminated soils and removed 6,800 tons of material for off-site disposal. Post excavation site samples indicate the hexavalent chromium source has been removed. No detectable hexavalent chromate was present in post removal ground water sampling. Future action to address ground water and non- chromate contamination may be undertaken to determine final site status.

#175 - NJDEP conducted an IRM addressing source hexavalen chrome contaminated soils. No actionable levels of hexavalent chrome were detected. Future action may be undertaken to determine final site status.

The Orphan 1 group of sites consists of fourteen chromium sites. Preliminary and Final Site Characterization investigations were conducted at all Orphan 1 sites except for site 139. The following is a status of each of the ten sites.

Site 017 (Exxon Station): Confirmed hexavalent chromium along curb and underneath pavement. NJDEP extended sampling across street during FSC and found nothing. No further sampling is needed. Final FSC Report completed October 2004. Department of Transportation (DOT) has notified NJDEP that this site will be included in DOT's road improvement project for the Route 1&9 corridor. Currently DOT and DEP have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines how DOT should handle contaminants at DEP known contaminated sites.

Site 020 (NJ Turnpike Property): Hexavalent chromium confirmed throughout site. Exceedances of ground water quality standards for total chromium found. Installation and sampling of additional upgradient monitor wells will be conducted early 2006. Final FSC report delayed until additional ground water data is evaluated.

Site 021 (NJ Turnpike Property): Contains visible surface chromate slag with no confirmed hexavalent/total chromium hits. Final PSC Report issued in June 2001.

Site 077 (Eighth Street): Hexavalent chromium found underneath commercial building during PSC. FSC fieldwork to further delineate site contamination completed during summer of 2002. Final FSC Report was completed in January 2004.

Site 086 (Nicholas Trucking): NJDEP conducted an IRM addressing source removal of hexavalent chrome contaminated source soils and removed 3,200 tons of material for off-site disposal. Post excavation site samples indicate hexavalent chrome has been removed. Ground water analysis and future action to address ground water and non-chromate contamination may be undertaken to determine final site status.

Site 138 (Bayonne Sewage Treatment Plant): Only one hit of hexavalent chromium found at 10-15 ft. during the PSC. NJDEP agreed to do no further sampling since the chromium exceedances were marginally above the NRDSCC and located along a subsurface sewer line.

Site 139 (IMTT): Large active chemical storage facility. NJDEP conducted in-house surface sampling effort confirming widespread chromium contamination during November 2001.

Site 150 (Coastal Oil): PSC fieldwork completed during Summer of 2002. Hexavalent chromium was found along oil pipeline gallery. Widespread free phase oil product was discovered during PSC soil boring work. This situation was reported to NJDEP’s Hotline for case assignment. Final FSC Report was issued in September 2003. No further action anticipated at this site except for recommendations that a deed notice be placed on this site.

Site 152 (Kenrich Petrochemicals): PSC fieldwork conducted during the Spring of 2002. No hexavalent chromium discovered. Widespread free phase oil product discovered during the soil boring work. The situation was reported to NJDEP’s Hotline for case assignment. Final PSC was issued in February 2003.

Site 162 (Conrail Spur): Final PSC Report issued August 2000. No hexavalent chromium found.

Site 174 (Collins Park): Only one hexavalent chromium hit discovered at approximately 5-7 ft. depth. NJDEP conducted additional FSC work during the Summer of 2002 and confirmed that hexavalent chromium is limited to one location. Final FSC Report issued in October 2003. This location is currently under an impermeable liner and asphalt.

Site 177 (Bayonne Municipal Lot): PSC fieldwork during the Summer of 2002 did not find any hexavalent chromium contamination onsite. High levels of petroleum hydrocarbon were detected in two soil borings. This was reported to NJDEP's Hotline for case assignment. A FSC Report was issued in September 2003.

Site 180 (Eastern Oil): Hexavalent chromium found along Jersey City sewer line. FSC fieldwork during Spring/Summer of 2002 confirmed that hexavalent chromium contamination is limited to immediate area around sewer line. Draft RI report submitted May 2005.

Site 186 (JM Towing): PSC fieldwork discovered hexavalent chromium found underneath IRM liner and under hardtop. FSC fieldwork completed during Spring of 2002 confirmed that the hexavalent chromium is limited to the area underneath the IRM. The Final FSC Report was issued in November 2003.

The Orphan 2 group of sites consists of fifteen sites. The phase 2 field investigations for Sites 192, and 206 were completed during January 2004. The draft RI reports were received in June 2004 and are currently being reviewed by NJDEP.

General Chromium Site Status

Below is the Chromite Ore Processing Residue Sites Status table, which summarizes the phase of all known chromium sites, sorted by responsible party. A copy of the updated Chrome Sites list is attached.

Chromate Chemical Production Waste Sites Status
November 2007

1. Sites Cleaned-Up with "Entire Site - No Further Action (NFA-E) Determinations" (37 Residential and 35 Non-Residential). Approximately 39% of all confirmed Hudson County Chromium Sites have been investigated and cleaned-up.
2. Chromium Site #119 received a Soil only NFA, but Ground Water must still be addressed.
3. Chromium Site #117 received a Soil only NFA, but Ground Water must still be addressed and possibly reevaluate the soil remedy.

Additional Sources of Information:

Additional information regarding chromium can be found at the following web sites or by calling Mindy Mumford, NJDEP Site Remediation Program's Office of Community Relations, at (609) 777-1976 or (800) 253-5647.

• https://www.nj.gov/dep/srp/siteinfo/chrome/
• https://www.nj.gov/dep/dsr/chromium/

To report an environmental incident impacting NJ, call the Toll-Free 24-Hour Hotline
1-877-WARNDEP / 1-877-927-6337

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