EPA Superfund site
NAVAL WEAPONS STATION EARLE (SITE A)
Exposure status: insufficient data
Data limitations: Proximity to a Superfund site boundary does not mean your property is contaminated. EPA site boundaries show the area designated for cleanup, not the full extent of contamination. Groundwater plumes can extend beyond site boundaries. This tool shows publicly available EPA federal data. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPA, and is not a substitute for a professional environmental assessment.
About this site's exposure pathways
As of May 2026, the Naval Weapons Station Earle (NWS Earle) (Site A) Superfund site is considered “Insufficient Data to make a Human Exposure evaluation” (HEID). This status does not necessarily mean that unacceptable exposures are occurring. Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in groundwater beyond the base boundary and have affected some private wells. Mitigation measures are in place to reduce exposure where wells are affected; however, the full extent of PFAS in groundwater and the potential for current or reasonably anticipated exposures are not yet fully characterized. Additional data are also needed to evaluate other media and pathways as appropriate (e.g., soil, surface water, sediment, and indoor air). Although base security and land use controls restrict access on the active installation, available information is still insufficient to determine sitewide human exposure status across all areas and pathways.
EPA uses this Human Exposure status when data are insufficient to determine if exposures are occurring above acceptable levels. Planned activities to collect sufficient information include completing the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS); delineating the groundwater plume on and off base; installing additional monitoring wells where needed; and collecting soil, surface water, sediment, as applicable. EPA and the Navy will evaluate the new data through Human Health Risk Assessments (HHRA) to support the Human Exposure determination. EPA currently anticipates there will be sufficient data to make a Human Exposure determination by November 2029 because the RI/FS will be completed and the Record of Decision (ROD) will be signed by that time.
If you live or work near the site, you can reduce your exposure by using municipal water where available or testing private wells before use, following any local or state drinking water advisories, and allowing access for sampling if requested. For more information, contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Shereen Kandil via the site webpage or at (212) 637-4333 or [email protected]. EPA issues public notices and updated fact sheets keeps the site profile on EPA’s website up to date.