EPA Superfund Site

NAVAL WEAPONS STATION EARLE (SITE A)

NJ | EPA ID NJ0170022172

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, there is insufficient information to determine the site-wide human exposure status at the Naval Weapons Station Earle (NWS Earle) (Site A) site in Colts Neck, New Jersey. NWS Earle was commissioned in 1943, and its primary mission is to supply ammunition to the naval fleet. The site is in Monmouth County, New Jersey and the station consists of two areas, the 10,248-acre main base (Mainside Area), located inland, and the 706-acre Waterfront Area. The surrounding area includes agricultural land, vacant land, and low-density housing. An estimated 2,500 people either work or live at the NWS Earle station. Potential hazardous substance releases at NWS Earle were addressed in several assessment studies in 1982, 1986, and 1993. NWS Earle was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been found beyond the base boundary impacting private wells, and mitigation measures have been implemented. However, the full extent is unknown at this time, but remedial investigations are ongoing. Once completed, a site-wide human exposure determination can be made.

EPA currently anticipates that there will be sufficient data to make a human exposure evaluation by 2026 when the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) is complete, and the Record of Decision is signed.

EPA ensures community participation throughout the remedial process by participating in routine quarterly Restoration Advisory Board meetings with residents and affected stakeholders, issuing public notices and updating fact sheets. A site profile has been established on the EPA website to keep the community informed of recent progress at the site. Additionally, an EPA Community Involvement Coordinator is assigned to the site and can address specific community concerns as they arise.