UNIVERSAL OIL PRODUCTS (CHEMICAL DIVISION)

As of May 2026, the Universal Oil Products Superfund site is considered “Current Human Exposure Not Under Control” (HENC). Residents and recreational anglers are known or reasonably anticipated to be exposed by eating fish and crabs caught from Berry’s Creek and Ackermans Creek. Fish tissue collected from these waters contains elevated mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued fish and shellfish consumption advisories for these waters based on contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury.

Currently, the planned activities to address this pathway include implementing the 2019 interim remedy for Operable Unit 2 (OU2) to remove PCB‑ and mercury‑contaminated sediments and marsh soils from the waterways. EPA completed the remedial design for this work in September 2025 which includes the technical and engineering specifications for the cleanup of the site. Construction of the remedy is anticipated to start in 2027. EPA and partners will maintain fish consumption advisory signage and evaluate additional studies to address remaining contamination in the marshes once the interim remedy is completed. If additional actions are needed based on post‑remedy data, EPA will select and implement those actions through the Superfund process.

In addition, EPA has completed multiple source‑control actions that reduce contaminant loading to surface waters: PCB/polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)‑contaminated soils were addressed by thermal desorption and off‑site disposal; portions of volatile organic compound (VOC)‑contaminated soils were treated using soil vapor extraction; lead‑contaminated soils were excavated and placed under an on‑site cap; and groundwater was treated using an on‑site system (operated October 1997–November 1998). Field studies to evaluate wetland and creek areas were completed in 2019. Fish consumption advisory signs are posted in the area by NJDEP.

If you may be affected, you can reduce your exposure by not eating fish or crabs from Berry’s Creek or Ackermans Creek, practicing catch‑and‑release, and following posted signs and NJDEP advisories. For assistance, contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Maya Greally via the site webpage or at 212-637-3588 or [email protected].

EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by September 2051 because the OU2 interim remedy will be fully implemented, any additional marsh studies and follow‑on actions will be completed as needed, institutional controls and advisories will be maintained, and long‑term monitoring is expected to demonstrate progress towards risk‑based cleanup goals by that time, culminating in the Final Closeout Report (FCOR), as reflected in the Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS).