EPA Superfund Site

UNIVERSAL OIL PRODUCTS (CHEMICAL DIVISION)

NJ | EPA ID NJD002005106

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, the Universal Oil Products Superfund Site is considered Human Exposure Not Under Control because of continued potential for ingestion of fish and crabs from Berry's Creek and Ackerman's Creek. Fish tissue collected from these water bodies has been found to contain elevated levels of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Remedial actions that address the contaminated soils and a portion of the groundwater have been completed. PCB/polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contaminated soil has been addressed through a combination of thermal desorption and offsite disposal. A portion of the volatile organic compound (VOC) contaminated soils has been treated using soil vapor extraction. Lead-contaminated soils have been excavated and placed under the on-site cap. Groundwater was remediated by an on-site treatment system which operated from October 1997 through November 1998. Field studies to evaluate the wetland/creek areas were completed in 2019. Fish consumption advisory signs are posted in the area. An interim remedy to address contaminated sediments in the waterways of Operable Unit 2 (OU2) was selected in 2019, and the design of this interim remedy began in 2020, with estimated completion in 2025. This interim remedy will remove sediments and marsh soils contaminated with PCBs and mercury. Studies to address contamination in the marshes will be conducted once the interim remedy is completed. Fish consumption advisory signs are posted in the area.

EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by September 2049, when clean up goals are met, and the Final Closeout Report (FCOR) is complete.

EPA ensures community participation throughout the remedial process by meeting 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.