EPA Superfund Site

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS/HILLIARDS CREEK

NJ | EPA ID NJD980417976

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, there is insufficient information to determine the site-wide Human Exposure Control status at the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site. The Site consists of contaminated soil, surface water, sediment and groundwater at the former Sherwin-Williams Paint Manufacturing Plant and downgradient lakes and creeks. Selection of the soil remedies for Operable Unit 1 (OU1) and Operable Unit 2 (OU2) and surface water and sediment for Operable Unit 4 (OU4) have been documented in Records of Decision (RODs). OU1 Remedial Action (RA) has been completed. OU2 has been split into multiple phases with the first two phases in RA and the remaining five phases in Remedial Design (RD). OU4 is in RD. Previous sampling at the Site indicated that free-phase product containing benzene, ethylbenzene and xylene is located at the Site. In addition, metals such as arsenic and lead have been found in the sediments of Hilliards Creek, Silver Lake, Bridgewood Lake and Kirkwood Lake. The Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for groundwater is being conducted and the potential exposure pathways are not yet identified; therefore, there is insufficient data to determine the status of the site.

EPA currently anticipates that there will be sufficient data to make a Human Exposure evaluation by September 2025, when the final risk assessment is complete and the final remedy selected.

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.