EPA Superfund Site

HELEN KRAMER LANDFILL

NJ | EPA ID NJD980505366

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, there is insufficient information to determine the site-wide human exposure status at the Helen Kramer Landfill site in Mantua Twp, New Jersey. The site is a 66-acre landfill that was estimated to have received several million gallons of chemical wastes, including waste solvents and paints. In addition, over two million cubic yards of solid waste were estimated to have been disposed of at the landfill. The waste is believed to be more than 50 feet deep in most areas. The wastes disposed of included hazardous, industrial, septic, municipal, and hospital wastes.

A Record of Decision (ROD) was issued in 1985, which selected a containment remedy for the site. The selected remedy included: construction of a clay cap over the site, dewatering, excavation, and filling of the leachate ponds and lagoons, construction of an upgradient slurry wall, construction of a groundwater/leachate collection trench and collection and treatment of the groundwater/leachate from the trench, construction of an active gas collection and treatment system, implementation of surface water controls, construction of a security fence surrounding the site and work areas implementation of a monitoring program to assess the effectiveness and reliability of the remedial action (RA), and operation and maintenance (O&M), as required, to ensure the continued effectiveness of the remedy. Implementation of the remedy was completed in 1995. Under an agreement with NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), in 1997 the Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs) took over O&M of the remedy from NJDEP and continue to perform these activities.

Groundwater sampling conducted as part of O&M indicates that groundwater contamination is migrating past the landfill containment system into both the shallow and deep aquifers. It is currently unknown if shallow groundwater contamination is discharging to the Edwards Run Creek. Contaminants of Concern include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and 1,4-dioxane. A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) workplan is being developed for the deep groundwater to determine the nature and extent of the deep aquifer and groundwater contamination downgradient of the landfill. Once the RI is completed, a risk assessment will be prepared to determine the potential impact to human health and the environment.

It is anticipated that late 2027, upon completion of the risk assessments and the selection of the remedy, a sitewide human exposure determination can be made.

EPA currently ensures community participation throughout the remedial process by meeting with residents and affected stakeholders, issuing public notices and providing the public with updated fact sheets. A site profile has been established on the EPA website to keep the community informed of progress at the site. Additionally, an EPA Community Involvement Coordinator is assigned to the site and can address specific community concerns as they arise.