WELSBACH & GENERAL GAS MANTLE (CAMDEN RADIATION)

As of May 2026, the Welsbach and General Gas Mantle Superfund site is considered “Human Exposure Not Under Control” (HENC) because the investigation and cleanup of radiologically contaminated soil and/or building materials in residential neighborhoods within Gloucester City and Camden is ongoing. EPA and the state installed shielding on selected properties, removed contamination from three residential properties and a public park, and demolished the former General Gas Mantle building to reduce short‑term risks. EPA has also completed cleanup at the Gloucester City Swim Club and surrounding residential properties, a recreational complex with ball fields, a large open area now occupied by a new middle school, and the former General Gas Mantle facility. EPA has also removed contamination from approximately 180 residential properties in Camden and Gloucester City however, additional residential and nonresidential properties and the Former Welsbach Facility remain to be addressed.

Currently, the planned activities to address this pathway include continuing excavation and restoration of impacted properties; completing remedial action at the Former Welsbach Facility; and implementing institutional and engineering controls for areas where contamination will remain at depth or beneath permanent structures. In accordance with the January 2025 Record of Decision (ROD) Amendment, contamination that remains under permanent structures within the vicinity of the Former Welsbach Facility will be managed with institutional and engineering controls until such structures are demolished by property owners, at which time EPA will investigate and remediate as necessary.

If you receive notice that your property may be affected, you can reduce your exposure by allowing EPA access for sampling and potential cleanup. In the interim, limit activities that may disturb soil such as gardening or digging. For assistance, contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Natalie Loney via the site webpage or at (212) 637-3639 or [email protected].

EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by September 2042 because the final Operable Unit 6 (OU6) remedial action for remaining properties will be completed, institutional and engineering controls for contamination left in place will be fully implemented and effective, and verification surveys will confirm that cleanup goals have been achieved for accessible areas, as reflected in the Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS). Contamination beneath permanent structures on the Welsbach Facility will be managed through long‑term controls until those structures are removed and any necessary investigation and remediation can occur.