EPA Superfund Site

WELSBACH & GENERAL GAS MANTLE (CAMDEN RADIATION)

NJ | EPA ID NJD986620995

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, the Welsbach and General Gas Mantle Superfund Site is considered "Human Exposure Not Under Control" because the cleanup of radiologically contaminated soil in residential neighborhoods is ongoing. EPA and the State have reduced the short-term risks at the Site from gamma radiation by installing shielding on some of the site properties, removing surface contamination from three residential properties and a public park, and demolishing the former General Gas Mantle building in Camden. EPA is continuing the cleanup to address longer-term risks and has completed the cleanup of the Gloucester City Swim Club and the surrounding residential properties, a recreational complex that includes ball fields, a large open area in Gloucester City that is now the location of a new middle school, and the former General Gas Mantle facility in Camden. EPA has also completed its cleanup on about 176 residential properties in Camden and Gloucester City by removing the radiological contamination from these properties. What remains to be cleaned up are additional residential properties and the Former Welsbach Facility which represent over half of the total contamination at the site.

EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by September 2036, when the last Remedial Action (RA) for Operable Unit 1 (OU1) is completed. However, in accordance with the January 2025 Record of Decision (ROD) Amendment, contamination will remain at depth and underneath permanent structures until they are demolished by the property owner and EPA can then conduct remedial investigations and remediation as necessary. There will be institutional and engineering controls for contamination left in place above applicable cleanup criteria, but the effective end date is unknown in regard to remediation under permanent structures.

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. An EPA Community Involvement Coordinator is assigned to the site and can address specific community concerns as they arise. In addition, a field office has been established in the community. It serves as a meeting place and resource center where concerned citizens can meet with EPA representatives to voice their concerns.