EPA Superfund Site

LOWER HACKENSACK RIVER

NJ | EPA ID NJN000201845

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, the Lower Hackensack River site is considered Human Exposure Not Under Control because of on-going ingestion of fish and shellfish caught from the lower Hackensack River. The Lower Hackensack River is under fish and shellfish consumption advisories, issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) based on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), dioxin and/or mercury contamination. A Remedial Investigation/Focused Feasibility Study (RI/FFS) is currently underway to identify source sediments in the Turning Basin that would be addressed through an early action. Once the RI/FFS is completed, a remedy will be selected to control sources in this area. Other opportunities for early actions to address source sediments are being evaluated. Once all early actions are complete, an RI/FS for the entire site will be planned. In the meanwhile, planned activities to address the pathway include working with the state to ensure fish consumption advisory signs are posted.

EPA currently anticipates that human exposure will be under control by September 2053, 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.