GARFIELD GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION

As of May 2026, the Garfield Groundwater Contamination Superfund site is considered “Insufficient Data to make a Human Exposure evaluation” (HEID). This status does not necessarily mean that unacceptable exposures are occurring. Hexavalent chromium has been detected at elevated levels in groundwater. Contaminated groundwater has infiltrated some basements, leaving hexavalent chromium precipitate on floors and walls. EPA inspected basements above the chromium groundwater plume, took response actions where measurements exceeded action levels, and continues to monitor and address basements as needed. Based on current monitoring and controls, exposures from this basement pathway are not expected; however, available information is still insufficient to determine whether actual or reasonably anticipated human exposures are occurring above acceptable risk-based levels across all pathways and media.

EPA uses this Human Exposure status when data are insufficient to determine if exposures are occurring above acceptable levels. Planned activities to collect sufficient information include completing the remedial investigation activities to characterize the nature and extent of contamination in the deep bedrock aquifer; installing and sampling monitoring wells to define plume extent and migration; and preparing a human health risk assessment (HHRA) to evaluate potential exposure pathways such as private well use. In 2016, EPA selected a remedy for the contaminated overburden aquifer, and that remedy is under construction. A remedy for the deep aquifer remains to be selected; EPA will complete the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) and use the results to support remedy selection.

EPA currently anticipates there will be sufficient data to make a Human Exposure determination by September 2034 because the deep aquifer RI/FS and HHRA will be completed and the Record of Decision (ROD) for the deep aquifer will be signed by that time.

If you live or work near the site, you can reduce your exposure by avoiding contact with any visible residue in basements, following instructions provided by EPA during inspections, and allowing access for monitoring. Use municipal water where available or test private wells before use. For more information contact the EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Olivia Cappo via the site webpage or at (212) 637-3532 or [email protected]. EPA will continue to meet with residents and stakeholders, issue public notices and fact sheets, and keep the site profile on EPA’s website up to date.