EPA Superfund Site

WAPPINGER CREEK

NY | EPA ID NYN000201758

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of January 2025, there is insufficient information to determine the site-wide human exposure control status at the Wappinger Creek site. The Wappinger Creek site in Wappinger Falls, New York, is the location of contaminated sediments for which the sources of contamination have not been definitively identified. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) collected surface water and sediment samples from this tidally influenced creek and from Wappinger Lake upstream. The analytical results for the samples indicated that creek sediments are contaminated with several inorganic constituents and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) at concentrations above NYSDEC screening values.

In May of 2021, EPA initiated field work for the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study to further define the nature and extent of contamination at the site. Once the study is complete, EPA can determine the best cleanup method for the site. The potential exposure pathways are not yet identified. It is anticipated that the Remedial Investigation/Focused Feasibility Study and ROD will be completed for the site in late 2025 or 2026 and will result in the selection of an interim remedy. Evaluation of the interim remedy and additional investigations will need to take place before a final risk assessment and remedy are selected for the site. However, it is anticipated that upon selection of the interim remedy, a site-wide determination that the Superfund Site is considered Human Exposure Not Under Control will be made as there is potential human exposure through fish ingestion. The entire site is included in a specific fish consumption advisory for sensitive populations for the section of the Hudson River in Dutchess County issued by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).

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. 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.