EPA Superfund site
WAPPINGER CREEK
Human exposure is NOT currently under control
Data limitations: Proximity to a Superfund site boundary does not mean your property is contaminated. EPA site boundaries show the area designated for cleanup, not the full extent of contamination. Groundwater plumes can extend beyond site boundaries. This tool shows publicly available EPA federal data. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by EPA, and is not a substitute for a professional environmental assessment.
About this site's exposure pathways
As of May 2026, the Wappinger Creek Superfund site is classified as Current Human Exposure Not Under Control (HENC), meaning some exposure routes exist today that could pose unacceptable risk. The site includes contaminated sediments within a 2 mile section of Wappinger Creek in Wappingers Falls, N.Y. This reach is tidally influenced, flows from Wappinger Lake, and connects to the Hudson River. A New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) fish consumption advisory for sensitive populations applies in this Hudson River area of Dutchess County. HENC is driven primarily by ingestion of locally caught fish from Wappinger Creek. Sensitive populations include people who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and children.
EPA’s investigation shows that fish in the creek contain elevated mercury (including methylmercury) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Sediment has the highest contamination and contains mercury/methylmercury, lead, arsenic, chromium, cyanide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, including benzo(a)pyrene), and PCBs. Lower levels of contamination are present in surface water, groundwater, and soil. This exposure scenario is unacceptable based on EPA risk based criteria because recent, validated sampling indicates fish tissue mercury and PCB concentrations above risk based cleanup goals and NYSDOH advisory thresholds, and sediments exceed screening levels in the 2 mile creek reach.
EPA will complete the RI/FS (site characterization and evaluation of cleanup options), issue a Proposed Plan, select a remedy in a Record of Decision (ROD), and carry out remedial design and remedial action (RD/RA). EPA will continue long term monitoring of fish tissue, sediment, and water; maintain and update institutional controls such as NYSDOH advisories and posted signage; and conduct targeted outreach to anglers and nearby residents.
If you live or recreate near the site, you can reduce your exposure by following NYSDOH fish consumption advisories, practicing catch and release where advised, and following posted signs or local advisories. For more information, contact 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 updated fact sheets, and keep the site profile on EPA’s website up to date.
EPA currently anticipates achieving Human Exposure Under Control by September 2060, contingent upon completing the selected remedial actions, fully implementing and maintaining institutional controls and advisories, and long term monitoring that demonstrates fish tissue concentrations meet risk based cleanup goals. This milestone would culminate in the Final Closeout Report (FCOR) and be reflected in the Superfund Enterprise Management System (SEMS).