EPA Superfund Site

WATSON JOHNSON LANDFILL

PA | EPA ID PAD980706824

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of May, 2024, the Watson Johnson Landfill Superfund Site (Site) is considered “Insufficient Data to make a Human Exposure evaluation” (HEID) because of a newly identified exposure pathway and/or contaminant(s). The Site was previously categorized as "Human Health Protection Achieved and Protective Remedy In-Place" (HEPR). A per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) groundwater plume that extends towards residential communities and impacting some residential wells has been identified. In these communities, several homes have detected concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) above Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and/or Federal MCLs for drinking water.

EPA uses this Human Exposure status when there is a lack of evidence to suggest that actual or reasonably anticipated human exposures are occurring and that those exposures are above acceptable risk-based levels. The planned activities to collect sufficient information to evaluate this new exposure pathway and/or contaminants(s) are underway. Residential well sampling for PFAS is ongoing. Continued sampling will be performed to confirm or deny impacts above the EPA and/or PADEP PFAS MCLs. A PFAS remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) will be performed. The investigation will include groundwater, surface water, sediment, and residental sampling. EPA currently anticipates that there will be sufficient data to make a Human Exposure evaluation by 4/1/2026 because the RI/FS is anticipated to be completed by then.

In addition, PADEP has provided bottled water delivery (on an as needed basis) to a home impacted above the PADEP MCLs since August 2023. Other homes will be resampled in summer 2024, and plans are in motion to provide bottled water if results indicate MCL exceedances.