Community Corner

EPA Public Information meeting

The Focused Feasibility Study (FFS) for Impoundments 1 and 2 at the American Cyanamid Site is a multi-step program that is designed to identify and evaluate potential options for cleaning up the impoundments.


Based on the review of previous studies, screening for additional available technologies and laboratory testing, a field pilot study will be performed.


The pilot study will evaluate the effectiveness of the laboratory tests under actual conditions at the site. The designed pilot study provides for control and treatment of any potential discharges, including air emissions, throughout the implementation of the study. In addition, the pilot study provides contingency planning for potential flooding, severe storms, loss of power and other abnormal events. Wyeth Holding Corp., the potentially responsible party is scheduled to begin the field pilot study in November, 2013. EPA will provide oversight of all scheduled activities associated with the pilot study. To ensure that the surrounding community is kept informed of these activities, an information session is planned for Oct. 24, 2013 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Bridgewater Township Municipal Building, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater. 

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HISTORY/BACKGROUND INFO:  EPA added the American Cyanamid site in Bridgewater Township to the Superfund National Priorities List on Sept. 8, 1983 because hazardous chemicals were found in the soil and ground water. The 435-acre Superfund site has a history of industrial pollution dating back to 1915. For nearly 100 years, prior owners used the location for manufacturing chemicals and disposed of chemical sludge and other wastes on the property. The soil, ground water and waste disposal areas, called impoundments, are contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-VOCs, metals, and other harmful chemicals. In 1998, EPA deleted 140 acres of the site from the Superfund list and the property was redeveloped for commercial use (retail stores, a professional baseball stadium, and a commuter/stadium parking lot). All manufacturing ceased on the site in 1999 and the majority of the buildings were demolished by 2000. In 2009, Pfizer Inc. assumed responsibility for the American Cyanamid site as part of its purchase of the Wyeth Holding Corporation, a prior owner. A site-wide cleanup approach has been approved by EPA, but impoundments 1 and 2 were not included due to their complex nature and proximity to the Raritan River. The pilot study will provide recommendations to EPA on how to clean up these impoundments.


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