Steel drum reconditioning companies operated at the Martin Aaron, Inc. site in Camden, New Jersey for about 30 years before closing in 1998. The drum recycling process left soil and groundwater contaminated with arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), benzo[a]pyrene, and vinyl chloride. EPA placed the site on the National Priorities List in 1999 and completed a remedial investigation and feasibility study by September 2005, when the final cleanup plan was selected.
The cleanup focused on excavating and removing contaminated soils, capping residual contamination, and restricting future land use. The Responsible Party began cleanup work in the mid-2010s, finished excavating contaminated soils in November 2018, and completed capping in December 2019. One source indicates remedial action was fully completed in August 2020. The site is now capped, fenced, and secured with locked gates. Arsenic affects both groundwater and soil across the entire site, benzo[a]pyrene is present in soil, and vinyl chloride is present in groundwater.
Human exposure at the site is currently under control. There are no unacceptable exposure pathways at this time, and groundwater is not used as a drinking water source. However, the migration of contaminated groundwater is not yet stabilized, and the Responsible Party is still investigating the extent of groundwater contamination to refine the groundwater remedy. A feasibility study for one operable unit is estimated to begin between December 2026 and February 2027, with a record of decision amendment expected by late 2028.
The site is restricted to non-residential uses through deed notices and zoning restrictions. As of December 2024, one business was operating on-site. The most recent five-year review was conducted in December 2021, with the next review expected between December 2026 and February 2027. The site is currently in the operation and maintenance phase under EPA oversight.
Community members with questions can contact the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager. Site documents are available for in-person review at the EPA Superfund Records Center, 290 Broadway, 18th floor, New York, NY 10007.
