Syncon Resins

Overview

Syncon Resins is a 15-acre former industrial facility in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey, where a company once reprocessed resins bought from other manufacturers. The site sits on a narrow peninsula between the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers. It was proposed for the National Priorities List (NPL) on December 30, 1982, and officially listed on September 8, 1983. The NPL is EPA's roster of contaminated sites that need long-term cleanup attention. The site has not yet been deleted from the list.

EPA identified 51 chemical contaminants of concern across the property. Heavy metals include arsenic, lead, chromium, cadmium, and mercury. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) include benzene, toluene, and trichloroethene. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other industrial chemicals are also present. Groundwater holds the widest range, with 26 substances detected. Soil contains 23 contaminants, and buildings on site have 11. Several contaminants, including arsenic, benzene, and lead, appear in both soil and groundwater.

Cleanup has moved through two main operable units. Operable Unit 1 addressed sitewide groundwater using extraction wells, air stripping, carbon adsorption, and surface water discharge to the Passaic River. That work began in 1989 and construction finished in October 1993. Operable Unit 2 addressed soil contamination. An original cleanup plan was issued in September 2000, then updated in September 2010 to focus on excavating and draining contaminated soil and removing buried debris. One source states construction for Operable Unit 2 was completed in October 2018, while another states it was completed in September 2019. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) now operates and maintains the groundwater treatment plant. EPA assessments indicate human exposure to hazardous materials is currently under control, with no unacceptable exposure pathways identified. Groundwater migration is stabilized, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. The site is not yet ready for all anticipated uses, as not all cleanup goals and land-use controls have been fully implemented.

EPA has completed five five-year reviews, most recently in September 2021, and has also completed a sixth five-year review. The next review is estimated between September and November 2026. The site is estimated to reach sitewide readiness for anticipated reuse between September and November 2027.

Community members who want to stay involved can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager directly. EPA's Community Involvement Program also offers additional ways for residents to participate in cleanup decisions and oversight.