LCP Chemicals Inc.

Overview

LCP Chemicals Inc. is a 26-acre former chlorine production facility in Linden, New Jersey. The plant operated from 1972 to 1985, and mercury-contaminated sludge was discharged to lagoons during that time. Documented releases into South Branch Creek happened in 1972, 1974, and 1979. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in July 1998 and issued a final cleanup plan in February 2014.

The site contains over 100 contaminants across soil, groundwater, and sediment. Mercury is the primary concern, but the site also holds arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and many other metals. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, trichloroethene, and vinyl chloride are present in groundwater and soil. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans have also been found. Contamination potentially affects the Arthur Kill, a waterway used for recreational boating and fishing. Eating contaminated fish, shellfish, crabs, or other marine organisms, or accidentally ingesting site soils and sediments, may pose health risks.

Cleanup is organized under one operable unit (OU 01) covering the entire property. The remedy includes capping contaminated soil, converting visible mercury to mercuric sulfide or containing it under the cap, demolishing remaining buildings, removing highly contaminated sediment from nearby streams, and extracting and treating contaminated groundwater. Phase One finished in August 2022 and involved demolishing structures and consolidating contaminated material under a temporary cap. Over 665 metric tons of material was recycled during that phase. Phase Two began in fall 2024. Construction across the full site is estimated to be completed between March and May 2027.

Human exposure is currently under control, meaning assessments show no unacceptable exposure pathways across the site. However, groundwater migration is not yet under control. The site remains fenced with controlled access, and future use will be restricted to commercial activity only. Deed restrictions will prevent disturbance of the containment remedy. A five-year review is estimated for January to March 2027.

Community members can stay informed through fact sheets available in English, Spanish, Polish, and Haitian Creole. EPA issued a Community Involvement Plan in March 2026 to guide ongoing outreach. Residents can contact the Community Involvement Coordinator. Site documents are available at the Linden Public Library or the EPA office at 290 Broadway, 18th floor, New York.