The M&T Delisa Landfill operated as a municipal waste disposal site from 1945 to 1975, covering 132 acres in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In 1976, Seaview Square Mall was built on roughly 25 to 30 acres of the former landfill. The mall's construction included excavating refuse and placing the building on clean fill. The parking lot sits on refuse and has methane vents and leachate collection systems. About 2,300 people live within a mile of the site, and 34 private wells within 3 miles serve around 120 people for drinking water. Deal Lake, less than a mile away, is used for fishing and recreation.
EPA identified 34 contaminants of concern at the site. These were found in air, groundwater, surface water, and sediment. Volatile organic compounds detected in air include benzene, chloroform, toluene, trichloroethene, and xylene. Metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium were found in groundwater, sediment, and surface water. A 1983 test also found a methane plume about 1 to 3 feet below ground outside the mall.
After the site was added to the National Priorities List (NPL) in September 1983, EPA conducted a remedial investigation starting in March 1988. That study determined the site was not a source of significant hazardous substance concentrations. EPA selected a "No Action" remedy for the site's primary cleanup area in September 1990, meaning no further remedial measures were required. EPA then transferred oversight to state authorities under solid waste disposal regulations and deleted the site from the NPL on March 6, 1991.
Human exposure at the site is under control. Physical construction of any cleanup work is complete, and the site has achieved "Sitewide Ready for Anticipated Use" status. This means all cleanup goals tied to current and reasonably anticipated future land uses have been met and required land-use controls are in place. As of December 2024, 31 businesses operate on the site, employing 852 people and generating an estimated $147.7 million in annual sales revenue.
Community members with questions can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator. For technical questions, contact the Remedial Project Manager. Site records are available at the EPA's Superfund Records Center at 290 Broadway, 18th floor, in New York City, or at the Neptune Township Library in Neptune, New Jersey.
