The De Rewal Chemical Co. site sits on about eight acres in Kingwood Township, New Jersey, along the Delaware River. The site operated as a chemical storage facility from 1970 to 1973, handling metals, acid solutions, and fertilizer-related compounds. Chemical spills in 1973, including an acidic chromium solution release, contaminated on-site soil and groundwater. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in September 1984.
EPA identified 21 hazardous substances at the site. These include metals such as arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc. Chlorinated solvents found there include 1,1,1-trichloroethane, dichloromethane, and trans-1,2-dichloroethene. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo(b)fluoranthene, fluoranthene, and pyrene are also present. These contaminants were found in both soil and groundwater.
Cleanup work began in September 1990 and moved through several phases. Between July 1997 and July 1998, EPA excavated and removed roughly 60,000 tons of contaminated soil. A groundwater remediation system was built between July and September 2003. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has since taken over operation and maintenance. NJDEP suspended operation of the groundwater treatment system because current contaminant levels do not require continued treatment. Groundwater monitoring continues about once per year. Cleanup also recovered around 3,000 American Indian artifacts, now on display at the Kingwood Township Municipal Building.
EPA's 2022 five-year review found the remedy protective of human health and the environment. Human exposure is under control, and contaminated groundwater migration is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. The site achieved sitewide ready for anticipated use status in May 2017, meaning all cleanup goals for current and future land uses have been met and required land-use controls are in place. A conservation easement established in January 2002 restricts activities that could conflict with open-space use, and NJDEP purchased part of the site in November 2002 to preserve it. The community now uses the area for passive recreation such as dog walking, bird watching, and bike riding along the Delaware River Greenway.
Community members with questions can contact the Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager. Site records are available at the Hunterdon County Library in Raritan Township, New Jersey, and at EPA's regional office at 290 Broadway, 18th floor, New York City. The next five-year review is estimated between February and April 2027.
