Pomona Oaks Residential Wells sits in Galloway Township, New Jersey. It was added to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) in June 1986 after residents reported foul-tasting drinking water in 1982. Testing confirmed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the water supply. EPA conducted an initial removal action between March and July 1985, and the site has since completed the full cleanup process. It was deleted from the NPL in May 1998.
Groundwater was the affected medium. Nine contaminants were identified as posing unacceptable risk. These include chlorinated solvents such as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1-dichloroethane, trichloroethene, and chloroform. Benzene, toluene, barium, and 2-butanone (also called methyl ethyl ketone) were also found in groundwater within the area designated as Operable Unit 01 (OU01).
EPA and the State of New Jersey took several steps to protect residents. Bottled water was distributed while the public water system was extended to the community. By 1985, all homes were connected to the public supply and existing private wells were sealed. The State of New Jersey then constructed a new municipal well, which went into service in August 1989. EPA studied groundwater contamination from 1986 to 1990. A Record of Decision for OU01 was issued in September 1990, selecting no further active remediation because contamination had fallen below cleanup thresholds. Construction of the remedial action was formally completed in September 1992. Groundwater sampling in February 1992 found no significant contamination above maximum contaminant levels.
The site is fully cleaned up. Human exposure is under control, with no unacceptable exposure pathways identified. Groundwater migration is stabilized, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. All cleanup goals for current and anticipated future land uses have been met, and all required land-use controls are in place. EPA continues to monitor the site to confirm that affected groundwater stays within the original contamination area.
Community members who want to learn more or stay involved can contact EPA directly. Site documents are available at the Atlantic County Public Library's Galloway Township Branch at 30 West Jimmie Leeds Road in Pomona, and at the Galloway Township Municipal Building at 300 East Jimmie Leeds Road in Pomona. Records are also held at EPA's Superfund Records Center in New York.
