Emmell's Septic Landfill

Overview

Emmell's Septic Landfill accepted septic sludge, sewage sludge, paint wastes, gas cylinders, and construction debris from 1967 through 1979 on a 38-acre property in Galloway Township, New Jersey. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in July 1999. Cleanup is still underway, and the site has not yet reached construction completion.

Contaminants found in groundwater include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethene, benzene, toluene, and vinyl chloride, along with chlorinated solvents, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, pesticides, and the gasoline additive methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are present in soil. Groundwater is the primary drinking water source for residents and farms within four miles of the site, and about 100 residents live within half a mile.

EPA has taken several steps to protect nearby residents. From 1999 to 2000, crews excavated 438 drums, 11 gas cylinders, and about 28,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil. In 2003, EPA connected 36 homes to a public water supply. Deeper wells tapping a clean aquifer were installed for additional homes in 2008, 2010, and 2018. A groundwater extraction and treatment system started in September 2010 and has treated over 1.332 billion gallons of water. Excavation of roughly 35,000 tons of PCB-contaminated soil finished in 2012. A community water supply at a local resort was replaced in 2022.

EPA assessments show that human exposure is currently under control, meaning no unacceptable exposure pathways exist at this time. Contaminated groundwater migration is also stabilized, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. However, cleanup construction is not complete. As of September 2024, EPA is designing additional measures for residual soil contamination, and a further remedial action for the site's final operable unit is estimated to begin between March and May 2027. A September 2024 amendment to the cleanup plan added in-situ solidification, stabilization, and chemical oxidation to the remediation approach. Zoning restrictions and a groundwater classification exception area established by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection limit land use near the site.

Community members with questions can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or the Remedial Project Manager. Site records are available at the U.S. EPA Records Center in New York and at the Atlantic County Library's Galloway Township Branch at 306 East Jimmie Leeds Road.