Kenmark Textile Corp. ran a silk and textile dyeing, printing, and screening operation in East Farmingdale, New York, dating back to at least 1917. The facility discharged treated wastewater into on-site leaching pits and outdoor concrete-lined drying beds. Sampling from 1974 to 1984 found hexavalent chromium, copper, iron, lead, silver, and phenols in those pits at levels that exceeded New York State groundwater discharge standards, contaminating the groundwater beneath the 5-acre site.
EPA added the site to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) in June 1986. Early cleanup work removed more than 50 drums of hydroxide sludge and other contaminated surface materials. A remedial investigation and feasibility study ran from 1987 to 1990 under state oversight. EPA then led a combined follow-up study from 1991 to 1994. In March 1994, EPA concluded the site did not pose a risk to human health or the environment and chose "no action" as the final remedy. Construction activities wrapped up in 1994, and EPA deleted the site from the NPL in May 1995.
Today, all cleanup goals have been met. Human exposure is under control, meaning no unacceptable pathways exist for people to contact contamination. Groundwater migration is also under control, with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. No sampling or monitoring is currently being conducted, and institutional controls were not deemed necessary. Zoning restrictions do remain in place to prevent residential development and limit exposure to any remaining contamination.
The site has returned to active use. Five light industrial businesses now operate there. As of December 2024, those businesses employed 173 people and generated an estimated $22.3 million in annual sales revenue. The site reached readiness for anticipated reuse by 2006.
Community members with questions can contact the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager. Documents, including the 1994 Record of Decision, can be reviewed in person at the EPA Superfund Records Center at 290 Broadway, 18th floor, New York, NY 10007, reachable at (212) 637-4308.
