The Lower Hackensack River runs about 22 miles from south of the Oradell Dam to near Newark Bay in Bergen and Hudson Counties, New Jersey. More than 200 years of industrial activity and sewage discharges left the river heavily contaminated. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List in September 2022 and has divided it into multiple operable units to organize cleanup work.
Sampling in 2016 and 2021 found hazardous substances in river sediment well above background levels. Contaminants include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, dieldrin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Non-aqueous phase liquids have also been found in sediments. These chemicals persist in the environment and accumulate in fish and shellfish, threatening both recreational fishing areas and sensitive wetlands. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued fishing advisories for the river. Blue crabs carry a complete "do not eat or harvest" ban. American Eel and White Perch have "do not eat" advisories. White Catfish and Striped Bass advisories recommend only limited consumption.
In October 2024, EPA reached a settlement agreement with five responsible parties, Beazer East, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Morton International LLC, Occidental Chemical Corporation, and Public Service Electric and Gas Company, to investigate contamination in Operable Unit 2, which covers river miles 2 to 5.5 near Kearny and Jersey City. A combined remedial investigation and feasibility study is underway for the full site, with results expected between September and November 2028. Remedial investigations for the Overpeck Creek area and another operable unit are scheduled to begin in 2026 and 2027. Physical construction of remediation has not yet started. EPA is also evaluating early cleanup actions in high-risk areas to address ongoing sources of contamination before a final remedy is chosen.
Human exposure is assessed as under control based on available information. EPA held four community workshops in 2024 in Lyndhurst, Teaneck, Ridgefield Park, and Secaucus to discuss the site and cleanup decisions. Residents can contact the EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager to ask questions or learn how to participate in the cleanup process.
