The Malta Rocket Fuel Area is a 165-acre former U.S. government rocket engine and fuel testing station in Malta and Stillwater, New York. It operated from 1945 to 1984. EPA added it to the Superfund National Priorities List in 1987 after operations left groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds, primarily trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride, and soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls. In total, EPA identified 75 contaminants of concern spread across soil, sediment, groundwater, and surface water. These include heavy metals such as chromium, mercury, and lead, chlorinated solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides including DDT, and the PCB mixture Aroclor 1260.
Cleanup began with a full investigation from 1991 to 1994 that removed buried drums, gas cylinders, and other debris. EPA selected a remedy in 1996 calling for air stripping of the water supply, natural attenuation of groundwater, soil excavation, and institutional controls restricting groundwater use and limiting land to industrial purposes. Contaminated soil was excavated and hauled off-site in 1998. The air stripper ran until 2010, when the site connected to the county water supply. Between 2011 and 2016, more buried drums and metal cylinders were found and removed during construction of the Luther Forest Technology Campus. In 2018, EPA updated the cleanup plan to require vapor intrusion investigations and mitigation for any buildings on or within 200 feet of the former test station property.
Physical cleanup construction is now complete. Groundwater and surface water monitoring continues until cleanup levels are met. EPA performance measures confirm that human exposure is under control and groundwater migration is stabilized with no unacceptable discharge to surface water. Nearby homes and businesses use public water supplies, so the risk of exposure to contaminated groundwater is minimal. EPA completed its most recent five-year review in February 2024, confirming that cleanup actions remain protective of human health and the environment. The next review is due by February 2029. The site achieved sitewide ready for anticipated reuse status in September 2024 but has not yet been deleted from the National Priorities List.
Redevelopment is active at the site. In 2004, the Luther Forest Technology Campus Economic Development Corporation purchased more than 1,400 acres that included the site. GlobalFoundries US, Incorporated completed its purchase of the entire campus property in 2023.
Community members who want to learn more or get involved can contact EPA staff directly. Documents related to the site are available at Malta Town Hall in Ballston Spa, the Round Lake Library Malta Branch, and the EPA Superfund Records Center in New York City. All documents are also accessible online through EPA's Superfund website.
