The C & J Disposal Leasing Co. Dump sits near Routes 12B and 46 in the Hamilton, New York area. In March 1976, unauthorized dumping of paint sludges and industrial waste left roughly 100 drums of liquid waste buried in a trench on the property. EPA added the site to the National Priorities List (NPL) in March 1989 after recognizing it as a high-priority cleanup location.
Ten contaminants of concern were identified in the soil, all within Operable Unit 01. They include benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 4-methylphenol, and four phthalate compounds: bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, di-n-octyl phthalate, and dibutyl phthalate. Sampling of private wells near the site in 1986 and 1988 did not detect contamination in groundwater.
Cleanup happened in two stages. Early actions stabilized contaminated soil stockpiles and improved site security with fences and gates. After a remedial investigation running from 1988 to 1991, EPA issued a Record of Decision in March 1991. That decision called for excavating and removing 2,400 cubic feet of contaminated soil and debris to an approved offsite disposal facility. Workers completed the excavation in 1993, then backfilled and revegetated the trench. Quarterly monitoring of on-site and residential wells for one year after cleanup found no contaminant migration.
EPA deleted the site from the NPL in 1994, confirming that cleanup standards were met. Human exposure is under control, with no unacceptable exposure pathways identified. Groundwater migration is also under control, with contaminated groundwater stabilized and no unacceptable discharge to surface water. The site achieved Sitewide Ready for Anticipated Use status in June 2006, meaning all cleanup goals for current and reasonably anticipated future land uses have been met. EPA continues monitoring to confirm that affected groundwater stays within the original contamination area.
Community members with questions can contact EPA's Community Involvement Coordinator or Remedial Project Manager. EPA's Superfund Redevelopment Program also provides resources for communities interested in returning the site to productive use. Site documents are available for in-person review at EPA's Superfund Records Center at 290 Broadway, 18th floor, New York, New York.
