On this page:

• Cleanup Status
• Site Description
• Contaminants at this Facility
• Site Responsibility

Cleanup Status

Chevron has excavated some of the contaminated soils from the site and sent them off-site for proper disposal. They are continuing their investigation of the on- and off-site contamination. They installed a system in 1994 to pump the contaminated groundwater and to treat it. However, its operation was suspended in December 1999 for upgrade work following a control system failure. The system has not yet been placed back on line. Chevron continues to investigate groundwater contamination on- and off-site. Other treatment options are currently being evaluated.

After Chevron completes its investigation of the contaminated on- and off-site soils, they will be addressed, as appropriate. Remedial measures will be considered based on the results of investigation. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) can impose a deed notice that restricts future uses of the property to only light industrial uses in order to protect people from any residual contamination.

Groundwater is currently being monitored on a semi-annual basis and it has been determined that contaminants seem to be contained within the site with no significant off-site migration.  After Chevron completes its investigation of the contaminated groundwater, NJDEP will take steps to restrict the use of the groundwater as long as it remains contaminated, so that it cannot be used as drinking water. 

Site Description

The Chevron Chemical Co. occupies approximately 19 acres in an industrial area of South Plainfield, New Jersey. The facility is bordered on the east by Conrail Property (railroad) and the Hummel Chemical Co.; on the south by a tributary of Bound Brook and a marsh area; and on the west by Metuchen Road.

The Chevron Chemical Co. began operating at this property in 1952 for the formulation and packaging of agricultural chemical products. The formulation and packaging operations ceased in 1985, but distribution warehousing continued until 1990.

Contaminants at this Facility

Soils in several areas at the facility were contaminated with organic compounds (such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene), pesticides and metals. Soils at properties near the Chevron site and groundwater are also contaminated with these chemicals.

Site Responsibility at this Facility

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action activities at this facility have been conducted under the direction of EPA Region 2.