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Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Cycle Chem Incorporated in Elizabeth, New Jersey

On this page:

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

Cleanup Status

A site-wide investigation is being conducted to determine the extent of on-site soil contamination and CCI's contribution to current groundwater impacts. A RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI) Work Plan was approved on August 29, 2017 and a RFI Report will be submitted in early 2019. Vapor Intrusion/Indoor Air (VI/IA) Quality evaluation was performed in March 2016.  A 7003 Order on Consent to investigate and clean up the site is being public noticed, and a public meeting will be held on December 6, 2018.

The EPA 7003 Order requires investigation and delineation of soil and groundwater contamination, propose remedy alternatives and remedy selection for EPA approval. The Order also allows interim remedial measures. The land use and groundwater use at the site and surrounding area will be restricted where contamination exceeds residential standards.


Site Description

The facility recovers spent solvents and treats both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes in containers and tanks. The site comprises two acres in an industrial and commercial area, and within one mile of residences. It’s less than 200 feet from the Elizabeth River. CCI purchased the property in 1985 from the Perk Chemicals Company. CCI accepts commercially generated, as well as, on-site generated hazardous waste for storage, treatment and transfer.


Contaminants at this Facility

Primary contaminants are volatile organic chemicals in groundwater, including benzene, trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. The soil and groundwater contamination are due to current and past activities in the storage tank area and former underground storage tanks. Three above-ground tanks (which were used to store chlorinated solvents) were emptied of residual waste, then decontaminated and removed by the Perk Company. In addition, it’s probable that groundwater contamination may also be migrating from upgradient sources.


Site Responsibility at this Facility

RCRA Program, EPA Region 2.