On this page:

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

Cleanup Status

The site was evaluated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in 1983 for potential sources of contamination in the soil and groundwater. Based on its findings, all liquids, sludges and 2.5 feet of soil from the lagoon bottom were removed by the facility under NJDEP oversight and final closure was certified in February 2000. Additional sources of contamination from areas that were inactive since the early 1980s, including a staging area and two fuel oil storage tank areas, were removed. The entire facility has been paved and by requirement of a deed notice, the NJDEP has restricted the use of the property to prevent human contact with any remaining contamination in the soil.

Testing at the site has found that the groundwater flowing toward Federated Metals has been contaminated -- and continues to be contaminated -- by off-site sources. It is therefore difficult to determine how much of the contamination found on-site was caused by Federated Metals. However, contaminants are believed to be degrading naturally and being diluted. The use of the contaminated groundwater has been restricted and groundwater monitoring will continue.

The site groundwater will be monitored indefinitely to assure that migration of a contaminated groundwater does not result in a threat to human health and the environment.

Site Description

Federated Metals Corporation is located at 150 Saint Charles Street in Newark, New Jersey. The site operated on a 13.2-acre in the Ironbound section of Newark and began operations in 1943 as the American Smelting and Refining Corporation/Federated Metal Division. The facility manufactured metal alloys used in radiator manufacturing, including alloys of brass, copper, lead, tin, aluminum, zinc, and other white metals. Other products manufactured include magnesium, aluminum, and zinc cathode protection anodes used on steel structures. 

The company ceased operations in 1984. The surrounding area is a mix of residential and industrial properties. Most part of the site contains older buildings in disrepair. A lagoon that had managed hazardous waste was closed and covered as a landfill under the oversight of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and EPA. That area is currently being used as a parking lot.

Contaminants at this Facility

The former lagoon area, located along the northeastern property line, measured approximately 110 feet by 45 feet, with an average depth of 9 feet. The lagoon was unlined and received waste sludge from an air pollution control device and stormwater runoff from adjacent paved areas. There are concentrations of cadmium and lead above New Jersey residential and nonresidential standards in samples taken from the lagoon bottom. Groundwater contaminants include arsenic, cadmium, lead, zinc, selenium and fluoride. 

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.