The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officially proposed a $39.4 million clean up the Wolff-Alport Chemical Company Superfund site on Irving Avenue in Ridgewood.
According to EPA, a study of the site revealed that several buildings as well as soil and sewers were contaminated with radioactive materials from past industrial activities. While there is no immediate threat to nearby residents because of the agency’s past actions, the comprehensive plan addresses potential long-term risks through a combination of response actions, including permanent relocation of commercial businesses, demolishing contaminated buildings, excavating contaminated soil, and cleaning/replacing contaminated sewers.
“The EPA has used the Superfund program to successfully address shorter term risks posed by the radiation at this site, and this proposed plan moves us closer to a permanent fix that will protect those who live and work in the area over the long term,” said Catherine McCabe, the EPA’s acting regional administrator. “While we recognize that relocation will be a stress on these businesses, we are weighing that against the long-term risks from radiation, which include an increased risk of cancer. EPA believes that this proposal offers the best course of action.”
The proposal calls for permanent relocation of five commercial businesses, demolition of all contaminated buildings on site, cleaning/replacing the contaminated sewers and excavation, removal and off-site disposal of an estimated 24,300 cubic yards of contaminated soil, sediment and debris.