Update Regarding Chromium
           Ground Water Contamination in
           Garfield
Community Notice
June 2009

QUESTIONS? Please Contact
Community Involvement
Coordinator
Melissa Dimas
212-637-3677
dimas. melissa(5)epa. gov
On-Scene Coordinator:
Joseph Cosentino
732-906-6983
cosentino.joseph(5)epa.gov
Visit EPA's Web site at:
www. epa. gov/region02/superfund


In the fall of 2008, EPA began its investigation of potential
chromium contaminated groundwater in the City of Garfield.
Initial surveys of homes and businesses were done to determine
which had basements, water infiltration problems or sump
pumps so that samples could be taken. Samples were collected
between February and March of 2009. In total, 158 properties
were tested, generating over 3000 data points.
At this time, all data has been received from the laboratories
and validated. The processing of all data (maps, photographs,
analytical) into an electronic format and entry into the database
designed for this project will be completed in the end of June.
EPA will now conduct a risk assessment to determine if the site
presents a significant human health risk and/or meets the crite-
ria for a removal action under the Comprehensive Environ-
mental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA).
Upon completion of this evaluation, and once the risk is deter-
mined, the owners of all properties will be notified of the ana-
lytical results from samples collected on their property and the
associated risk. After the risk assessment is complete and resi-
dents have been notified of their results, EPA will hold a public
information session to discuss the general findings and next
steps. The date of this meeting is to be determined.
HISTORY/BACKGROUND INFO:
Historically in Garfield, industrial facilities were located in
close proximity to residential areas. These facilities included a
tannery and chemical plant, and two electroplating companies.
Some of these facilities used chromium in their processes, and
it is suspected the ground water in the surrounding areas has
become contaminated with chromium.
www.epa.gov/region02/superfund/removal/garfield

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