RADIATION
TECHNOLOGY
EPA ID# NJD047684451
NEW JERSEY
Site Description
Radiation Technology, Inc. (RTI) is a 263-acre site located close to Lake Denmark in Rockaway
Township, New Jersey. Prior to 1972, activities at the site included the testing and development of
rocket engines and propellants. Since 1972, operations on the site have included radiation
sterilization, production of architectural products, and production and finishing of hardwood flooring.
Beginning in 1980, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the
Rockaway Township Health Department conducted numerous inspections of the site. These
inspections revealed that the company improperly stored and disposed of waste drums containing
solvents and other organic chemicals. In 1981, the Rockaway Township Health Department sampled
two RTI water supply wells. Results indicated that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) had
contaminated the ground water supplying these wells. They subsequently were condemned by the
New Jersey Department of Health and the NJDEP and were closed. The area is dependent upon
ground water for drinking supplies. The surrounding area is generally residential and light industrial.
The site is immediately northeast of the U.S. Army Picatinny Arsenal facility, which also is on the
National Priorities List
Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through
Federal and potentially responsible
parties' actions.
NPL LISTING HISTORY
Proposed Date: 09/01/83
Final Date: 09/01/84
Threats and Contaminants
Ground water has been contaminated with VOCs including benzene, carbon tetrachloride,
and trichloroethylene (TCE). Lake Denmark and its aquatic life may be threatened from
ground and surface water contamination. Potential health risks may exist for individuals
who drink contaminated ground water.
Cleanup Approach
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MARCH 2002

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The site is being addressed in a short-term removal phase and a long-term remedial phase focusing on
cleanup of the remaining contamination at the site. Further soil and sediment sampling will be
conducted to determine the extent of the remaining contamination and choose a final remedy.
Response Action Status 	
r*\. Entire Site: In May 1993, RTI completed the short-term removal phase of the project,
Ny which included the removal of sumps, tanks, drums, and some contaminated soil, under a
Memorandum of Agreement with NJDEP. In 1993, the State completed a remedial
investigation and feasibility study and issued a proposed plan for the long-term remedial phase of the
project which includes the cleanup of ground water contamination. The State issued a Record of
Decision (ROD) on May 9, 1994, selecting a remedy for the site. The remedy included restoration of
contaminated ground water to the more stringent of Federal and New Jersey Safe Drinking Water
Standards and New Jersey Ground Water Quality Standards through a combination of extraction and
treatment and natural attenuation.
Site Facts: On July 6, 1983, the NJDEP and RTI signed a judicial Consent Order, which required
RTI to install ground water monitoring wells and collect samples for VOC analyses to determine the
source of the contamination. On March 12,1987, RTI entered into an Administrative Order on
Consent (ACO) with the NJDEP and agreed to pay the cost of an investigation into the nature and
extent of contamination at the site. On December 12, 1992, RTI signed a second ACO with NJDEP,
agreeing to perform the cleanup activities at the site. In May 1993 RTI removed abandoned tanks
and drums under NJDEP supervision. On May 9, 1994, NJDEP issued a ROD, selecting ground
water extraction and treatment as the remedy for the most contaminated portion of the site. On
October 22, 1997, RTI submitted a work plan for the remedial design work, but the work was not
performed because RTI lacked funds. In January 2001, EPA took the lead on the site at New Jersey's
request. In 2002, EPA will initiate negotiations with other PRPs to have them perform the remedial
design and remed
ial action.
Cleanup Progress
Contaminated soil, drums, tanks, and sumps have been removed from the site. However, additional
soil testing is necessary to confirm that all such contamination has been removed. RTI was required
to perform the remedial design and remedial action under a 1992 consent order with the State of New
Jersey. However, RTI ceased work in 1999 due to financial difficulties. EPA is pursuing other
PRPs.
MARCH 2002
2
RADIATION TECHNOLOGY, INC.

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