Cornell Dubilier Electronics

South Plainfield, New Jersey

Site Description

During its years of operation at the site (1936 to 1962), Cornell Dubilier
Electronics, Inc. manufactured electronic parts and components, including
capacitors. It is reported that transformer oils were tested for an unknown period
of time during plant operations. During its operations, the manufacturer likely
dumped polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminated materials and other
hazardous substances directly onto site soils. The site is currently known as
Hamilton Industrial Park and through the years numerous companies have
operated at the site as tenants.

An investigation conducted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (NJDEP) in the area of the site during 1988-1991 revealed significant
ground water contamination consisting of mainly trichloroethene and
tetrachloroethene (TCE). Due to widespread contamination, all residential wells
in the area were reportedly closed and residences were hooked up to a water
main providing potable water from another location.

Current Site Status and Cleanup Actions to Date

•	In 1997, the property owner implemented an interim cleanup to limit
access to the areas of known PCB contamination, limit the surface
water run-off of contaminants to Bound Brook, and pave the parking
surfaces and driveways.

•	In 1998, EPA cleaned the interiors of nearby homes contaminated with
PCB dust from the site.

•	A subsequent action cleaned up the contaminated soil around 18
nearby residential properties.

•	The cleanup of the industrial park is proceeding. All 13 business
tenants have been relocated from the site. EPA has demolished and
removed 12 of the 18 buildings on site. Excavation and off-site disposal
of the capacitor disposal area has begun.

•	EPA is currently studying the full nature and extent of ground water and
sediment contamination in Bound Brook.

•	EPA initiated new construction work associated with the capacitor
disposal area and the continuation of building demolition.

Current Funding Status

•	In Fiscal Year 2007, EPA obligated approximately $13.6 million for new
construction work associated with the capacitor disposal area and the
continuation of building demolition.

•	To date, EPA has obligated approximately $26.7 million for construction
activities at the site.

For more information on this site, please read the Cornell Dubilier

Electronics Fact Sheet on the Region 2 Superfund Web site.

Key

Accomplishments

•	EPA and the
potentially responsible
parties (PRPs) have
removed

approximately 1,997
cubic yards of
contaminated soil from
residential properties.

•	All 13 business
tenants have been
relocated from the site.
EPA has demolished
and removed 12 of the
18 buildings on the
site.

•	Eighteen residential
properties have been
cleaned up.


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