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.