EPA Targets Groundwater Contamination in Cleanup Plan at Former Sherwin-Williams Plant in Gibbsboro, NJ
Gibbsboro, N.J. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a cleanup plan to address groundwater contamination at the Former Manufacturing Plant property, part of the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site in Gibbsboro, Camden County, New Jersey. The proposed plan focuses on contaminated groundwater beneath the former paint manufacturing facility, marking the next step in EPA’s effort to clean up the site and protect public health.
“We are already addressing much of the source of the contamination in this groundwater and this plan moves us one step closer to a full cleanup,” said Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “Cleaning up sites like this provides great health and economic benefits to communities and Superfund cleanups are at the core of EPA’s work to provide clean air, land and water for everyone.”
The plan includes injecting safe organic materials and nutrients into the ground to support the growth of naturally occurring bacteria, which help break down harmful chemicals in the groundwater over time. While treatment is ongoing, EPA will work with New Jersey to restrict the use of the groundwater to prevent exposure and will conduct regular testing to track progress and ensure the water is improving over time.
This cleanup plan builds on a 2020 cleanup plan that focused on contaminated soil and contamination sources above the water table. That work, now underway, includes removing contaminated soil and recovering liquid chemicals trapped underground. It’s expected to significantly reduce the amount of contamination reaching the groundwater, further helping this proposed cleanup.
EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed plan for 30 days, beginning July 27, 2025 and ending August 26, 2025.
EPA encourages residents to review the plan and share their feedback. The public may submit written comments to Brian Montroy, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 290 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007 or by email to Montroy.Brian@epa.gov.
EPA will also hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Gibbsboro Senior Center at 772 Pole Hill Park Drive, Gibbsboro NJ 08026 to provide an overview of the cleanup proposal and answer community questions.
Visit the Sherwin-Williams/Hilliards Creek Superfund Site profile page for additional background and site documents.
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