EPA Removes Lipari Landfill from Superfund List and Celebrates the Revitalization of Alcyon Lake

EPA Removes Lipari Landfill from Superfund List and Celebrates the Revitalization of Alcyon Lake

October 1, 2024

"The transformation of the Lipari Landfill site showcases the immensely positive impact the Superfund program can have in communities," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "For decades, the Lipari Landfill has been a household name in South Jersey, looming over the community of Pitman. Today, this once contaminated area is now a thriving community asset, setting a benchmark for other projects nationwide."

"The story of the Lipari Landfill and its cleanup is so intertwined with the story of Superfund, which is why it's so gratifying to be here to close the door on a long, difficult, but ultimately successful journey," said Rick Kessler, Senior Advisor in EPA's Office of Land and Emergency Management that oversees the Superfund cleanup program. "Today, we open a new door on a promising tomorrow for both this community and the Superfund program."

"New Jerseyans in Mantua Township and the Borough of Pitman can finally breathe easy today knowing work to address dangerous levels of pollution at the Lipari Landfill is now successfully complete," said U.S. Senator George Helmy. "I am very proud of what the Environmental Protection Agency and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection have been able to accomplish; removing decades-worth of toxic industrial chemicals from the surrounding areas and waterways. I am confident we can look back at this moment to ensure something like this never happens again. I applaud EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia, NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, and local leaders for their efforts in seeing this massive undertaking through to the end to keep New Jerseyans safe."

"Today marks an important day for all of New Jersey as we celebrate removing the Lipari Landfill Superfund site from the EPA's National Priorities List," said U.S. Representative Donald Norcross. "After decades of hard work to clean up this contaminated site, we can now say that we've delivered on our commitment to protect the health and safety of families in our community. It's a monumental achievement and testament to what can be done when we make Superfund clean-ups a priority."

"I applaud the EPA for their commitment to helping us build a cleaner and safer Garden State," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. "The decades-long transformation of the contaminated Lipari Landfill and Alcyon Lake has revitalized critical community recreation spaces and will provide a boost to the local economy. By restoring this Superfund site, we are taking another important step forward to ensure the well-being of our residents and advance our mission of making New Jersey the best state to live and raise a family."

"It is with the deepest sense of pride and accomplishment that we stand here today to celebrate the deletion of what was once considered the nation's most hazardous toxic waste site from the Superfund list," said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. "More than 40 years ago, New Jersey's legacy of toxic waste dumping helped spur the creation of Superfund. At the time, the DEP emerged as a national leader in taking aggressive actions to clean up toxic waste sites like the Lipari Landfill. Today, the DEP and EPA remain steadfast in our resolve to clean up legacy industrial pollution across the state. Together, we thank and congratulate local leaders and the public for their dedication and hard work that have led to this historic milestone for the Lipari Landfill."

The Lipari Landfill, once one of the nation's most contaminated sites, has undergone extensive cleanup efforts over nearly four decades. From 1958 to 1971, the landfill accepted household waste, chemical waste and industrial materials. Contaminants seeped into nearby aquifers and marshlands, impacting local water bodies and leading to the closure of Alcyon Lake for recreational use.

To clean up the site, EPA installed a system to contain contaminants, treated groundwater and removed harmful vapors from the soil. These actions have successfully contained and treated pollutants, ensuring the protection of people's health and allowing for the eventual redevelopment of most of the areas impacted by the legacy contamination, transforming them into valuable community assets.

The revitalized Alcyon Lake and surrounding parks now offer a range of recreational activities, including baseball, soccer, walking trails, fishing and boating. These improvements have provided significant economic and health benefits to the local community. The parks generate $101,000 annually in direct use value. The area supports minor league professional athletics and offers amenities such as disc golf, playgrounds and picnic facilities.

The Superfund program is responsible for cleaning up some of the nation's most contaminated land. Removal from the National Priorities List signifies that the site no longer poses a significant risk to human health or the environment, marking a successful conclusion to decades of cleanup efforts.

Learn more about the positive impacts of the Lipari Landfill cleanup by reading the Economic Case Study.

Visit the Lipari Landfill Superfund site profile pagefor more information and site documents.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Xand visit our Facebookpage. For more information about EPA Region 2, visit our website.

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