GARFIELD, N.J. — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has demolished the E.C. Electroplating building at the Garfield Ground Water Contamination Superfund site in Garfield, N.J., according to a press release.
Areas underneath the building, located at 125 Clark Street, are contaminated with hexavalent chromium that is reaching the basements of some area residences and businesses through the groundwater, stated the release.
[Related content: EPA to demolish building in N.J. contaminated with hexavalent chromium]
The EPA continues to assess and, if needed, clean up nearby basements. The demolition of the building will allow the EPA to remove contaminated soil that is a likely source of chromium contamination in the groundwater, noted the release.
Hexavalent chromium is extremely toxic, may cause cancer and nervous system damage.
Prior to the demolition of the structure, the EPA met with community members and local officials to keep them informed, coordinate activities and ensure public safety.
[Related content: No evidence of increased cancer from chromium contaminated groundwater]
“The EPA has safely taken down the former E.C. Electroplating building, an important step in the agency’s work to protect the health of the Garfield community,” said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. “Our next step is to assess the best way to address the chromium contaminated soil that is underneath the structure.”
Read the entire press release here.
