EPA to clear former Sherwin-Williams plant site in New Jersey

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a plan to clean up contaminated soil from homes on the Sherwin-Williams and Hilliards Creek Superfund site in Gibbsboro and Voorhees, New Jersey.

What used to be a paint manufacturing plant is on the site, which also encompasses the Hilliards Creek that feeds into Kirkwood Lake. The clean-up will effect about 33 residential properties. Soil will be dug up and taken to facilities that are licensed to handle the waste.

A public meeting with EPA representatives is set for June 11 at 7 p.m. at the Gibbsboro Senior Center, 250 Haddonfield-Berlin Road. Public comments will be accepted until July 2.

Lead, arsenic and volatile organic compounds have contaminated the soil and groundwater under the former paint manufacturing plant. Additionally, the sediment in and around Hilliards Creek has become contaminated with lead and arsenic.

“Lead is a toxic metal that can cause damage to a child’s ability to learn and a range of other health problems,” EPA regional administrator Judith Enck said. “It is imperative that the contamination on residential properties is addressed to protect people’s health.”