OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEYCornell-Dubilier Electronics, Inc
Superfund Site Restoration Efforts
The Cornell-Dubilier Site is a 26-acre industrial facility where the site and adjacent areas were contaminated as a result of releases of hazardous substances at and from the facility, located in South Plainfield, Middlesex County, New Jersey. Cornell-Dubilier Electronics, Inc. (CDE) manufactured electronic parts and components, including capacitors, from 1936 to 1962. CDE allegedly released and buried materials contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which contaminated Site soils; groundwater in the aquifer beneath the Site; soils and groundwater of nearby residential and commercial properties; and the surface water, soils, and sediments of an unnamed tributary to the Bound Brook, the Bound Brook, and adjacent wetlands.
About $27 million in natural resource damage monies have been recovered from the responsible parties to pursue environmental restoration projects listed in the August 2021 Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment in the Raritan watershed, where the injuries took place. NJDEP’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration, the Department of Interior acting through U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and on behalf of the Department of Commerce acting through the North Atlantic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are co-Trustees and partner to oversee projects that restore injured habitats, reconnect the public to the natural resources that the Raritan watershed provides, and facilitate public outreach and education.
Active Projects
Nunn’s Mill Dam Removal
This restoration project involves the removal of the dam with the appropriate relocation, restoration, stabilization, and revegetation of the stream and impoundment area, which will improve water quality, fish passage, and reduce stream temperatures for cold water trout species.
Pond Removal on Tributary to Rockaway Creek
This project includes the removal of a small farm pond and the restoration of the stream corridor and associated riparian zone, which will restore the surrounding floodplain and improve water quality in the upper reaches of the Rockaway Creek.
North Branch Raritan River Corridor Riparian Buffer Restoration
This restoration project will reestablish riparian buffers on publicly-owned open space properties along the North Branch Raritan River corridor, providing stream bank stabilization, decreased intensity of flood events, and improved habitat for sensitive wildlife species.
East Brunswick Swamp Pink Restoration
The enhanced protection of the federally endangered swamp pink involves the installation of a deer exclusion fence and long-term monitoring of the success of this sensitive area.
Trash Trap Installation in the Lower Raritan River Watershed
This unique stream enhancement project is the first of its kind in New Jersey, involving the placement of a floatable litter collection device that will remove plastics and other trash debris from a tributary to the Raritan River.
Rutgers Ecological Preserve Accessible Trail
This recreational enhancement project will improve 0.4-miles of existing trails at the Rutgers Ecological Preserve, allowing for ADA accessibility, and will include the installation of educational signage.
Links
For more information, please visit the following websites: