Site work completed at Pioneer Smelting

EPA has removed 24,000 tons of contaminated soil and debris from the Pioneer Smelting site in Chatsworth, New Jersey. Although no groundwater contamination was detected, concentrations of lead in the surface soil were between 67 ppm and 18,200 ppm. Cleanup activities began in July 2003 and included the dismantling, decontamination and disposal of several buildings and structures as well as the excavation and treatment of lead-contaminated soil. Cleanup efforts also included recycling 340 tons of scrap metal and removing 300 feet of asbestos containing material.

The facility was built in 1939 by the New Jersey Zinc Company, which conducted zinc smelting and metal reclamation activities at the site. Several entities owned the facility prior to its purchase by the Pioneer Smelting Company in 1973. The facility was used by several lessees for various recycling and metal recovery operations until it was abandoned in 1996.