Since the original work plan was drafted by Waste Management, the EPA has insisted that all drums in Mound B be removed regardless if they are intact or leaking.

However, the proposed plan states that, drums that do not meet the definition of an intact drum, and any empty intact drums, will be left in place along with other debris and refuse.

An intact drum is defined as a drum with no rips, holes, or tears, and having at least 75% of its original holding capacity. The scary fact is that Waste Management believes that "following this approach, the objective of removing materials that may pose a potential imminent threat to ground water quality will be achieved."

 I may not be an expert in the science of Superfund clean up, but this plan makes no sense. Waste Management is only going to clean up the intact drums of hazardous materials, and leave the leaking drums on site. And they think this will solve the contamination problem? This is unacceptable.

In conjunction with the Edison Wetlands Association, I believe that the Work Plan must be amended to include the removal and disposal of all drums, regardless of whether they meet the definition of an intact drum or not. 
 
EPA has stated that they would insist Waste Management removal all the drums and if they didn't that the EPA could take over the cleanup.

Waste Management will begin it's clean up in a matter of weeks. It is clear to me that their clean up proposal is not sufficient nor does it call for the removal of all drums. I therefore have formally requested that the EPA take over the clean up immediately. We cannot risk the health and safety of the public or the environment.

I applaud Mayor Spadora and the Edison Town Council's initiative to open up the waterfront for passive recreation, but cannot support any activities on this area unless a comprehensive and complete cleanup is conducted.  

We cannot afford to have hazardous substances remaining once this site is made available for public use. 

Picture dozens of New Jersey families walking along the nature trail with literally dozens of leaking drums of contaminated waste underfoot. This is not how I envision the successful clean up of a Superfund site. We can do better and we must.