the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, the EPA recently held its third community meeting as part of the ongoing cleanup efforts for the Hackensack River. The meeting followed earlier sessions held in Lyndhurst and Hackensack, with a fourth event scheduled for November, although the location is still to be determined. Shereen Kandil, the community involvement coordinator for the EPA, emphasized the importance of engaging all impacted communities early in the process.
“We need to learn from everybody’s lived experience, how they access the river, and what they want to know about the site,” Kandil said, underscoring the agency’s goal to make the cleanup process transparent and inclusive.
Engaging Communities in the Cleanup Process
At these workshops, attendees have the opportunity to meet the site team, learn about the cleanup stages, express concerns, and explore ways to get involved in the project. This participatory approach aims to ensure the voices of local residents are heard and considered as the Hackensack River is transformed back into a safe, natural resource.
New Jersey’s Long History of Superfund Sites
New Jersey holds the unfortunate distinction of having the most Superfund sites in the nation—115 in total—despite being the fourth-smallest state. This is largely due to the state’s industrial history, dense population, and environmental contamination legacy. The Hackensack River, which has been an industrial hub for more than two centuries, is one of the state’s most recent additions to the EPA’s National Priorities List.
A Contaminated Waterway in Need of Restoration
Decades of sewage discharge and industrial pollution have severely contaminated the Hackensack River’s sediment, particularly in the area between the Oradell Dam and Newark Bay. Pollutants found in the river include arsenic, lead, mercury, and PCBs, among others. Fishing bans and consumption restrictions remain in place for various species due to contamination levels.
Despite these challenges, the river has seen significant improvements in recent years, thanks to better sewage controls and the closure of many waterfront factories. Wildlife and recreational activities in the Meadowlands area have begun to recover, but the river’s cleanup is far from complete.
Next Steps in the Cleanup Process
The EPA is currently conducting studies to identify the pollutants and the responsible parties, with plans to create a comprehensive cleanup strategy. Early actions are already being planned, including efforts to address contamination near Kearny. Officials are also encouraging community involvement, offering residents the chance to join a community advisory group that will help guide the cleanup.
Kandil reiterated the importance of community feedback in shaping the project: “We want to make sure everybody’s voices are heard and are part of the cleanup process. We want people to come out and learn from us, and we want to learn from them.”
The EPA’s efforts mark a major step toward restoring the Hackensack River and ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for the communities along its shores.
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