New Jersey facility no longer a threat to environmental health

A former New Jersey facility is no longer a threat to environmental health following a court order, a bomb squad and months of around-the-clock work by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Abrachem Chemical facility in Clifton, New Jersey, had been storing over 1,600 abandoned, mislabelled and mishandled drums containing hazardous chemicals that posed serious risks to the surrounding community and the environment, but it is now completely cleaned up.

Acting regional administrator George Pavlou - who manages a staff of approximately 900 from a variety of professions - said that the site was particularly unpleasant when the EPA first arrived.


"It reeked of caustic chemicals and solvents, some of which were leaking from rusted drums," he stated.

Mr Pavlou added that the agency was able to get the job done by working closely with the helpful local and state authorities, despite the difficult nature of handling drums filled with unknown chemicals.

Written by Lauren Steadman