EPA Finalizes Groundwater Cleanup Plan for Radiation Technology Inc. Superfund Site

EPA Finalizes Groundwater Cleanup Plan for Radiation Technology Inc. Superfund Site

April 3, 2026

Rockaway Township, N.J. - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a cleanup plan to address groundwater contamination at the Radiation Technology Inc. Superfund site in Rockaway Township, confirming that contamination that remains from historic rocket-engine testing is deep in fractured bedrock and is not reaching nearby homes or drinking water. The plan, informed by years of study and public input, relies on long-term monitoring to track continued improvement and ensure the site remains protective.

"EPA is putting a final cleanup plan in place for Radiation Technology that reflects the best science, takes into consideration community input and protects Rockaway Township," said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "The contamination is trapped deep underground, it isn't reaching drinking water, and the groundwater is continuing to improve. We will keep monitoring the site to make sure it stays that way."

EPA's groundwater plan builds on decades of cleanup work completed across the site from 1994 through 2021. During that time, EPA removed contaminated soil and buried waste, demolished unsafe buildings, and cleared hazardous materials such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, and lead-based paint. These actions addressed the areas of highest concern and eliminated potential exposure pathways. With those risks resolved, groundwater is the final remaining area of focus.

The finalized plan amends the original 1994 groundwater remedy, which called for pumping and treating contaminated water. Additional studies showed that the approach would not be effective in the site's fractured bedrock. EPA's updated cleanup identifies three small areas where contaminants are embedded deep in fractured rock and cannot be adequately addressed by treatment systems. In those areas, EPA is formally recognizing that engineered treatment is not possible.

Across the entire site, EPA will continue long-term groundwater monitoring to confirm that conditions continue to improve and that the cleanup remains protective.

EPA accepted public comments on the proposed cleanup plan during a 45-day comment period from December 22, 2025, through February 5, 2026, and held a virtual public meeting on January 14, 2026, to present the proposal and answer questions from the community.

EPA's formal response to public comments, additional background and site documents will be available on the Radiation Technologies Inc. Superfund Site profile page.

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