Demolition of Garfield's E.C. Electroplating plant finishes

GARFIELD Demolition of the E.C. Electroplating building ended Monday afternoon, a little over a week after it began, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys coordinator at the scene, Neil Norrell.

Air samples were still being analyzed for possible contamination, but Norrell said he did not anticipate any problems.

So far, everything looks okay, Norrell said.

The EPA has been handling the cleanup of the former E.C. Electroplating plant, a Clark Street business where three tons of cancer-causing hexavalent chromium spilled from a tank in 1983. Initial cleanup of the spill was halted in 1985, even though only about 30 percent of the chromium was recovered. Since then, contaminated water has been coursing beneath an area of approximately 600 homes and businesses in the southwest corner of the city. Local and federal officials say drinking water has not been affected, but the contamination has infiltrated the basements of about 20 properties.

EPA officials have said that the building itself was not contaminated with hexavalent chromium, but they needed to tear it down to get at a pool of highly concentrated chromium they believe is beneath the plant. Despite the EPAs assurances, residents especially parents of students attending two nearby elementary schools had expressed concern before the demolition about its potential impact on their children.

The EPA took precautions to prevent dust from drifting off the site during demolition, which began on Oct. 12. Monitors were also set up at the schools and several other locations in the neighborhood to measure dust levels in the air, and air samples were taken every day, Norrell said.

No problems have been reported, he said.

The air monitors will remain in place while the building debris is removed from the site, Norrell said.

Email: lueddeke@northjersey.com

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Demolition of Garfield's E.C. Electroplating plant finishes