Starting after the July Fourth holiday, Equilon Enterprises LLC dba Shell Oil Products US (Shell) will begin excavation at 85 Willow Street (Block 24.03, Lot 35) in East Rutherford to remediate soils impacted by its former operations. Site preparation is underway.
The community is encouraged to contact us with any questions or concerns about the project. Please call our Project Information Line: (201) 494-4886 or email us at comments@willowstreetproject.com. Please check our project website www.willowstreetproject.com for updates and answers to frequently asked questions.
Anticipated work to be performed: Weeks of June 26 and July 3
Week of June 26th
- On June 30th, the project site will be secured for the July Fourth holiday. No work will take place July 3rdor July 4th.
- Install temporary, chain link fencing with sound dampening blankets.
- Perform soil test for waste characterization. Soil will be removed to about four feet for observation. Once completed, the soil will be returned to the hole.
- Install soil and erosion controls.
- Perform continuous perimeter air monitoring during soil disturbance work.
- Install vibration monitoring equipment between the area of active excavation and the closest structures.
Week of July 3rd
- On July 5th, the construction crew will return to the site.
- Starting, July 6th, soil excavation will begin. Dust controls will include water misting and placing tarps on stock piles.
- Perform continuous perimeter air monitoring during soil disturbance work.
- Perform vibration monitoring between the area of active excavation and the closest structures.
- Continue to mobilize materials to site as needed.
Work completed: Week of June 19th
- Removed existing PSE&G fence.
- Installed temporary snow fencing where existing PSE&G fence was removed to secure the site until temporary, chain link fencing is installed.
- Cleared vegetation from PSE&G property line.
- Removed large trees along fenceline with permission of property owners.
- Installed vibration monitors at three properties closest to where soil removal work will begin following the July 4th holiday.
Community Outreach
- Issued project update to Borough of East Rutherford, county health officials, and nearby property owners.
- Held weekly call with Beckmeyer Engineering to ensure an open line of communication with the Borough and coordinate as necessary.
- Continued to provide ongoing updates to adjacent property owners about upcoming work.
Project Background
Site preparation for the Shell 85 Willow Street Project, including mobilizing construction trailers, is underway. Excavation work will begin in early July and all work is expected to be completed in September 2023.
The purpose of the remediation is to remove and replace onsite impacted soils with clean fill between 1 and 13 feet below ground surface. Approximately 16,000 cubic yards of soil will be removed. Impacted soils will be transported offsite to a licensed facility for beneficial reuse. To access these soils safely, some trees located in the neighboring properties and other vegetation will need to be removed, with the permission of the respective property owners.
For restoration, onsite areas will be backfilled with stone to original grade. Off-site areas impacted by the soil investigation will be restored to their original condition in coordination with property owners and in compliance with all applicable Borough of East Rutherford ordinances.
All work is being performed in accordance with the guidance and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and under the oversight of the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) of record.