85 Willow Street: Project Update – Week of October 16, 2023

Equilon Enterprises LLC dba Shell Oil Products US (Shell) is completing its remediation of soil impacted by its former operations at 85 Willow Street (Block 24.03, Lot 35) in East Rutherford.

The contractor has successfully completed all onsite excavation. Backfilling and compaction of certified clean fill also has been completed. 

To complete site restoration, contractors are scheduling installation of new fencing, which is on order, and will cover the site with stone in the next few weeks. Vibration monitors will remain in place until this work is completed.  

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: Week of October 16

  • Properly abandon third artesian well found onsite according to the regulations of the NJDEP, pending NJDEP approval.  
  • Work on items to complete restoration.
  • Continue to demobilize equipment from the site. 
  • Continue to mobilize materials to site as needed.

Work completed: Week of October 9 

  • Completed onsite excavation and backfilling with certified clean fill. 
  • Completed use of vibratory roller to meet soil compaction requirements.
  • Transported excavated soil to licensed facilities. Trucks were tarped before exiting the site.  
  • East Rutherford Police provided traffic control support as needed.
  • Completed dewatering and treatment of water and demobilized equipment.
  • Removed perimeter air monitors after completion of excavation and backfilling.
  • Performed vibration monitoring between the area of active excavation and the closest structures.
  • Continued to mobilize materials to site as needed.

Community Outreach

  • Issued 18th weekly project update to Borough of East Rutherford, county health officials, and nearby property owners.
  • Provided weekly update to Beckmeyer Engineering to ensure an open line of communication with the Borough and coordinate, as necessary. Also coordinated work with the geotechnical engineering consultant for Beckmeyer Engineering.

Project Background

In late June 2023, work began to prepare the property for remediation. Remediation work began in early July. As of mid-October 2023, all onsite excavation and backfilling with certified clean fill has been completed. 

For restoration, onsite areas also will be covered with stone to original grade. This work is being scheduled along with installation of permanent fencing. Off-site areas impacted by the project will be restored to their original condition in coordination with property owners and in compliance with all applicable Borough of East Rutherford ordinances.

The purpose of the remediation was 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 were removed. Impacted soil was transported offsite to a licensed facility for beneficial reuse. To access these soils safely, some trees located in the neighboring properties and other vegetation were removed with the permission of the respective property owners. 

All work is being performed in accordance with the guidance and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Bergen County and Borough of East Rutherford permit requirements, and under the oversight of the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) of record. 

Translate »