Equilon Enterprises LLC dba Shell Oil Products US (Shell) has completed onsite excavation and backfilling as part of its remediation of soil impacted by its former operations at 85 Willow Street (Block 24.03, Lot 35) in East Rutherford.
To complete site restoration, contractors are scheduling installation of new fencing, which is on order. Limited onsite soil borings also are being scheduled to confirm the successful completion of the remediation.
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 November 27
- Drillers on behalf of Verizon, a former owner of the site, will install four groundwater monitoring wells. This work is not connected to the Shell remediation project.
- Crews will begin to remove the temporary fence and sound blankets in preparation for installation of a permanent fence, which is expected to be completed in mid December. Until the permanent fence is completed, a “snow” fence will be installed around the site.
- Remove soil erosion controls.
- Continue to schedule and perform post-construction inspections of adjacent properties.
Work completed: Week of November 20
- The project performed confirmatory soil borings at limited locations on the property.
- No work was to be performed on Thanksgiving or the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Community Outreach
- Issued 24th 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.
Project Background
In late June 2023, work began to prepare the property for remediation. Remediation work began in early July. In mid-October 2023, all onsite excavation and backfilling with certified clean fill was completed.
For restoration, onsite areas have been covered with stone to original grade. Delivery and installation of fencing is being scheduled. 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.