combe fill south landfill

PARKER ROAD- BOX 418

The Combe Fill South Landfill consisted of three separate fill areas comprising 65 acres on a 115-acre parcel of land between Chester and Washington Townships. The site operated as a municipal landfill from the 1940s until 1981 and was licensed to accept domestic and non-hazardous industrial wastes, sewage sludge, septic tank wastes, chemicals, and waste oils. In 1978, Combe Fill Corporation (CFC) bought the landfill. While under CFC management, procedures at the landfill violated many of the New Jersey solid waste administrative codes. CFC went bankrupt in 1981, before the landfill was properly closed. A citizens' group, one of two formed by residents who were concerned over disposal practices at the site, sampled the groundwater, leachate, and surface water and found them to be contaminated. Testing indicated that the fill material consists mainly of highly decomposed rubbish, and that no hot spots or localized sources of hazardous substances could be located. Contaminants have seeped into the aquifer beneath the site. The area surrounding the site is semi-rural. Nearby Trout Brook is used for fishing and recreational activities. Approximately 170 people live within 1/2 mile of the landfill. Most of the residents use private wells as their source of drinking water. Vegetable and grain crops, orchards, and horse farms are located near the site. In 1986, EPA and the State selected a containment remedy for the site. The containment remedial action has been completed and the site is now undergoing operation and maintenance.