RTE 72, ON SOOEY ROAD
The Woodland Route 72 Dump site is a 12-acre industrial dump located along Route 72, just two miles away from an almost identical site on Route 532. Both are on the National Priorities List. From the early 1950s to the mid-1960s, various wastes were brought to this uncontrolled disposal site in 55-gallon drums and in bulk transport. Records indicated that the wastes were dumped into open pits and trenches, and then burned; however, investigations revealed that substantial amounts of these wastes were also buried. In addition to numerous chemical contaminants in soil and water, some areas of the site exhibited gamma radiation exposure levels at greater than the EPA-recommended action level. Active commercial cranberry bogs lie 1/2 mile northwest of the site. The area is sparsely populated: approximately 900 people live within a 4-mile radius of the site, and only one private residence is located within a 3-mile radius. Land use in the area is limited to cranberry and blueberry cultivation, and harvesting of cedar and pine for wood products. Residents rely on ground water for drinking, household use, and irrigation. The closest well is 1 1/2 miles from the dump, and there is no evidence of well contamination. The site is located within the Pinelands National Reserve, which was created by the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978. Pope Branch, an intermittent stream, is located approximately 500 feet north and 1,000 feet west of the site. Wetlands are located approximately 1/4 mile southwest of the site. Site Responsibility: This site is being addressed through Federal, State, and potentially responsible party actions.
No stories have been submitted for this site.
