EPA Awarded $2.5 Million to Clean Camden Site
The federal grant will fund the remediation of a 1.6-acre property in Camden that was once an illegal dump.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Environmental
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The EPA has awarded a $2.5 million grant to clean up a contaminated 1.6-acre site in Camden. Crews will remove a four-foot deep layer of soil containing lead, arsenic, and PFAS to prepare the land for future development.
Why it matters
Cleaning the contaminated site is essential to removing hazardous pollutants from the neighborhood. This remediation paves the way for the city to transition the land from a former illegal dump to a beneficial reuse project.
The cleanup requires the excavation of 11,800 tons of contaminated earth. This follows the previous removal of 4,000 tons of solid waste and 100 tons of tires from the site.
The players
Environmental Protection Agency
This federal agency is responsible for the protection of human health and the environment.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
This state agency manages New Jersey's natural resources and pollution control efforts.
S. Yaffa & Sons Inc.
This company was sued by the state in 2021 regarding illegal dumping activities.
The details
The city intends to scoop out and dispose of a four-foot deep layer of ground contaminated with lead, arsenic, and PFAS. Following the excavation, the city plans to cover the site with clean soil.
Timeline
The city shut down the illegal dump site in April 2021.
Officials seized the contaminated land in September 2022.
Crews finished removing the initial waste pile in June 2024.
The city expects to adopt a redevelopment plan by the end of 2026.
The Big Picture
The project follows the remediation framework established by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act for restoring hazardous sites. This cleanup reflects a shift in urban planning toward prioritizing the reclamation of blighted properties over suburban expansion.
The remediation will remove toxic lead and arsenic from the local Bergen Square neighborhood, improving public health safety. The project also removes a significant eyesore, clearing the path for new businesses or community spaces that could boost local property values.
The takeaway
Restoring contaminated urban land requires multi-year planning and coordination between federal and state agencies. Residents can monitor future city council meetings for updates on the specific redevelopment proposals for the site.
What happens next
The city expects to adopt a final redevelopment plan for the 600 block of Chestnut Street by the end of 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local remediation efforts on the Camden Environmental section page.
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