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Maywood Project Site

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Soil Processing Test Set to Begin

Preparations to test a technology that measures radiological activity in soil and then sorts the soil accordingly are well underway at the Maywood site. The test, known as a pilot demonstration, will take place at the government-owned Maywood Interim Storage Site (MISS) (see location map below). Equipment mobilization for the test is underway, and soil processing is expected to begin in late August.
Background and Process
Radiological sorting is most effective when contaminants are not evenly distributed throughout the soil that is being processed. Previous studies, including an engineering test pit program conducted last summer (see January 2000 FUSRAP Update newsletter), have shown this to be the case at the Maywood site.

The process involves two components: gravel separation and radiological sorting. Contaminated soil currently at the MISS will be processed by a gravel separator that screens out rocks and debris as well as soil particles greater than 3/8-inch. What remain are finer soil particles, including the radiologically contaminated material. This screened soil will then be fed through a radiological sorting system that continuously measures radiation levels in the soil stream. The soil is then directed to a group of mechanical gates that open and close to divert the soil to various stockpiles, based on its radiological content. Dust control measures will be taken as needed at all points in the process where soil is transferred. Approximately 10,000 cubic yards of soil will be processed during the pilot demonstration.

Objectives
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers believes that soil processing at the MISS could result in faster cleanup at individual vicinity properties that are part of the Maywood site, and in reduced disposal costs during full-scale cleanup. Results of the pilot demonstration will be evaluated to determine if soil processing would be technically feasible and cost-effective for full-scale operation at the Maywood site. If so, knowledge gained from the demonstration could be useful in selecting equipment and refining operating procedures for full-scale treatment, if treatment is selected as part of the final remedial alternative. USACE’s preferred remedial alternative will be presented in the forthcoming Proposed Plan (see Site Status Update below).

Community Involvement
USACE recognizes the importance of communicating with the public on the pilot demonstration project. This newsletter is the latest in a series of efforts to provide that communication. A public information session was held in Maywood in April to present information and gain feedback on the pilot test. The April 2000 FUSRAP Update newsletter also highlighted plans for the project. More recently, USACE has briefed officials from Maywood and Rochelle Park on the demonstration (the MISS property is located in both communities). USACE is also coordinating with the Bergen County Department of Health Services regarding noise monitoring of the soil processing operation. Your questions or comments can be directed to the contacts listed on the back page of this newsletter.


Location Map

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Final Phase I Cleanup Underway

Cleanup of contaminated soil on a one-acre parcel of vacant land in Rochelle Park has begun (see location map above). The soil removal and restoration of the site is expected to be completed in the fall. The site, a landlocked parcel situated between Route 17, a freight rail line and a commercial property, is the last remaining property to be addressed under Phase I of the Maywood site cleanup (Phase I addressed mostly residential properties). Resolution of property access issues has allowed cleanup of the Rochelle Park property to move forward.

An estimated 6,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil will be removed from the property. The soil will be trucked directly to the MISS for eventual offsite disposal. Workers and vehicles will access the property through a railroad underpass beneath Route 17 that links the cleanup site with the government-owned MISS. Impacts to local roads and nearby residences are not expected. USACE has also briefed municipal officials and neighboring businesses on the project. Once cleanup is completed, the property will be suitable for unrestricted use.

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Site Status Update

Contacting Us / Further Information

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