Naval Weapons Station Earle

Operable Unit (OU) 1, Site 4 is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located within the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle, to the east of Macassar Road. Site 4 is a closed 5-acre landfill that received metal scrap, construction debris, pesticide and herbicide containers, paint residues, and rinse waters. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the OU 1 Record of Decision (ROD) on September 25, 1997 to address the chemicals of concern (COCs) including metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater and landfill soils. The 1997 ROD required that Land Use Controls (LUCs) in the form of a groundwater Classification Exception Area (CEA) and long-term groundwater monitoring be established. In July 1998, a low permeability cap was installed at Site 4. A 2019 Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) modified the ROD by removing the requirements to establish a CEA and an associated long-term groundwater monitoring program. Site 4 is still subject to annual inspections of the landfill cap, soil LUCs, and Five-Year Reviews.

Operable Unit (OU) 1, Site 5 is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the eastern portion of the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 5 is a closed 13-acre landfill that received mixed domestic and industrial wastes including paper, glass, plastics, construction debris, pesticide and herbicide containers, containers of paint, paint thinners, varnishes, shellacs, acids, alcohols, caustics, and small amounts of asbestos. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the Record of Decision (ROD) on September 25, 1997 to address chemicals of concern (COCs) including metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in soil and groundwater. The ROD required that Land Use Controls (LUCs) in the form of a groundwater Classification Exception Area/Well Restriction Area (CEA/WRA) and long-term groundwater monitoring be established. This inactive landfill was capped in July 1998. In September 2019, the CEA/WRA for OU 1 Site 5 was approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The only remaining COC is lead in groundwater. Biennial groundwater sampling and annual inspections of the landfill cap continue to be conducted.

Operable Unit (OU) 2, Site 19 includes the Former Paint Chip and Sludge Disposal Area, located on Tulagi Road near former Building S-34 within the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Paint chips, paint slurries, solvent residues, and sludges from an ordnance maintenance area were disposed of at Site 19. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed the OU 2, Site 19 Record of Decision (ROD) on September 25, 1997 to address chemicals of concern (COCs) which included metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pesticides in site soil, sediment, and groundwater. The ROD required removal of impacted site soil and sediment, and that Land Use Controls (LUCs) in the form of a groundwater Classification Exception Area (CEA) and long-term groundwater monitoring be established. Excavation and off-site disposal of soil and sediment were completed in 1998. In 2015, the Navy received concurrence from EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) that the CEA and long-term groundwater monitoring were no longer necessary, and the site was closed.

Operable Unit (OU) 3, Site 26 is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located within the ordnance area of the Mainside Area at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle at the intersection of Macassar Road and Midway Road. Former processes that occurred at Site 26 included ammonium picrate recovery and reconditioning of munition casings and shells. Spent solvents used during the reconditioning process were possibly disposed of in a process leaching system. The OU 3 Site 26 Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 29, 1998 to address chemicals of concern (COCs) that included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater and soil. The ROD required source removal, air sparging/soil vapor extraction, institutional controls, and long-term groundwater monitoring. An Interim Remedial Action was conducted in February 1998 prior to the approval of the ROD to remove the suspected sources of groundwater contamination. The site is subject to Land Use Controls (LUCs) in the form of a Classification Exception Area/Well Restriction Area (CEA/WRA). Groundwater sampling is ongoing to support the CEA/WRA.

Operable Unit (OU) 4, Site 14, the Defense Property Disposal Office Warehouse/Mercury Spill Site, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Site (NWS) Earle. The site consists of a 15,000 square foot warehouse used for storage of items awaiting processing. A small amount of mercury, estimated between one and several ounces, was spilled inside the warehouse in 1970. The spilled mercury was removed by vacuuming. The environmental impact resulting from the spill was determined to be minimal as the warehouse floors are made of concrete. The Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 4, which includes Site 14, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 28, 1999. The ROD documented concurrence by the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on the designation of No Further Action at Site 14.

Operable Unite (OU) 4, Site 20 is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the central portion of the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 20 was formerly used for grit-blasting operations to remove paint from ordnance and spent grit and paint chips were disposed of in an open pile at the site. The Final OU 4 Record of Decision (ROD) which included Site 20 was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 22, 1999 to address residual concentrations of metals in soil and sediment following Interim Removal Actions taken in 1994 and 1995. The ROD required the implementation of Institutional Controls in the form of Land Use Restrictions and Five-Year Reviews. It was determined that the residual concentrations of metals in site soil do not pose excess risk under current land use. In 2017 the Navy determined with EPA and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) concurrence that the Institutional Controls were no longer necessary as the residual metals concentrations at Site 20 were below the revised NJDEP Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standards; therefore, Site 20 complies with the Unlimited Use/Unrestricted Exposure standard.

Operable Unit (OU) 4, Site 22, the Paint Sludge Disposal Area, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. The site is an approximately 50 square foot area where waste sandblasting material and paint wastes were disposed of. Based on the results of a 1995 Remedial Investigation that identified elevated levels of metals and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), approximately 250 tons of contaminated soil were excavated and disposed of off-site. Confirmatory samples indicated that remaining soils are below New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Residential Direct Contact, Non-Residential Direct Contact, and Impact to Groundwater soil cleanup criteria. The Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 4, which includes Site 22, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 28, 1999. The ROD documented No Further Action at Site 22.

Operable Unit (OU) 4, Site 23, the Paint Disposal Area, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the northeastern portion of the Mainside section of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 23 received paint waste on the ground surface from repainting and stenciling torpedoes, aerial bombs, and other large ordnance. During a focused Interim Removal Action in December 1996, approximately 86 tons of metals contaminated soil were removed and disposed of off-site. The Final OU 4 Record of Decision (ROD) which included Site 23 was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 22, 1999 to address residual concentrations of metals in soil. The ROD required the implementation of Institutional Controls in the form of Land Use Restrictions and Five-Year Reviews. In 2017, the Navy determined with EPA and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) concurrence that the Institutional Controls were no longer necessary as the residual metals concentrations at Site 23 were below the revised NJDEP Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standards; therefore, Site 23 complies with the Unlimited Use/Unrestricted Exposure standard.

Operable Unit (OU) 4, Site 24, a Closed Pistol Range, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. The site served as a firing range where lead- and copper-jacketed bullets were fired into a sand berm. Following a 1995 Remedial Investigation, a focused remedial action was conducted to remove bullets and shell casings from Site 24 and wash site soils. Bullets were mechanically separated from the soil and sent off-site for recycling. Soils were washed and returned to the site. The soil wash water was processed through a wastewater treatment plant. Confirmatory soils samples indicated that soil lead concentrations were below New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Residential Direct Contact Cleanup Criteria. The Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 4, which includes Site 24, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 28, 1999. The ROD documented concurrence by the EPA and NJDEP on the designation of No Further Action at Site 24.

Operable Unit (OU) 4, Site 25, a Closed Pistol Range, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. The site served as a firing range where lead- and copper-jacketed bullets were fired into a sand berm. Following a 1995 Remedial Investigation, a focused remedial action was conducted to remove bullets and shell casings from Site 25 and wash site soils. Bullets were mechanically separated from the soil and sent off-site for recycling. Soils were washed and returned to the site. The soil wash water was processed through a wastewater treatment plant. Confirmatory soils samples indicated that soil lead concentrations were below New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Residential Direct Contact Cleanup Criteria. The Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 4, which includes Site 25, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 28, 1999. The ROD documented concurrence by the EPA and NJDEP on the designation of No Further Action at Site 25.

Operable Unit (OU) 4, Site 27, the Projectile Refurbishing Area, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside portion of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 27 was used to refurbish projectiles by shot blasting, repainting and stenciling. Oil-contaminated rags, paint chips, and spent sandblasting shot were disposed of at the site. Focused Interim Removal Actions were conducted in December 1996 and January 1997. The Final OU 4 Record of Decision (ROD) which included Site 27 was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 22, 1999 to address residual concentrations of metals in soil. The ROD required the implementation of Institutional Controls in the form of Land Use Restrictions and Five-Year Reviews. In 2017 the Navy determined with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) concurrence that the Institutional Controls were no longer necessary as the residual metals concentrations at Site 27 were below the revised NJDEP Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standards; therefore, Site 27 complies with the Unlimited Use/Unrestricted Exposure standard.

Operable Unit (OU) 4, Site 29, the PCB Spill Site, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. At this site, an unknown amount of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) spilled from a transformer in 1981. All discolored soil resulting from this spill was excavated and disposed of off-site within 5 days after the spill. A one-story brick building has since been built at the location of the spill and functions as a hazardous waste storage facility. Soil and groundwater sampling conducted in 1995 in the area of the PCB spill and immediately downgradient showed that the initial removal action was effective. The Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 4, which includes Site 29, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 28, 1999. The ROD documented concurrence by the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on the designation of No Further Action at Site 29.

Operable Unit (OU) 5, Site 13, the Former Defense Property Disposal Office (DPDO) Landfill, is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. The inactive landfill covers approximately 1.7-acres, with total landfill volume estimated at 4,000 cubic yards. The Former DPDO Landfill operation reportedly included storage of scrap metals and batteries as well as the burial of cars, trucks, electronic equipment, clothing and shoes, sheet metal, furniture, scrap metal, and batteries. The Final OU 5, Site 13 Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 9, 2004 to address chemicals of concern (COCs) including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and metals in groundwater and landfill soils. The ROD required the consolidation of contaminated soil and sediment within the landfill, installation of a low permeability cover over the landfill, Land Use Controls (LUCs), and long-term groundwater monitoring. The LUCs included the establishment of a Classification Exception Area (CEA) and bans on residential development, use of site groundwater, and digging or disturbing the landfill contents or cover. The CEA was approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in June 2017. Annual groundwater monitoring events and semiannual LUC compliance inspections continue to be conducted.

Operable Unit (OU) 6, Site 3 is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located on the southeast side of the Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle Mainside, west of the “F” Group bunkers and Fire Rescue Road 126. Site 3 includes a closed 5-acre landfill used for the disposal of paints, paint thinners, solvents, varnishes, shellac, acids, alcohols, caustics, pesticide containers, rinse water, wood, and asbestos. The Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 6, Site 3 was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on August 15, 2006 to address chemicals of concern (COCs) that included metals in soil and groundwater. The ROD required consolidation of contaminated soil within the landfill, installation of a low permeability landfill cap, Land Use Controls (LUCs), and long-term groundwater monitoring. The LUCs included establishment of a Classification Exception Area (CEA), prohibiting use of site groundwater, prohibiting development for housing, schools, childcare facilities, or playgrounds, and prohibiting digging or disturbance of the landfill cap. Construction of the landfill cap was completed in June 2003. In October 2019, the EPA approved the Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for Site 3 which removed the ROD requirements to establish a CEA and conduct long-term groundwater monitoring as the groundwater contaminants were proven to be naturally occurring. Site 3 is still subject to soil LUCs, and Five-Year Reviews.

Operable Unit (OU) 6, Site 10 is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the central part of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle Mainside, east of Midway Road and north of Munda Road. Site 10 is a 2-acre inactive scrap metal landfill that was used for the disposal of demilitarized munitions, spent munition cases, and spent grit and paint chips from the ammunition rework operations. Only certified-inert materials were reported to have been disposed at Site 10. The Final OU 6, Site 10 Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on August 15, 2016 to address chemicals of concern (COCs) including metals in soil and groundwater. The ROD required installation of a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) type landfill cap, long-term groundwater monitoring, and Land Use Controls (LUCs). LUCs included establishment of a Classification Exception Area (CEA), prohibiting use of site groundwater, prohibiting development for housing, schools, childcare facilities, or playgrounds, and prohibiting digging or disturbance of the landfill cap. Construction of the landfill cap was completed in May 2003. In October 2019, the EPA approved the Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for Site 10 which removed the ROD requirements to establish a CEA and conduct long-term groundwater monitoring as the groundwater contaminants were proven to be naturally occurring. Site 10 is still subject to soil LUCs and Five-Year Reviews.

Operable Unit (OU) 7, Site 26 is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located within the ordnance area of the Mainside Area at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle at the intersection of Macassar Road and Midway Road. Former processes that occurred at Site 26 included ammonium picrate recovery and reconditioning of munition casings and shells. Spent solvents used during the reconditioning process were possibly disposed of in a process leaching system. The OU 7 Site 26 Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on August 14, 2007 to address perchloroethylene contamination in groundwater. The ROD required the implementation of Land Use Controls (LUCs) including groundwater use restrictions, the establishment of a Classification Exception Area/Well Restriction Area (CEA/WRA), and long-term groundwater monitoring. Long-term groundwater monitoring and efforts to establish the CEA/WRA are ongoing.

Operable Unit (OU) 8, Site 1 is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the north-central portion of the Mainside area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle and is bordered by Macassar Road to the east. Site 1 is a 6-acre open field that was used for burning/detonating ordnance material between 1943 and 1975. The chemicals of concern (COCs) included arsenic, chromium and iron in groundwater. The final OU 8 Site 1 Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Navy on January 19, 2005. The selected remedy included long-term groundwater monitoring, and Land Use Controls (LUCs). The LUCs included the establishment of a Classification Exception Area (CEA), prohibiting the use of site groundwater, and to add a notice in the Base Master Plan that one soil location contained a concentration of arsenic above the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency (NJDEP) Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standard. In a 2011 Technical Memorandum it was shown that elevated metals concentrations in site groundwater were not site related and that long-term monitoring and the CEA were no longer warranted. NJDEP and EPA concurred with the Technical Memorandum in February 2013 and August 2016, respectively. In 2017 a Technical Memorandum was submitted that demonstrated that site soil is compliant with the Unlimited Use/Unrestricted Exposure standard. A Remedial Action Completion Report (RACR) was submitted to the EPA and NJDEP in April 2017. EPA and NJDEP concurrence with the RACR was signed in 2018.

Operable Unit (OU) 8, Site 11, the Contract Ordnance Disposal Area, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site that includes a 2-acre open field located in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 11 was used for burning/detonating obsolete ordnance material and for firefighting training exercises. Analysis of soil and groundwater samples collected between 1993 and 1995 showed that no additional site investigation or remedial actions were necessary. The final OU 8 Record of Decision (ROD), which includes Site 11, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Navy on January 19, 2005. The ROD stated that no CERCLA action or long-term monitoring was necessary at Site 11 to protect human health and the environment.

Operable Unit (OU) 9 Site 6, the Landfill West of Normandy Road, is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site that occupies four-acres in the Waterfront area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. This closed landfill was used from 1943 to 1965 to dispose of refuse consisting of dunnage lumber, glass, paper, packing material, paint, and solvents. The chemicals of concern (COCs) included aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, iron and manganese. The Final OU 9 Site 6 Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September 2007 to prevent human exposure to metals in site groundwater. The ROD required the implementation of Land Use Controls (LUCs), and long-term groundwater monitoring. The LUCs included the establishment of a Classification Exception Area (CEA), prohibiting the use of untreated site groundwater, and prohibiting site development for residential housing, elementary and secondary schools, childcare facilities, and playgrounds. The CEA was approved by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in July 2017 and has been completed for this site. Annual groundwater monitoring began in November 2011 and was most recently performed in January 2019.

Operable Unit (OU) 9, Site 12, the Battery Acid Spill Site, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site that encompassed an area of approximately 10,000 square feet in the Waterfront area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle, adjacent to the loading dock north of Building R-10. Site 12 was used as a temporary staging area for forklift batteries. In October and November 1999, approximately 262 tons of soils impacted by metals and semi-volatile organic compounds were removed from Site 12 and disposed of off-site. Confirmation sampling showed that contaminant concentrations in remaining soils were below the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Residential Cleanup Criteria. The Final OU 9 Record of Decision (ROD), which includes Site 12, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September 2007. The ROD documented that the Navy, EPA, and NJDEP were in agreement that No Further Action was required at Site 12.

Operable Unit (OU) 9, Site 15, the former Sludge Disposal Site, is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Waterfront Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle, adjacent to Highway 36. Site 15 occupies approximately 1-acre along a former railroad embankment near the main entrance to the Waterfront area. The site was used for the disposal of an estimated 5,000 gallons of oily bilge sludge. The Final OU 9 Record of Decision (ROD), which includes Site 15, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September 2007 to prevent human exposure to metals in site soils. The ROD required the implementation of soil Land Use Controls (LUCs) and long-term soil monitoring. The LUCs included conducting Five-Year reviews, prohibiting digging or disturbance of site soils, and prohibiting development of the site for residential housing, elementary or secondary schools, childcare facilities, or playgrounds. In December 2019, the Navy in coordination with the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) completed an Explanation of Significant Differences (ESD) for Site 15. The ESD modifies the selected remedy presented in the ROD to remove the long-term soil monitoring, LUCs, and Five-Year Review requirements as the metals concentrations in site soils are now below the revised NJDEP Residential Direct Contact Soil Remediation Standards. The Site 15 Closure Report was submitted to EPA and NJDEP in October 2019 and is currently under review.

Operable Unit (OU) 9, Site 17, the Disposal Site Behind Training Barge, is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site that occupies 3-acres in the Waterfront area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle, adjacent to a tidal marsh in the Ware Creek drainage basin. Site 17 was reportedly used to dispose of wood, heavy equipment, empty paint cans, and construction debris. Currently, the southern portion of the disposal area is covered with hard-packed gravel and is currently used as a parking area for Waterfront personnel. The Final OU 9 Record of Decision (ROD), which includes Site 17, was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September 2007 to prevent human exposure to metals in site groundwater. The ROD required long-term groundwater monitoring and Land Use Controls (LUCs). LUCs included conducting Five-Year Reviews, the establishment of a Classification Exception Area (CEA), prohibiting the use of site groundwater, and prohibiting site development for residential housing, elementary and secondary schools, childcare facilities, and playgrounds. In 2016, the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) suggested further evaluation to determine if a CEA is necessary as metals in site groundwater may be naturally occurring.

Operable Unit (OU) 10, Site 7, the Landfill South of "P" Barricades, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the southern portion of the Waterfront Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 7 is an approximately 5-acre closed landfill where munitions shipping wastes, dunnage, glass, wood, paint, thinners, solvents, and domestic refuse were disposed of. A number of environmental investigations conducted at Site 7 from 1983 through 2009 identified no unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. The Final Record of Decision (ROD) for OU 10, Site 7 was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on November 12, 2010. The ROD documented that the Navy, USEPA and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) determined that a CERCLA remedial action was not necessary at Site 7 to protect human health and the environment.

Operable Unit (OU) 11, Site 9, the Landfill Southeast of "P" Barricades, is a closed Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Waterfront Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 9 is approximately 3-acres in size and was used for disposal of dunnage lumber and construction debris. Soil and sediment sampling events conducted from 1991 to 1996 found no unacceptable risks to human health or the environment at Site 9. The Record of Decision (ROD) for Site 9 was signed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on September 18, 2014. The ROD documents the determination made by the Navy and the EPA with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) concurrence that no CERCLA remedial action is necessary to protect human health and the environment.

Operable Unit (OU) 12, Site 41 (EPIC Site L), the Military Sealift Command Van Parking Area, is an approximately 15.7-acre Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site located in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Approximately 4-acres of Site 41 is used as a temporary staging area for the NWS Earle Public Works Department such as stone, plastic, miscellaneous metal, and wood scrap. A high voltage power line and easement are located on the remaining 11-acres. A re-evaluation of a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) and an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) of Site 41 using current toxicological data and methodologies determined that no unacceptable risks to human health or the environment exist. The Final Technical Memorandum for OU 12, Site 41 was prepared in March 2019 to document concurrence by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) with the findings of the Site 41 HHRA and ERA updates which determined that Site 41 is suitable for unrestricted use/unlimited exposure. The Site 41 Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PRAP) was submitted in February 2020 and proposed No Action for the site. The PRAP was approved by the EPA and is currently under review by NJDEP.

Operable Unit (OU) 13, Site 46, the Military Sealift Command Fire Training School, is a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) site that occupies 5.5-acres in the Mainside Area of Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. Site 46 has been used as a firefighting training ground since 1975. Accelerants such as kerosene and gasoline are stored on-site in aboveground storage tanks. It is believed that aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) was used at the site to extinguish fires. AFFF is known to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS has been identified in site groundwater, prompting the Navy to initiate a Remedial Investigation, which is currently on-going.