EPA Meeting Renews Debate Over Harrison Residential Sludge Site

Residents concerned about the Harrison Toxic Sludge & Debris Plant planned for the PSE&G property in Harrison have an opportunity to hear directly from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday, July 27, 2026, when the Passaic River Community Advisory Group (CAG) meets from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.at the Ironbound Community Corp (ICC) Early Learning Center, 1 New York Avenue, Newark NJ.

The meeting will also be available remotely through Zoom and by telephone. The EPA lists the July 27 meeting as part of its ongoing public participation program for the Diamond Alkali Superfund cleanup.

According to the published agenda, the meeting will include a Superfund Site Overview, updates on the Riverside Superfund Site, progress on the Upper Nine Miles Operable Unit, an update from the Natural Resource Trustees Restoration Project, the Harrison Toxic Sludge & Debris Plant and other business and announcements. Community Advisory Group meetings are intended to provide residents with an opportunity to ask questions and offer input as one of the nation's largest and most complex environmental cleanup projects continues.

For many Harrison residents, however, the meeting comes with a lingering question: When will the EPA return to Harrison?

Almost 2 Years Since EPA Promised Another Harrison Meeting

At an EPA public meeting held in Harrison on August 27, 2024, EPA Passaic River Project Director Alice Yeh told residents that the agency would schedule an additional meeting specifically for the Town of Harrison. That commitment followed significant public concern over EPA's plans involving the former PSE&G property along South Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard.

Almost 2 years have now passed since that promise was made, yet no additional EPA community meeting has been scheduled in Harrison. While the EPA has continued holding meetings in Newark and conducting Community Advisory Group sessions, Harrison residents, who would be among those living closest to the proposed operations, have not been provided with the promised follow-up meeting.

Proposed Harrison Processing Site Remains a Major Concern

One of the most controversial aspects of the Passaic River cleanup continues to be the EPA's proposal to utilize the uncontaminated PSE&G property in Harrison as a major support location for the river remediation project. Planning documents prepared for the cleanup identify the Harrison property as well suited for a variety of project support activities because of its location, shoreline access and available space. Those activities include handling toxic dioxin laden dredged material and supporting sediment management operations associated with the cleanup. The dioxin laden soil will be mixed with Portland Cement to stabilize it.  The Dredging work will occur within a residential community across the street from modern apartment buildings.  In addition, it will occur next to the Harrison PATH station and the Northeast Railroad line and busy South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd and blocks from the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Opponents of the proposal argue that the property's surroundings have changed dramatically over the past two-plus decades. What was once an industrial area has become a growing residential neighborhood. The site sits immediately adjacent to the Harrison PATH Station and within walking distance of thousands of residents living in modern apartment communities, including Steelworks, Vermella, Cobalt Lofts, Wyldes Harrison and other recently constructed residential developments.

Critics contend that placing a sediment processing or dewatering operation at this location would conflict with years of redevelopment that transformed Harrison's riverfront into a residential neighborhood. They have also questioned whether a project involving the handling of contaminated Passaic River sediments should be located next to a major regional transit hub and densely populated residential community rather than in a more heavily industrial area.

NJ Spotlight News has previously reported on the complexity of the Passaic River cleanup and the EPA's evaluation of locations needed to support the massive dredging and remediation effort. At the same time, YourHarrison.com has extensively covered concerns raised by Harrison residents regarding the potential use of the PSE&G property and the proximity of any sediment processing activities to homes, apartments and the PATH station.

Community Participation Remains Important

The Community Advisory Group meeting provides residents throughout the Lower Passaic River region with an opportunity to receive updates directly from EPA officials and ask questions about one of the largest Superfund cleanups in the country. For Harrison residents, however, many are expected to continue pressing the agency to honor its commitment to return to Harrison for a dedicated public meeting where local concerns can be addressed in the community most directly affected by the proposed use of the former PSE&G property.

Residents wishing to attend may participate in person or remotely.

Community Advisory Group Meeting

Date: Monday, July 27, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: ICC Early Learning Center, 1 New York Avenue, Newark, NJ.

Zoom Meeting ID: 834 5186 3528

Dial-in: (312) 626-6799

Access Code: 834 5186 3528#