Wilson Avenue School
Newark City, Essex County
PI# 195250
PI #: 014263
Fact Sheet
August 2010
Posted 18 August 2010
Overview
This summer the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) completed
investigation and cleanup activities at the Wilson Avenue School to address odors and vapor
issues coming from water flooding into the school. Investigations revealed the ground water
beneath an area of the school was contaminated with gasoline from an unknown source.
NJDEP installed a new sump pump system to prevent such flooding from occurring in the
future. The sump pumps have vapor extraction systems included to prevent vapors from the
contaminated ground water from entering the building. Testing conducted after this system
was installed and operating showed that all levels of contaminants are below NJDEP action
levels throughout the entire school.
Wilson School Cleanup Activities
NJDEP’s contractor, Handex, conducted all remediation work at the school with NJDEP
oversight. The work included:
- Upgrade of the existing sump pumps in the school (clean out of sumps,
increase horsepower, install new pumps).
- Installation of a sub-slab ventilation system around each pump.
- Collection of indoor air samples after the system was operating to
determine the effectiveness of venting the sumps.
- Additional sampling and routine maintenance activities to ensure the
vacuum around the sumps is being maintained.
Unknown Source Investigation
Sampling of ground water surrounding the school was conducted by NJDEP.
- Approximately 60 ground water samples were taken from 30 locations around
the school.
- A small area of ground water contamination was confirmed.
- No source of the ground water contamination was found.
Vapor Intrusion Investigation
- NJDEP conducted sampling at 11 properties surrounding the Wilson Avenue
School representing where vapor intrusion could be occuring.
- Potential vapor intrusion was found to be of concern at one property adjacent to
the school. Follow-up actions are being conducted by NJDEP.
Next Steps
A ground water treatment system is being installed around the school building to reduce the
existing contamination over time. Ground water will be extracted, treated, then discharged to
the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission.
NJDEP will conduct another round of indoor air sampling in the winter at the school to confirm
that the levels do remain below action levels.
NJDEP and their contractor will maintain the vapor intrusion system and ground water treatment
system.
Any concerns or questions about the investigation may be directed to Mindy Mumford of the NJDEP at (800) 253-5647 or (609) 777-1976.
Information will also be made available at:
- www.nj.gov/dep/srp
- The Newark Public Library
Van Buren Branch
140 Van Buren Street
Newark, NJ 07105
In case of emergency call 911 or the DEP hotline at 800-WARN DEP (800-927-6337).
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Public Meeting Invitation
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 & Thursday August 26, 2010, 7:00 p.m.
Wilson Avenue School Gymnasium
Newark, New Jersey
The Wilson Avenue School is prepared to open for the 2010/2011 school year. The NJDEP and the Department of Health will conduct two
meetings with the community to present the results of their investigation efforts conducted in and around the
school. Attendance at both meetings is not necessary, as the same information will be presented at both meetings.
Related Links
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