New Jersey officials have revealed a proposed settlement of $49.5 million with several companies to address long-standing groundwater contamination in the Pohatcong Valley, recognized as one of the state’s largest and most intricate Superfund sites.
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette stated that the settlement will address natural resource damages and previous cleanup expenses related to hazardous chemical discharges that polluted soil and groundwater over nearly 10,000 acres in Warren County. This site encompasses Washington Township, Washington Borough, Franklin Township, and Greenwich Township.
In 2018, the state filed lawsuits against multiple defendants, claiming that industrial operators had, over many years, released toxic solvents—including trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE)—into the environment. At its most extensive, the resulting groundwater plume extended nine miles, contaminating both public and private drinking water wells.
According to the proposal, $45 million will be designated for the restoration of natural resources, while $4.5 million will reimburse the state for previous remediation efforts. The DEP indicates that these funds will support new ecological restoration initiatives and grant programs aimed at resources affected by the contamination.
The majority of the settlement will be funded by Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc. (PPPI). Bristol Myers Squibb will take care of the remaining costs, while other historically involved companies—Citigroup, MRC Holdings, Rexam Beverage Can Co., and Albea Americas, Inc.—are also included in the consent judgment.
Attorney General Platkin said the agreement reflects the state’s ongoing effort to hold polluters accountable. “No one should be able to get away with dumping toxic chemicals in our groundwater,” he said. Commissioner LaTourette added that the DEP would “continue to aggressively pursue polluters” whose actions harm communities and natural resources.
While the contaminated plume has significantly diminished due to years of treatment, cleanup work is ongoing. Residual soil contamination at the site is being addressed through a soil vapor extraction system, and past efforts included treating public wells and connecting affected homes to clean drinking water.
The proposed settlement was published in the New Jersey Register on November 17 and is open for public comment through January 16, 2026. Copies of the consent judgment are available on the DEP’s website.
A copy of the proposed settlement is available at https://dep.nj.gov/nrr/proposed-settlements/ and https://dep.nj.gov/srp/settlements/.
