Hackensack Superfund Site Remediation Project

Written by Claire Shi, Katie Chung, and Emily Gong

Figure 1 - Problem Model (created by Claire Shi)

Figure 2 - Solution Model (created by Claire Shi)

Abstract:

The Lower Hackensack River Superfund Site in Bergen and Hudson Counties, New Jersey, is heavily contaminated with industrial pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and toxic heavy metals. The river has a slow-moving, tidal nature and combined with over two centuries of industrial discharge, it has led to these contaminants being deeply embedded in river sediments. While current remediation efforts emphasize dredging and capping, they do not address the repeated resuspension of contaminated sediments during flooding events. Climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of floodings, with toxins being continuously deposited onto riverbanks. This disproportionately re-exposes nearby marginalized communities to severe health risks through contaminated water and contaminated fish.

To ultimately address this ongoing issue, this project proposes the implementation of Flood-Resilient Sediment Stabilization Zones along the river. These zones will immobilize contaminants in place using layered caps of clean sediment amended with activated carbon, which binds hydrophobic toxins such as PCBs and dioxins while reducing metal bioavailability. Native flood-tolerant vegetation reinforces sediment stability by anchoring caps and promoting long-term sediment accretion. As traditional remediation approaches that treat contamination as static, this adaptive system  is designed to remain effective under repeated flood conditions. 

Limitations include site-specific variability, long-term monitoring requirements, and the need for careful ecological management. However, by preventing contaminant redistribution instead of relying on repeated and risky cleanup, this solution will protect public health and support environmental justice for communities historically burdened by industrial pollution.