EPA v. General Electric Company

Case summary

On July 19, 2019, the EPA issued an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent (Order) directing the Respondent to remove one of three mercury-contaminated buildings that occupy a 2.6-acre block in a mixed commercial and residential area Harrison, New Jersey. Mercury was released at the Site during the manufacture of incandescent light bulbs and radio tubes by the Respondent and Radio Corporation of America (RCA) from approximately 1902 to 1976. In 2015, elevated levels of mercury vapor were detected in the three buildings (Buildings A, B, and C) at the Site. Subsequent sampling confirmed significant mercury contamination throughout the three buildings, and air dispersion modeling performed by EPA concluded that, in the event of a fire at one or more of the buildings, mercury vapor would be released into the surrounding neighborhood at concentrations that exceed health-based exposure limits. Under the order, the Respondent will remove Building C by the spring of 2020, and will also develop removal action designs by the summer of 2020, in preparation for the future removal of Buildings A and B. On December 21, 2020, EPA issued an Amendment to July 19, 2019, Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for performance of a removal action and payment of response costs. Under the Amendment, the Respondent agreed to complete the removal of the other two buildings, pay the balance of EPA?s outstanding past response costs of $41,035, and pay EPA?s oversight costs for the work done under the Amendment.

Defendants (1)

• General Electric CompanyNamed in settlement

Facilities (1)

• VO TOYS INC

  400 S 5TH ST, HARRISON, NJ, 07029

  Registry ID: 110029884141

Statutes cited

• CERCLA 107A — Cost Recovery
• CERCLA 106A — Imminent & Substantial Endangerment Order

Enforcement conclusions (2)

• General Electric Companyentered 2019-07-19

  Primary law: CERCLA

• General Electric Companyentered 2020-12-21

  Primary law: CERCLA

Timeline (2 milestones)

• 2019-07-23Enforcement Action Data Entered
• 2020-12-21Final Order Issued