During a site investigation into a former solder manufacturer in East Trenton, EPA identified several historic potteries that operated nearby and upwind. EPA found elevated lead levels nearby the former solder manufacturer in residential yards but was unable to tie the elevated lead levels to the manufacturing of solder. The pottery industry was prevalent throughout many parts of Trenton beginning in the 1850s. The industry grew rapidly and Trenton was one of two major pottery centers in the United States. The industry began to decline by the 1930s. Lead was commonly used in glaze throughout the existence of the industry. EPA received a referral from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in January 2020 for an Integrated Assessment to investigate whether releases of lead during the pottery manufacturing process impacted the downwind residential properties as well other areas of Trenton with significant historical pottery operations.
The scope of the work for the RV1 removal action is limited to the Ulysses S. Grant Intermediate School, and will include installation of temporary fencing and signage to control access to lead impacted areas by students, school staff, and the public. Additional temporary interim controls to dissociate the students and staff from the lead impacted soil will include the placement of artificial turf, soil, wood chips, and sod over high use play areas so that normal school operations like recess and gym class may resume.
