Construction Pause on Perimeter Wall Development
In May 2025, the perimeter wall replacement project commenced at the former Wyckoff facility area, a joint effort between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This project, ongoing as of August 8, 2025, aims to replace the existing sheet pile wall along the site's perimeter.
Due to construction activities, portions of the site that were previously accessible to the public are now closed for safety reasons. Barricades are in place to prevent access to construction zones, and a map and photos are provided below to show the areas that are now off-limits.
Unfortunately, the project has generated odors in the community. These odors are primarily due to debris excavation and sorting activities, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and potentially mold-related allergens. Exposure to these substances can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and in some cases, more serious respiratory effects.
To address this issue, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are taking several measures. They are covering stockpiles, using odor-suppressing foam, and minimizing the active working area to reduce odors. Furthermore, daily perimeter air quality monitoring is conducted to ensure community safety.
The EPA monitoring criteria in similar environmental or construction contexts usually include air sampling for VOCs and microbial contaminants to identify and mitigate odor causes and minimize health risks. It is crucial to control these exposures as per EPA indoor air quality guidance.
The good news is that the odors are expected to significantly decrease within the next two weeks, once the current activity (debris excavation and sorting) is completed. A fact sheet about the perimeter wall replacement is available for more information, and a printable version of the information is also available: Fact Sheet: Construction Closure (pdf) - May 2025.
The EPA is committed to ensuring that the community is not exposed to concentrations of site-related contaminants that could pose potential health risks. Rest assured that they are working diligently to address the odor issue and maintain a safe environment for all.
[1] EPA. (2020). Mold: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-what-you-need-know
[2] EPA. (2021). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq
[5] EPA. (2021). Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-vocs
[1] In light ofHealth-and-wellness concerns, the EPA focuses on minimizing exposures toVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and mold-related allergens, released during construction activities, to prevent respiratory effects.
[2] As part of theHealth-and-wellness initiative, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employsEnvironmental-science strategies, such as air sampling and odor-suppressing treatments, to ensure the community's safety and maintain a cleanEnvironmental-science during the perimeter wall replacement project.
