Nearby Army Creek

The landfill is bordered to the south and east by Army Creek, a tributary to the Delaware River one mile to the east.  The surface water of Army Creek contains minerals such as cadmium, mercury and zinc at levels that may be harmful to aquatic life.  Species of concern include American eel, blue crab striped bass, American shad, alewife, blueback herring, white perch, weakfish, bluefish, spot, and menhaden.  Army Creek has a “no consumption” advisory for all fin-fish of no more than two 8-ounce meals per year due to PCBs, Dioxins, Dieldrin and Toxaphene.

Groundwater Contamination

Volatile organic compounds and inorganic chemicals are found in ground water underlying the site.  In 1971, groundwater contamination was discovered in a residential well located in the adjacent Llangollen Estates housing development, and the Army Creek Landfill, and nearby Delaware Sand and Gravel Landfill, were identified as the source of drinking water pollution. Subsequent investigation of the underlying Upper Potomac aquifer identified a plume of organic and inorganic  chemicals migrating from the landfill.  During periods of heavy rain, the groundwater level saturates nearly thirty percent of the buried waste.

The “New” Army Creek Landfill

The construction of a multi-layer cap over the 60-acre landfill was completed in December 1993, and the landfill was planted with vegetation and wetlands.  The Army Creek Landfill is now considered habitat for plants, animals, aquatic life, and migratory birds.

Army Creek Landfill before Superfund cleanup began.