Why does NJ have so many superfund sites?

Why New Jersey Has the Most Superfund Sites in the U.S.

New Jersey’s nickname, “The Garden State,” might evoke images of lush landscapes and green hills, but beneath that surface lies a complex industrial legacy—one that explains why it has more Superfund sites than any other state. For over a century, New Jersey served as a hub for chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and heavy industry. Factories dotted cities along rivers like the Passaic, pumping out products that fueled America’s growth—but also leaving behind a toxic footprint.

One of the most notorious examples is the Lower Passaic River, where decades of unchecked pollution led to severe contamination from dioxins, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances. In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency announced a landmark $1.38 billion plan to clean it up, involving extensive bank-to-bank dredging and capping of polluted sediments. This massive effort underscores the scale of environmental damage accumulated over generations.

Industrial activity without strong environmental regulations in the past is the core reason behind New Jersey’s high number of Superfund sites. With more manufacturing plants per square mile than almost any other state, the contamination was inevitable—especially before environmental laws like the Clean Water Act reshaped industry standards.

Today, the state continues to grapple with the consequences. The EPA currently lists over 100 active or proposed Superfund sites in New Jersey, more than any other state. While cleanup projects are slow and costly, they’re essential for restoring ecosystems and protecting public health. Each site tells a story of progress—and a reminder that economic growth must not come at the expense of the environment.