Historic Potteries Site In Mercer Added To Superfund National Priorities List

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - The Historic Potteries site in Trenton has been added to the Superfund National Priorities List (NPL), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced.

This marks a critical step that will advance long-term efforts to clean up legacy lead contamination affecting homes, parks, and public spaces across the neighborhood.

“For decades, families in East Trenton have lived with contamination left behind by historic industrial operations,” EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci Said.

“By adding this site to the National Priorities List, EPA is addressing public health risks and laying the groundwork for community revitalization and economic growth.”

The Historic Potteries site includes areas once home to dozens of commercial pottery (ceramics manufacturing) operations dating back to the 1800s. These facilities commonly used lead in glazes and coatings, contributing to soil contamination across East Trenton.

EPA investigations identified elevated levels of lead in soil at residential properties, schools, and recreational areas. Long-term exposure to lead, especially for children, can cause serious developmental and health issues.

Since 2018, EPA has worked closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the City of Trenton, and community partners to investigate and respond to these risks.

Short-term actions—including soil covers and fencing—have already been put in place at key locations, while the NPL designation will allow for comprehensive, long-term cleanup supported by federal funding and authority.

EPA’s Superfund program is designed to clean up the nation’s most contaminated sites and protect communities from harmful pollution.

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