New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Releases Statewide PFAS Soil Study Results

In September 2025, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) released the results of its much-anticipated statewide soil investigation into Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). New Jersey was one of the first states to set cleanup standards for certain PFAS in soil. In October 2022, NJDEP issued interim soil remediation standards for four compounds: PFOA, PFNA, PFOS, and GenX (HFPO-DA). These standards highlight the importance of monitoring PFAS in soils, especially as property owners and companies are now required to test for these chemicals during site cleanups which could lead to property transaction impacts.

NJDEP Study Goals

The statewide study had several key goals:
1.    Measure PFAS concentrations in surface soils.
2.    Compare the results to the state’s recently established soil standards.
3.    Evaluate whether PFAS levels differ across counties and between urban and rural areas.

Key Findings

•    PFAS detected in all samples collected:  23 of the 40 PFAS compounds analyzed were detected at least once in each of the 157 surface soil samples collected.  Samples were collected from public lands at locations removed from known areas of PFAS impact.  It is noteworthy that the more rural areas of the state appear to be least affected. These facts suggest widespread aerial dispersion of these compounds from industrialized areas of the State and nearby New York and Philadelphia.  
•    No exceedances of soil standards: Although PFAS were detected statewide, none of the soil samples exceeded NJDEP’s current safety standards for the four regulated compounds (PFOA, PFNA, PFOS, and GenX).  This is not surprising based on where the NJDEP collected samples including public lands, state, county, and municipal parks, in all 21 counties 
•    Low groundwater risk: Additional testing indicated that the PFAS concentrations detected in these soils are not likely to migrate into groundwater above state limits.  However, locations at or near sites where PFAS compounds were produced or used in other products could produce a different result. 
•    Highest levels along I-95 corridor: The greatest overall PFAS concentrations were found along the busy Interstate 95 corridor, stretching from the industrial New York City suburbs in the northeast to the Philadelphia suburbs in the southwest.  This finding is not surprising given the nature of industrialization along the I-95 corridor and in the New York and Philadelphia surrounding metropolitan areas.  
•    Regional differences: Certain PFAS compounds were more common in different regions — PFNA in southern New Jersey, and PFOS in the north. –The signature of the various PFAS compounds varies from one area of the State to another because of the diverse nature of the industries located in these areas of New Jersey and adjoining states.

Why This Matters

PFAS are entirely man-made; they do not occur naturally. Any PFAS found in soil, water, or air comes from human activity, even if it arrived through atmospheric deposition. Because of this, NJDEP has determined there is no natural “background level” of PFAS in the environment. However, state regulations allow responsible parties involved in cleanups to show if PFAS at a site may have come from an off-site source.

Overall, the study shows that while PFAS are widespread in New Jersey soils, current levels are below thresholds of concern under existing state standards, providing reassurance to communities, property owners and regulators alike.

Interested in more on the future of PFAS regulation?
Come look for us at New Jersey’s first PFAS Summit – October 9 & 10 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology
150 Bleeker St, Newark, NJ 07102

Understanding PFAS

PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals originally hailed for their resistance to water, stains, grease, and heat. They have been widely used for decades in everyday products such as nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, cosmetics and personal hygiene products and food packaging, as well as in industrial processes. PFAS are also a key ingredient in certain firefighting foams (known as aqueous film-forming foams or AFFF), which are used to extinguish flammable liquid fires like those involving oil or gasoline and also tire fires.
Many PFAS do not break down easily, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” Over time, they can accumulate in the environment and in people. Exposure to some PFAS has been linked to potential health risks, including cancer, high cholesterol, reproductive issues, and thyroid problems (Fenton et al., 2020).