Hackensack River could be cleaned up as a Superfund site The Route 3 bridge spans the Hackensack River in Secaucus, N.J., Jan. 22, 2015. (AP File Photo) SECAUCUS, N.J. - New Jersey is moving ahead with a plan to get federal help to clean up the lower Hackensack River's toxic sediment, which is a remnant of the state's industrial past. Gov. Phil Murphy's administration is seeking placement of the 23-mile section of the river on the federal government's list of Superfund toxic sites, according to state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. If the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approves the river as a Superfund site, the cleanup plan would be eligible for federal funding. Also, the EPA can try to go after the parties responsible for polluting the waters. But gaining Superfund status sometimes takes years.