It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in New Monmouth, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in New Monmouth, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in New Monmouth, NJ, including the following:
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in New Monmouth, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
OCEANPORT - Netflix has been granted more time than originally allowed to complete its due diligence to purchase Fort Monmouth's nearly 300-acre Mega Parcel and turn it into a film and TV production studio.The reason for the extension is the sheer magnitude of the property and the many challenges dealing with several defunct former Army buildings and old infrastructure. Specifically, Netflix said it needs more time to do complete title searches, surveys, traffic mitigation, environmental testing, plan its energy and pow...
OCEANPORT - Netflix has been granted more time than originally allowed to complete its due diligence to purchase Fort Monmouth's nearly 300-acre Mega Parcel and turn it into a film and TV production studio.
The reason for the extension is the sheer magnitude of the property and the many challenges dealing with several defunct former Army buildings and old infrastructure. Specifically, Netflix said it needs more time to do complete title searches, surveys, traffic mitigation, environmental testing, plan its energy and power sources and emergency services arrangements.
Netflix was afforded a 90-day due diligence period from Jan. 14, the day Gov. Phil Murphy signed off on its Purchase and Sale and Redevelopment Agreement, or PARSA, with the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, the state agency overseeing the redevelopment of the old Army post that was shuttered in 2011.
In that agreement, Netflix was permitted to request two 30-day extensions, which is has. The streaming giant, however, asked for two 45-day extensions, which move the deadline for its due diligence period to Sept. 14.
More on the plans:Netflix at Fort Monmouth drives home price boom: Here is what's still coming
FMERA officials said Netflix has been proceeding in good faith and therefore agreed to approve an amendment to the PARSA to permit the extensions at its executive board meeting Wednesday.
Netflix is under contract to purchase the Mega Parcel for $55 million and invest $850 million to construct 12 sound stages plus multiple ancillary buildings.
The due diligence is just the first phase of the process. Following that, Netflix would enter into a 36-month approval period where it will need to go through the mandatory conceptual review process with FMERA and site plan review at the planning boards for both Eatontown and Oceanport along with Monmouth County.
In addition to these approvals, there is the complex process of gaining requirements from the state Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation to name a few. Certain approvals will be triggered by the specifics of the site, such as the amount of soil disturbed and the presence of specific wildlife, tidelands and wetlands.
What's next?Here's how construction of Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth will work
There are also a number of environmental carve-outs on the site, properties that are still owned by the Army and are in the process of remediating any outstanding environmental issues. FMERA will need to gain title to these properties in order to transfer them to Netflix.
Only after that can it close on the property and begin construction. If Netflix exhausts every possible extension, it could be 10 years before the stages are completed. However, both sides have indicated they would like to complete the job before that.
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com.
When you smell hometown BBQ, it doesn't just smell appetizing, it beckons you. There is nothing more comforting than the smell of hickory chips slow-smoking meat and wafting your way. That unmistakable smell promises savory, smokey fall-off-the-bone ribs dripping with tangy BBQ sauce.Tender, juicy ribs are one thing but what if I added in that it is all you can eat? I thought that would get your attention.I have the weirdest relationship with BBQ. I used to absolutely turn my nose up at it. I don’t know why but I could no...
When you smell hometown BBQ, it doesn't just smell appetizing, it beckons you. There is nothing more comforting than the smell of hickory chips slow-smoking meat and wafting your way. That unmistakable smell promises savory, smokey fall-off-the-bone ribs dripping with tangy BBQ sauce.
Tender, juicy ribs are one thing but what if I added in that it is all you can eat? I thought that would get your attention.
I have the weirdest relationship with BBQ. I used to absolutely turn my nose up at it. I don’t know why but I could not stand the smell or taste of it. I know, I was nuts. When I was about 5 months pregnant with my daughter, I smelled someone smoking meat outside and I said to my husband, “I have to have BBQ”.
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My husband Tony was so confused because he has begged me for years to get on the BBQ train and I was grossed out. He drove me to a spot and I’m not lying when I tell you that I ate two pulled pork sandwiches loaded with BBQ sauce and pretty much licked the plate. He was floored. I guess my baby was the boss and yes, to this day both she and I love it.
Photo credit: Unsplash
Photo credit: Unsplash
This particular spot was named for having the best all-you-can-eat ribs in our state and it is officially on my bucket list. The best part is that it's in our own backyard!
Photo credit: Big Ed's Facebook
Photo credit: Big Ed's Facebook
I’m talking about Big Ed’s BBQ in Matawan. They have a full bar (what goes better with some ribs than beer?) you have some choices to make. Baby back, spare, or St. Louis ribs are all strong contenders. They also have smoked chicken. They say they are the best ribs in town, well they should change that sign to read "the best ribs in New Jersey" because people are losing their minds over them.
Photo credit: Unsplash
Photo credit: Unsplash
If you want a variety, you can order one of their platters which get served up with smoked chicken, brisket, fried catfish, shrimp, and clams or pulled pork. Of course, the ribs are the star. You can read more about it from Only In Your State here.
When you want to go back to burgers, these are dubbed the best in Monmouth County.
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Hamburger Patty's
Juicy, perfectly cooked burgers every time.
Sonny's
The burgers are cooked to perfection. Oh, and try the loaded fries!
Jersey Freeze
Jersey Freeze is a legendary ice cream destination, but their burgers are out of this world.
The Commited Pig
Fun burgers, large portions, friendly staff.
Sergio's
The New Jersey burger: double patties, double, cheese, double bacon, triple awesome.
Tommy's
The Triple T burger is a must try.
Burger Boys
There's a bit of a burger battle going on in Marlboro. There is a Burger Boys and a Burger Bros. Both places are very popular.
Pascal & Sabine
The bar burgers are the talk of the town. Plus, you can't beat the atmosphere.
Ader's
The burgers are made from fresh chop meat and are hand formed. They are large, plump and juicy.
Hearthly
Hearthly uses only organic, locally-sources incredients. That makes a difference. They also specialize in glutten-free options.
Harvest
You can't go wrong with farm-to-table.
Grand Tavern
Many say that the burgers at Grand Tavern are "hands down" the best in the area.
The Speakeatery
While The Speakeatery is known for their deli and sandwiches, its burgers are excellent. I love the creative names the have for all of the menu items.
Barnacle Bill's
The cheddar burger is all the rage.
Maloney's
What's better than a great burger? An extensive beer selection.
Asbury Ale House
The onion soup burger is to die for.
Burger Bros
Are you Team Burger Bros or Team Burger Boys? The burger battle is very much on in Marlboro.
Broad Street
This amazing local diner has vintage vibes and mouthwatering burgers. It's more than "diner food."
Darcy's
D'Arcy's has more than "pub grub." Their burgers are always getting good reviews.
Habit Burger
While Habit is popular for their burgers, customers rave about the shakes and fried green beans.
Moore's
Buy one, get two free on Tuesday's. Plus, the burgers are really good.
Pour House
Whether you do take-out or hang a the restaurant, the burgers are always pleasing.
Woody's
Woody's are some of the biggest and best around.
Wash it down with a mirco-brewski!
Take a Look at the Best Locally Crafted Beers in Ocean County, New Jersey
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WEST LONG BRANCH, New Jersey (WABC) -- The suspected weapon that set off a shelter in place at Monmouth University was a curling iron, police said.The shelter in place was lifted, after nearly four and a half hours of commotion and confusion.Students, faculty, and staff at the school had been in lockdown since around 9:15 Wednesday evening, over reports of a possible armed suspect and shots fired.Police are now saying there is no evidence of that.In an interview, officials found that a curling iron was mistaken fo...
WEST LONG BRANCH, New Jersey (WABC) -- The suspected weapon that set off a shelter in place at Monmouth University was a curling iron, police said.
The shelter in place was lifted, after nearly four and a half hours of commotion and confusion.
Students, faculty, and staff at the school had been in lockdown since around 9:15 Wednesday evening, over reports of a possible armed suspect and shots fired.
Police are now saying there is no evidence of that.
In an interview, officials found that a curling iron was mistaken for a weapon and that the person who had the curling iron was not armed with an actual weapon.
ALSO READ | New Jersey veteran brings therapy ducks to senior living facilities
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Jeremy Piatt and his therapy ducks, "Carmel" and "Peepers," are bringing smiles to senior citizens in South Jersey.
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It's been called bougie. It's been called exotic because of its challenging flavors offered. It's Nicholas Creamery, an ice cream joint that prides itself on making everything from scratch, right there.They've only been around since 2018 and there are four locations in Monmouth County. Those are Atlantic Highlands, Tinton Falls, Long Branch and Fair Haven.Starting Friday, May 26 there's going to be a fifth. And is there a better way to kick off a Memorial Day weekend than a new ice cream joint that specializes in small-batch an...
It's been called bougie. It's been called exotic because of its challenging flavors offered. It's Nicholas Creamery, an ice cream joint that prides itself on making everything from scratch, right there.
They've only been around since 2018 and there are four locations in Monmouth County. Those are Atlantic Highlands, Tinton Falls, Long Branch and Fair Haven.
Starting Friday, May 26 there's going to be a fifth. And is there a better way to kick off a Memorial Day weekend than a new ice cream joint that specializes in small-batch and seasonal flavors?
The new one is in Middletown on Route 35 right in front of ShopRite. They'll be open seven days a week starting at noon.
A really cool thing they do is work with other local food businesses in coming up with one-of-a-kind flavors. For example, you could have Taliercio's Italian Cookie Platter. They'll take pieces of Taliercio's raspberry butter cookies and Italian rainbow cookies and infuse the ice cream with these.
Or another example, they'll get brioche French toast from a breakfast place called Meemom's and work that into a little ice cream magic they call Aw Berry French Toast. (It has blueberry and strawberry jam mixed in.)
Jodie Edwards who co-owns with Nicholas and Melissa Harary said, "We are so excited about it. Middletown is such an incredible community."
You'd feel like any ice cream place near the shore area in Monmouth County is going to do well. Heck, Freehold claims the famous Jersey Freeze home to so many Springsteen sightings. But Nicholas Creamery with their fresh ingredients is doing something special.
That's not to say there aren't a ton of quality ice cream joints across the Garden State. In just Monmouth and Ocean counties alone take a look how many made this 'definitive' list.
Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.
You can now listen to Deminski & Doyle — On Demand! Hear New Jersey’s favorite afternoon radio show any day of the week. Download the Deminski & Doyle show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.
This issue is no barrel of laughs.A toxic cleanup in a New Jersey community could be a ticking timebomb, and may force families to leave their homes. Schools and homeowners in one part of Monmouth County are being told to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice, as crews with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are intensely working at a former industrial plant.More specifically, they want to know what's in a collection of barrels at a site in Farmingdale near the border with Howell.The plant has long been shut d...
This issue is no barrel of laughs.
A toxic cleanup in a New Jersey community could be a ticking timebomb, and may force families to leave their homes. Schools and homeowners in one part of Monmouth County are being told to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice, as crews with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are intensely working at a former industrial plant.
More specifically, they want to know what's in a collection of barrels at a site in Farmingdale near the border with Howell.
The plant has long been shut down, but the barrels stuck around. Now it's not clear how safe it is to move them.
In the weeks ahead, the sounds of heavy-duty construction vehicles will permeate the air at the former chemical plant, along with smells from more than 400 rusting, abandoned drums. For decades, chemicals were mixed for various customers at the site.
One nearby resident told NBC New York that she remembers decades ago when her children were coming home from school around lunchtime, and they saw the lids exploding, up in the air.
That kind of thing is still entirely possible at the site, because no one knows for sure what chemicals are still present.
Earlier in 2023, the new owner was burning some barrels in an old incinerator on the property, when the fumes and particulate pollution drifted into nearby neighborhoods, alarming first responders who rushed to put the fire out.
The EPA rushed in with an emergency removal team, which is now well into the first stage of testing and segregating the chemicals very deliberately and carefully, one barrel at a time.
When Eric Daly, the on-scene coordinator for the EPA, was asked about those exploding lids 40 years ago, he said "You’re basically proving the reason we’re taking our time with this."
Its not just the stacks of corroding barrels the EPA has to sort through before they can be removed and disposed. There are more than 1,000 small containers — again filled with unknown chemicals — that have to be tested one by one to find out what is in each, how dangerous it could be and what’s the best way to dispose of them.
With some 4,000 students going to school within the one-mile hot zone that reaches into Howell, residents are urged to have a go-pack for an evacuation that could be called at any time if the chemicals catch on fire.
"Everybody should have an evacuation plan or get-out-of-here plan just in case," said Howell-Farmingdale OEM Director Victor Cook.
That being said, the EPA does feel it has the situation under as much control as it can without knowing what’s on the site. The agency hopes everything can be hauled away by the end of summer or shortly thereafter. Then it will have to deal with whatever pollution it finds in the soil and possibly in the groundwater.