The Ocean County Mayors’ Association has expressed dissatisfaction with the settlement reached between the state and BASF, the current owner of the former Ciba Geigy property. The mayors argue that the settlement does not do enough to address the health, economic, or environmental impacts of the site, which has been linked to a cancer cluster in the area. The mayors are calling for several concessions, including the creation of a depository at the Ocean County library system for documents about the site, the publication of monitoring information on the status of the Toms River, and a public information plan so that residents are aware of the remediation efforts and can participate in them.
The settlement, announced by the State Department of Environmental Protection in December 2022, would preserve about 1,000 acres of the 1,255-acre site. The preserved land would be used for restoration projects, pollinator habitat, and solar energy production, and would include trails, a boardwalk, and an environmental education center. The remaining 255 acres would be set aside for light industrial use. BASF assumed responsibility for the site in 2010 through corporate acquisitions, and has been working on remediation efforts such as excavation, capping of contaminated areas, and treatment of contaminated groundwater.
The DEP will be hosting a public meeting about the settlement on March 13, and comments can be submitted electronically until April 5.
What you need to know:
- Ocean County Mayors' Association has expressed dissatisfaction with the settlement between the state and the current owner of the Ciba Geigy property, BASF.
- The mayors claim that the settlement does not adequately address the health, economic, or environmental impacts of the site.
- They are requesting several concessions, including the creation of a depository for documents about the site, the publication of monitoring information on the Toms River, and a public information plan to inform residents about the remediation efforts.
- The settlement, announced in December 2022, will preserve 1,000 acres of the 1,255-acre site for restoration projects, pollinator habitat, and solar energy production, while the remaining 255 acres will be used for light industrial purposes.
- BASF assumed responsibility for the site in 2010 and has been engaged in remediation efforts such as excavation, capping of contaminated areas, and treatment of contaminated groundwater.
- The DEP will hold a public meeting about the settlement on March 13, and comments can be submitted electronically until April 5.
