TOMS RIVER, NJ – At last week’s township council meeting, Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill announced a plan to build residential, industrial and commercial developments at the Toms River Ciba-Giegy Superfund Site.
In years past, Hill worked to promote a long-term development plan along with former Mayor Thomas Kelaher while he was a member of the township council.
Don’t want to read the back story? You can email comments electronically at onrr@dep.nj.gov to voice your concerns about this settlement.
Until last week, Hill denied the existence of a plan to build at the toxic superfund while he was politically aligned with forces that could have benefited from the project. Now, Hill is echoing the call of Toms River Councilman Daniel Rodrick, who is calling for all 1,250 acres to be preserved, not just the 1,000 acres agreed upon by Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey DEP.
Rodrick is even calling for the township to take ownership of the 250-acre development carve-out at the site through eminent domain.
This week, the Environmental Protection Agency said the project was ok with them.
“The proposed Natural Resource Damages settlement is between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the property owner of the Ciba Geigy Superfund Site, BASF,” said Stephen McBay, a representative for the EPA. “EPA is not a natural resource trustee and is not directly involved, but we were notified of its general elements, and we reviewed aspects of the proposed settlement agreement that relate to EPA’s oversight of the selected cleanup for the site. The proposed settlement will not impact any of BASF’s remaining cleanup obligations at the site. BASF will continue its work under EPA oversight.”
Councilman Daniel Rodrick said he doesn’t agree with Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill’s plan to turn the site into an active park, but said the land should be preserved as a Wildlife Management Area and managed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife to be used for passive recreation.
Here’s how you can voice your concerns:
The public comment period for the proposed Natural Resource Damages Settlement at Ciba Geigy Toms River Superfund Site has been extended from 30 days to 60 days, making the final submission deadline February 3, 2023. Comments may now also be submitted electronically at onrr@dep.nj.gov.
We reached out BASF for comment on this story, but did not receive a response in time for publishing. We reached out to Governor Phil Murphy’s office and did not receive a response.