Officials say fire extinguishing agent reached Grenloch Lake through nearby waterway
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A mysterious white, filmy substance discovered floating on Grenloch Lake has been traced to an accidental discharge of a fire extinguishing agent from a nearby New Jersey Transit bus garage, according to emergency officials.
The investigation began Thursday after a complaint was made to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection regarding the substance on the lake in Washington Township, Gloucester County.
The Gloucester County Hazardous Materials Response Unit and the Washington Township Fire Department responded and confirmed the presence of the white, filmy material.
Officials later determined the substance originated from an accidental discharge of an ABC dry chemical fire extinguishing agent at the New Jersey Transit Bus Garage on State Route 42, also known as Black Horse Pike.
According to investigators, the extinguishing agent entered a nearby waterway before collecting in the southern section of Grenloch Lake.
Emergency officials said fewer than 25 pounds of the low-toxicity material were released and the incident is expected to have a minimal impact on aquatic life.
Environmental officials from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and NJ Transit coordinated with emergency responders during the investigation.
Officials said assessments and any necessary cleanup efforts will continue with the assistance of a third-party environmental contractor.
Grenloch Lake sits along the border of Washington Township in Gloucester County and Gloucester Township in Camden County, prompting a joint response from agencies in both jurisdictions.
Anyone seeking additional information can contact the Gloucester County Department of Emergency Response at 856-307-7100.
Key Points
- Officials traced a mysterious white substance on Grenloch Lake to an accidental release of a fire extinguishing agent from a nearby NJ Transit bus garage.
- Less than 25 pounds of the low-toxicity material entered a nearby waterway before reaching the lake.
- Environmental assessments and cleanup efforts are continuing.
