TOMS RIVER, NJ – It’s an offer they can’t refuse, but Toms River residents are doing just that this weekend. After New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy negotiated a sweetheart deal for BASF, the current owner of the Superfund site, residents are crying foul.
The deal would absolve BASF from public accountability preserve 1,200 acres, but allow the company to build and develop 250 acres at the site. The settlement will see BASF pay $500,000 in penalties, all of it going to the state.
It’s an offer we can’t refuse, and according to New Jersey DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, “it’s a very, very good deal.”
We’re not sure who he is referring to. BASF? The state? Developers? Because it surely isn’t the residents of Toms River.
Like his 5th Grandfather before him, who fought side by side with Joshua Huddy, Tom Nivison, owner of Silverton Farms and a recently elected councilman, is hosting a rally in opposition to the state’s ‘very good offer’.
On November 12, Silverton Farms is hosting a community event to raise awareness and support for the ongoing battle against the NJDEP and its settlement with BASF, the current owners of the Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site. The event, featuring music, food, marching bands, and games, will be part of a larger initiative to unite the community in the face of environmental challenges from the state and BASF.
Toms River Mayor-elect Dan Rodrick said the deal is a bad one for Toms River, a very bad one. He has said when he takes office, he would like to pursue eminent domain proceedings against BASF to acquire and preserve land at the former toxic superfund property to stop any future development there.
“Toms River Township should buy it for what BASF claimed their land was worth during their 2019 tax appeal,” Rodrick said. “We should not be discussing future development but preserving the entire site as a state wildlife management area.”
The towns along the Toms River have been significantly impacted by the environmental issues stemming from the Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site. In response, the local community has continued to seek justice and remediation through legal channels. This event will be a platform to bring attention to environmental concerns and celebrate the community’s resilience and solidarity.
Attendees will be treated a variety of activities, including live performances by marching bands, music artists, and an array of food and drinks. The event will allow community members to engage with the expert team leading the fight against environmental issues. Free entry to the event allowed for broad community participation, emphasizing the importance of collective action in environmental advocacy.
