| Minutes of the Environmental Commission
April 1, 2009
Members Present:
Blanche Hoffman, Chair; Perry Simone,Vice Chair; Wayne Farmer; David Furey; Owen Henry; George Millett; Marisa Simone, High School Representative Members Absent: Michael Cerrato; Neal Greenspan; Deborah Marquez; Gary Szelc; Guests: Mrs. Ann Miller - President, Historical Commission - Liaison to the Old Bridge Environmental Commission
Debbie DePew - Recycling Coordinator
Mayor James Phillips
Beth Totman - EPA
Joseph Rotola - EPA Removal Action Chief
Daniel Harkay - EPA Project Manager
Andrew Confortini - EPA On-Scene Coordinator
Pat Seppi - EPA Community Involvement Coordinator
Fred Mumford - DEP REPORT BY THE EPA OF CLOSURES OF TWO RARITAN BAY SLAG SITES IN OLD BRIDGE Mayor Phillips opened the meeting by reporting that on March 11 the EPA has contacted him regarding the high levels of lead located in the Margaret's Creek area. This precipitated him to hold a meeting for the residents to get answers and ask questions directly of the representatives of the EPA and DEP. The EPA become involved in the case while the DEP was working at Margaret's Creek in Old Bridge, an area that had already been determined to have high levels of lead caused by slag, a waste material generated in metal processing. The three areas being evaluated are the western jetty near Cheesequake Creek in Old Bridge, the Laurence Harbor sea wall area, and in Sayreville the half-acre beach area just north of the Cheesequake Creek jetty. Margaret's Creek will be added to the list. In total, the EPA is shutting down 1.3 square miles of coastal property. Most of the area that the EPA requested was already cordoned off, but now that they have added an area of beach front where many activities take place, signs are being printed and split rail fences will be installed. Based on the available data, the EPA has determined that a Superfund Removal Action is warranted. The EPA plans to provide timely, concise and accurate information to the community through updates, meetings and mailings as deemed necessary. Questions and answers from the residents followed the presentation. OBEC regular agenda for April 1 tabled for May 6, 2009 meeting. |