East Brunswick Approves $100K Emergency Fix After Contractor Broke 2 Mains

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick may put a lien on a Nenninger Lane property if no one pays for the emergency repairs after a contractor broke both the water and sewer mains there this month.

The Township Council voted unanimously Monday to approve an emergency contract of up to $100,000 with Black Rock Enterprises LLC of Old Bridge. The company was hired to install a sewer lateral at 10 Nenninger Lane after the Sept. 9 break.

Business Administrator Joe Criscuolo told the council he declared an emergency because of "life, health and safety issues." According to township documents, the whole street lost water and fire protection, and township crews worked overnight to restore service.

The damage happened while a contractor was installing a sewer line for a new house at 10 Nenninger Lane. A township certification blames "extremely poor practice" by the contractor. Repairs are estimated at $103,294.59, and the sewer main is still damaged.

Criscuolo said the township is looking to be repaid. If it doesn't get paid by the contractor's insurance company, the contractor or the property owner by the next council meeting, he said, the council will see another resolution to put a lien on the property.

"You'll see another resolution liening the property for the full amount in question," he said.

The township's water and sewer department also had to make emergency repairs, Criscuolo said. Crews went to the street twice to secure the sewer lateral and the water line for residents. He said the township could seek payment for those costs as well if no one pays.

"This is a developer who broke the line," Criscuolo said. If the township is paid, he said, the lien resolution won't be needed, and he will report back to the council.

The resolution says the township's chief financial officer certified that enough money is available in a capital account to cover the contract.

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