Chemical Giant To Pay Millions After Contaminating 2 Morris Co. Towns, AG Says

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A former chemical and munitions company will pay millions to the state after contaminating several sites across New Jersey, including two in Morris County, according to the attorney general.

Hercules LLC, formerly Hercules Inc., will pay $4.5 million to settle claims from a 2007 lawsuit for Natural Resource Damages (NRD) resulting from alleged contamination in Chester and Kenvil in Morris County, Parlin in Middlesex County, and Gibbstown in Gloucester County.

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"By requiring polluters to pay for damage to our natural resources and preserve lands for conservation, these actions give us hope that future generations will enjoy the clean and healthy environment that they deserve," Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in an announcement.

Davenport did not say how the $4.5 million would be split up, or whether the towns would see any of the settlement funds. However, the funds will be used to "restore the State's injured natural resources," she says.

Additionally, Hercules will be forced to pay an additional $50,000 to preserve more than 600 acres of conservation easements, including 235 acres in Kenville.

Davenport also announced a separate NRD settlement regarding Hess, which will pay $19.5 million to the state after allegedly contaminating the area around its former refinery in Port Reading, Woodbridge Township.

"Today's action reflects the Sherrill Administration's commitment to holding polluters accountable for damage to our state's precious natural resources," said DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak. "The settlements will result in the permanent protection of valuable resources and funds to restore natural resources so the public can once again benefit from their important ecological functions."

New Jersey retains its right to pursue other claims, including natural resource damages to the Delaware River, past cleanup costs already incurred, and future cleanup costs, according to Davenport.