ProposedCiba-Geigy Settlement Can't Overlook Cancer Cluster Victims, Toms River Mayor Says

TOMS RIVER, NJ — The state Department of Environmental Protection's announcement of a proposal to create 1,000 acres of open space for recreation must not hide the property's toxic history, Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill says.

The DEP announced the plan Monday as part of a proposed settlement with BASF Corp., which now owns the Ciba-Geigy property, that would try to restore the natural lands damaged by the years of dumping of toxic chemicals. It has been on the federal EPA Superfund sites list since 1983.

The DEP is seeking public comment on the proposal for 30 days.

"Preserving 1000 of open space is great news for the residents of Toms River, who are all concerned by the impact of overdevelopment on the quality of life in our community," Hill said in a statement released Tuesday evening.

However, Hill said the DEP needs to ensure the history of the cancer cluster that resulted from groundwater pollution and devastated Toms River families should not be hidden away.

"I have three requests of NJDEP and BASF that will be formally made during the public comment period and in letters to Governor Murphy and New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette," Hill said.

Hill said his requests are as follows:

1. Given the devastation that Ciba-Geigy’s cancer cluster wreaked on Toms River families, the proposed environmental center should be required to include an exhibit that comprehensively documents the damage the pollution caused to our environment, the health of our residents, and the negative economic impact on our community. A committee of academics, environmentalists and Toms River residents should be appointed to create and maintain the exhibit. The exhibit should be generously funded by BASF.
2. The remaining 255 acres of the site, or a significant portion thereof, should be deeded to Toms River Township for perpetual preservation, so long as BASF remains responsible for the cost of ongoing remediation.
3. A fund to compensate the victims of the cancer cluster should be set up by BASF and administered by a trustee appointed by the Township.

The DEP-BASF proposal, which the DEP said is the largest single-site preservation agreement through the state’s Natural Resource Damages program, includes ecological projects and an environmental center.

"So long as the pollution has been successfully remediated, making the site safe for public access, the proposed nature preserve, park, trails, a boardwalk, and environmental center would be a great enhancement for our residents and a potential boom to our tourism industry," Hill said.

"I urge all Toms River residents to support these proposals, and to make their own comments during the 30-day comment period," he said.

The proposed settlement agreement can be read here, and there is an option to submit comments.

Read more:Ciba-Geigy Site Settlement Would Preserve 1,000 Acres As Open Space

Information about the ongoing EPA-led remediation at the Ciba-Geigy site can read here.

Read more about the Ciba-Geigy site:

• Reflections On 'Chemical Town'
• Book Explores Toms River's Toxic History With Industrial Pollution
• Ciba-Geigy Corp. Proposes Multimillion-Dollar Settlement

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