TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—Soil testing at the township-owned former swim club has identified PCB contamination requiring cleanup on both the 6.1-acre site and an adjoining residential property, a Boswell Engineering remediation professional told the Township Council Sept. 8.
Frank Rossi, Boswell’s licensed site remediation professional, said contaminated sediment had washed onto the neighboring property through storm runoff. The homeowner is cooperating, and that property’s cleanup will be included in the remediation estimate.
Rossi said he must determine the volume of contaminated soil before estimating costs. Testing found PCB levels above state standards as deep as two feet at the former club, at 464 Ridgewood Boulevard North, and within the top foot of soil on the residential property.
On the neighboring property, samples about 10 feet from the boundary measured 0.425 parts per million, exceeding the state standard of 0.25 ppm. No contamination was detected at 15 feet from the boundary, Rossi said.
“It’s not hazardous waste levels but it has to be remediated,” he said of the neighboring property’s contamination.
Some soil at the former club will require hazardous-waste disposal, costing more than $300 per ton, compared with about $86 per ton for material with lower PCB levels, Rossi said.
The highest concentrations were found mainly around the pool’s coping, or edge. Rossi suggested historical applications of an oil-based mosquito-control mixture containing PCBs as a possible source.
Earlier sampling identified contamination around the pool. Testing this June established its outward and downward extent, Rossi said. He presented a sampling map to the council; Pascack Press requested a copy. Boswell will calculate removal quantities, prepare a self-implementing plan required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and obtain required state permits.
Rossi said an application had been submitted to the NJDEP Hazardous Site Remediation Fund for funding covering 100% of site and remedial investigation costs. A separate application could secure reimbursement for up to 75% of cleanup costs, if approved.
The township bought the property in April 2022 for $750,000. It is deed-restricted for open space; proposals have included a “great lawn” concept presented in summer 2024.
Brook restoration advances
Rossi also reported progress on the Musquapsink Brook restoration project, which Boswell is overseeing. Downes Tree Service is placing streambank boulders and repairing and reinstalling stormwater outfall pipes. Two headwalls have been installed, with additional erosion protection planned.
Downes received a $669,280 contract as the lowest bidder. The approximately $700,000 project is funded by a $600,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and a recently approved $100,000 appropriation from the township’s capital fund balance.
A 2023 Boswell drone report identified severe erosion exposing two sanitary sewer manholes. Further undermining could have allowed sewage to enter the brook, which flows toward Oradell Reservoir. Work includes stabilizing banks near the manholes, removing sediment shoals and improving flow.
Rossi said stream scour and headwall screening are required under the state’s MS4 stormwater program and could likely be handled by township public works staff.