TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—The town council unanimously approved a $78,000 contract with Boswell Engineering for a preliminary site assessment and remedial investigation of the former 6-acre swim club property at its Nov. 12 meeting.
The study follows Boswell’s earlier pre-demolition survey, which revealed toxic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides. The findings raised concerns about the extent of contamination and the potential cost of cleanup, which remains unknown.
Funding and Next Steps
The $77,800 study will be funded through a county Open Space grant of $438,750, received following the township’s April 2022 purchase of the swim club for $750,000.
The investigation will provide a clearer understanding of the contamination and inform a future remediation plan. Council President Michael DeSena noted that the study is the first phase, with subsequent steps dependent on the scope of contamination found.
Administrator Mark DiCarlo described the study as prep work necessary to develop a comprehensive cleanup plan. The Boswell proposal outlines eight scopes of work for subcontractors, including soil sampling and further contaminant testing.
In an Oct. 16 press release, Mayor Peter Calamari disclosed findings from Boswell’s pre-demolition survey, conducted earlier this year. The report, dated Oct. 7, identified asbestos, lead-based paint, and “universal waste,” as well as PCBs and pesticides in the soil.
While the mayor noted that asbestos and lead-based paint were expected due to the swim club’s age, the discovery of PCBs and pesticides came as a surprise. Two earlier environmental assessments conducted by Lisko Environmental during the township’s due diligence showed no evidence of these contaminants.
The Boswell report also identified “pump house chemicals” that require proper disposal. However, the mayor’s press release did not specify the types of chemicals found.
NJDEP Notification and Safety Measures
The Boswell study detected PCB levels in the soil exceeding 50 parts per million (ppm), triggering a mandatory notification to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The NJDEP subsequently issued a “Suspected Hazardous Substance Discharge Notification” to the township.
Calamari emphasized that the contamination poses no airborne risk and that potential hazards would result only from direct ground disturbance. He assured residents that the affected area is fenced off and secured with locks and chains. Public Works employees have been instructed not to enter the site, and “No Trespassing” signs remain posted.
Calamari suggested that pesticides may have been mixed with used oil decades ago to control mosquitoes, a practice that reportedly predates the township’s ownership of the property. He clarified that no current township employees were involved in such applications.
Calls for Transparency
DeSena has urged the administration to improve transparency by posting the Boswell report online and ensuring residents are informed of developments. Calamari invited residents to submit questions to Administrator DiCarlo for clarification.
Looking Ahead
The approved $78,000 study is expected to provide a detailed assessment of contaminants and inform the cost and scope of cleanup efforts. Early estimates suggest the remediation could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the contamination.
The township’s focus, Calamari said, remains on public safety and ensuring the site is properly managed and remediated..