PARK RIDGE, N.J.—The Borough Council approved a $6.75 million bond ordinance Aug. 11 to install treatment systems at Wells 12 and 18 to remove PFAS contaminants from the borough water supply.
The filtration systems are required by the state Department of Environmental Protection and are intended to remove PFAS, commonly called “forever chemicals,” from drinking water.
Councilor Michael Mintz said the borough will apply to the state Infrastructure Bank for low- or no-interest financing. The borough has been pursuing financing through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program, now known as the NJ Water Bank.
Mayor Keith Misciagna previously told Pascack Press, “The Borough has been pursuing financing for this project through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program (now known as the NJ Water Bank) since 2022. While the final application documents were submitted in early 2025, the process began earlier as the Borough worked with the State to meet its requirements.”
He added, “We can’t avoid the need to address PFAS but we can control how responsibly we invest in the solution. Our goal is safe water at the lowest possible cost to our residents. The goal is to use every available resource, including grants, potential financial assistance, and reduced-interest financing, to complete this required project in the most responsible and cost-effective manner possible.”
Also Aug. 11, the council introduced a $975,000 bond ordinance to upgrade sports lighting at Sulak Field, with $211,338 in grants covering nearly 22% of the project cost.
Chief Financial Officer Connie Carpenter said the grants include $67,000 from the state Department of Community Affairs and $144,338 from the Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund.
Improved lighting at Sulak Field has been discussed for years, Councilor William Fenwick said.
“It’s great to see the project moving forward. It’s going to be a great thing for our town and the kids in our town,” Fenwick said.
Misciagna added, “I think everybody up here agrees with you.”
Officials said the upgraded lighting will allow more young athletes to use the field for evening practices and games.
A public hearing on the $975,000 Sulak Field bond ordinance is set for Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. at Borough Hall.