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State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2010

Contact: Elaine Makatura (609) 292-2994
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795

DEP PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR POMPTON LAKES RESIDENTS
AFFECTED BY MUNITIONS PLANT POLLUTION

(10/P3) TRENTON - The Department of Environmental Protection is redoubling its commitment to the residents of Pompton Lakes by working with its state and federal partners to ensure a prompt and thorough cleanup of contamination from the DuPont Pompton Lakes Works site.

The DEP, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Senior Services and the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry are holding a public meeting tonight to update borough residents about completing the cleanup of contamination from the now-closed DuPont munitions plant.

“The DEP is committed to making sure the residents of Pompton Lakes finally get the peace of mind and full protection from pollution they deserve,” said Irene Kropp, assistant commissioner for the DEP’s Site Remediation Program. “Along with our partners, we will build confidence in the residents and assure them that we are working hard to protect them and rid the community of this pollution once and for all.”

The DEP welcomes the support of the EPA, which has enhanced its longstanding efforts at the site by becoming the DEP’s co-lead in the cleanup. Assistant Commissioner Kropp outlined a strategy to involve the community in the cleanup. The DEP will:

  • Work with the EPA in forming a community advisory group to actively engage a broad cross-section of residents, local officials and environmentalists in cleanup discussions.
  • Recommit to transparency and community outreach in all phases of cleanup.
  • Respond to any residents’ concerns about the installation and operation of systems to prevent vapors from a plume of contaminated groundwater from entering homes. The DEP and EPA strongly urge residents in the affected area get the systems installed.
  • Ensure that DuPont meets its cleanup obligations in a timely and transparent manner. This includes making sure DuPont develops a scientifically sound and thorough plan for cleaning up the groundwater plume.

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