Swim club site reveals hazardous asbestos and PCB contamination

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the findings of a pre-demolition survey conducted by Fazil Engineering at the swim club property located at 464 Ridgewood Boulevard North. The survey aimed to identify hazardous materials, revealing the presence of asbestos and lead-based paint in various areas of the facility, including the swim club building and lifeguard pump house.

The survey also detected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the exterior caulking of windows and doors, as well as in soil samples taken from the surrounding area. Notably, the PCB levels exceeded the 50 parts per million threshold, prompting a mandatory notification to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The township has since received a suspected hazardous substance discharge notification from the DEP.

Officials emphasized that the PCB contamination is not airborne and poses a risk only if the ground is disturbed. The affected area is secured with fences and no trespassing signs to prevent unauthorized access. The township's Department of Public Works has been instructed to avoid the property.

The meeting also addressed the need for soil remediation in accordance with New Jersey DEP standards, although the extent and cost of the remediation remain undetermined. The township plans to apply for a DEP grant that could cover 100% of preliminary assessment costs and up to 75% of total remediation expenses.

Council members expressed concerns regarding the delay in addressing hazardous materials on the property, particularly the removal of pump house chemicals that have been present for over two years. They requested immediate action on this matter and the installation of additional hazardous signage around the site. The council agreed to defer further questions until the next meeting, where a representative from Boswell Engineering is expected to provide additional insights.