Police remain unsure if spill was criminal Environmental group worried of chemicals’ effect on wildlife BY MELISSA CIFELLI Staff Writer The investigation into a chemical spill that leaked 8,300 gallons of the chemicals naptha and xylene into a section of the Lawrence Brook in South Brunswick continues into its second week. According to South Brunswick Detective James Ryan, the investigation has not yet determined if the spill from the John C. Dolph Co. on New Road was accidental or criminal. Investigation from environmental officials determined that the levels of the chemicals were not high enough for concern. The chemicals, however, did leak into wetland areas of the Lawrence Brook watershed. The watershed is a drinking water supply for New Brunswick and several communities in the area, according to Alan Godber, vice-president on the board of trustees at the Milltown-based Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership. “The location where the spill occurred is almost exactly at the boundary of the Lawrence Brook watershed and the Millstone watershed,” Godber said. Godber said it was possible for both watersheds to be contaminated, but it was likely that most of the spill occurred within the Millstone watershed. According to Godber, members of the Lawrence Brook Watershed Partnership met with authorities and members of the state Department of Environmental Protection, and determined the spill was under control. Godber did say he was concerned because the chemicals, naptha and xylene, are hazardous to both humans and wildlife through air, surface water and groundwater pollution. The chemicals, according to Godber, may be difficult to entirely remove from the area, which contains wildlife. Godber said he was also concerned by the lack of containment basins in place at the plant to prevent spills of hazardous chemicals. The leak was first discovered on Dec. 11 by a passing motorist who detected a chemical odor while driving along New Road and contacted police. According to Ryan, the tanks that contained the chemicals did not appear to be damaged. The John C. Dolph Co., which has operated in South Brunswick since 1948, manufactures the coatings, compounds and other products for the electrical and electronic industries. The investigation into the cause of the leak is being held in conjunction with the South Brunswick Police Department and the Department of Criminal Justice.