Contamination found in ground along creek DEP testing of tract shows high levels of lead BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer Unusually high levels of lead were discovered in the ground along Margaret's Creek in Old Bridge, according to tests conducted by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). "While this is certainly nothing for residents to panic about, it is something that, I want to ensure everyone, is being given our full and immediate action," Mayor Jim Phillips said. The tests were conducted by the DEP after discussions with the township about the state purchasing the land, which Old Bridge acquired through foreclosure because of unpaid taxes in 1997. The township received the test results April 19. Margaret's Creek consists mainly of swampland and is considered a tidal area, according to Phillips. "It's a relatively isolated spot," Phillips said. "There is a tremendous amount of natural wildlife in the area." The creek is in the Laurence Harbor section, with the Raritan Bay and Route 35 as its borders to the east and west. The contaminated area is located just east of Route 35, and north of Boulevard West. Over the past few years, the DEP met with township officials about acquiring the 20-acre parcel for open space. Around 1960, the area was used as an industrial landfill, Phillips said. For many years, the parcel has been fenced off to prevent further dumping, but it was still open to pedestrian traffic. With the new findings, the township has begun installing fencing to prohibit access completely. The process was started immediately, on an emergency basis, and will be completed by the end of the week, the mayor said. The Township Council voted Monday to allocate $10,000 for air quality testing around the site. The testing was scheduled to begin yesterday. Last Friday, township officials met with the DEP to walk the property and assess the situation, Phillips said. The Middlesex County Board of Health is also assessing the situation to determine an appropriate course of action. The township has also contacted the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, along with the state attorney general, to investigate the matter. "We are asking for law enforcement to help us in conducting an investigation to find out who is responsible for this contamination," Phillips said. "We believe that we're going to have to involve every level of law enforcement." The closest residences to the site are in the Knollcroft development in Cliffwood Beach, which has houses on Boulevard West that back up to the swamp area, Old Bridge Councilman Bob Volkert said. There is also a new mosque located in close proximity to the site, but neither Phillips nor Volkert knew exactly where. The DEP, along with the township, will conduct additional tests in the area to check for contaminants, Phillips said. Although the creek is near the Raritan Bay, Phillips said the lead contamination is in the ground, and therefore would not move into other connected areas. Any parent who suspects that their child played in the area should contact their physician and arrange for lead testing, which is covered by all insurance plans, Phillips said. Those who do not have any type of health insurance should contact the Middlesex County Health Department at (732) 745-3100 to arrange for testing.