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Study Approved To Review Using Landfill Site For Recreational Use
By Catherine Snipe
Is there an end in sight to the township landfill? In hopes of answering that question, the township council approved a study this week, unanimously agreeing to a redevelopment study of the landfill, located on Sally Ike Road.
The study would be a preliminary investigation looking at whether any hazardous substances or hazardous waste still exist at the site and what some of the approved uses to develop the site could be, such as looking into whether the landfill could eventually be converted into a recreational use.
In other areas of New Jersey, landfills have become golf courses, Council
President Stephen Acropolis noted. The
township would look at these and other "brownsfields" projects, which take properties
with hazardous items and convert them into usable areas.
"This is something the township council talked about in 2003 and 2004, that we are desirous of moving the landfill forward," Acropolis said.
The council approved a resolution for the study, stating the township is "committed to the redevelopment of the Brick Township Landfill for the purpose of residential or recreational redevelopment."
The council is optimistic it can find a solution within a three-year period. The township is also applying to the Hazardous Discharge Site Fund for funding.
Acropolis said he's received several inquiries from residents about the landfill, and hopes the study will yield some answers, as the township faces $300,000 to $500,000 in monitoring costs for the landfill, with "no closure in sight," Acropolis said.
"Unless we start this, we could be here 10 years later and asking ourselves the same question: when will it end?" Acropolis said. "It's good to begin these steps."
Township Administrator Scott Pezarras cautioned however that the resolution is the first stage to what could be a lengthy process.
"It authorizes support of an application," he said. "It's just saying it's our desire to look into it."
Councilwoman Kathy Russell suggested the township have the engineering firm assigned to the study come before the council and publicly present their findings.
Having a municipal staff, many of whom have already worked on other brownsfields projects in Brick, could prove to be a valuable asset, Acropolis said.
An important step is also getting residents near the landfill to participate in the discussion, he said.
"We're going to talk to them," said Acropolis.
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