STATEMENT: Gottheimer on NJDEP Testing Vernon’s Waste Mountain

VERNON — Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer released the following statement following news that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection began initial testing of the Waste Mountain at 3 Silver Spruce Drive in Vernon, NJ:

For years now, the families of Vernon have feared for their health and safety, constantly exposed to the actions of a known, convicted polluter, Joe Wallace. After months of requests to the state urging action, the DEP finally informed me earlier today that they had tested the areas surrounding the Waste Mountain in Vernon. As the town’s own independent tests had indicated months ago, the DEP found indications of elevated levels of lead, other chemicals, and solid waste in the surrounding areas — enough to allow for probable cause to conduct further testing of the Waste Mountain itself.  Today was an important first step, but we will need the results from additional testing immediately. The DEP, along with the Attorney General, has also asked the court for the authority to stop additional trucks from delivering more waste to the property.

If the next phase of testing confirms these initial results, we will need a clear timetable for core testing, enforcement,  potential remediation, compensation for residents, and a detailed plan to address any ongoing health risks to families.

Additionally, should the facts bear out, Mr. Wallace must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

I commend Mayor Shortway, Senator Oroho, Assemblyman Space, Assemblyman Wirths and community groups for their dogged commitment to finding the truth. The Mayor, in particular, has been a critical ally in this fight over the last year. I also appreciate the Governor’s office stepping in.

I will be visiting with the People Against Illegal Dumping (PAID) Executive Board and local officials later today to thank them for their involvement and to discuss next steps.

I plan to continue working with local officials and members of the community at every step to hold all parties accountable.

Gottheimer, PAID, and local elected officials will be available for further comment at 1:50 p.m. at the Mixing Bowl, 4 Church St, Vernon Township.

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