Congressman Pallone, NJDEP Outline Action Plan to Remove Slag-Like Materials Found on Keyport Beach

Keyport, NJ -Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (NJ-06), in collaboration with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, today announced a plan to remove slag-like materials found at Bayfront Beach in Keyport. The plan, to be implemented next week by the DEP out of an abundance of caution because the public uses the beach area for crabbing and fishing , includes removal of the slag-like material, testing for heavy metals including lead, and an investigation into the origin of the materials.

"Swiftly addressing these materials has been my top priority. With NJDEP's solid plan and EPA's backing, I'm confident these agencies will quickly remove the material Baykeeper Remaud found and protect Keyport's residents. I am committed to seeing this effort through to the end and ensuring any trace of these materials is removed," said Congressman Pallone

"Thematerial has only been observed in the discrete area of Bayshore, and, currently, there is no information suggesting that the material is spread more widely geographically," said Commissioner LaTourette. "We take this matter very seriously and, out of an abundance of caution, I have directed the removal of the materials to take place next week. No conclusion can yet be made as to the nature or source of the material, but DEP will share additional information as the investigation progresses."

The materials will be tested for metals, including lead. At present, the results of a field test sample provided by the Baykeeper tested at 200 ppm of lead, which is at the Residential Direct Contact Standard. At this time, there is no indication that the materials are connected to the Raritan Bay seawall Superfund site in Laurence Harbour, several miles away. The DEP is continuing to be in contact and coordinate with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees the Superfund site.

Background

At Congressman Pallone's request, Commissioner LaTourette has developed a plan that includes the following key steps: Removing the materials from the beach, testing to determine its potential to contain lead or any other potentially harmful metals, and an investigation to determine the origin of the material and whether it was dumped on the beach or is a remnant of the former Aeromarine industrial site.

On July 17th, NY/NJ BayKeeper Greg Remaud discovered a significant quantity of material on the beach near the former Aeromarine industrial site. Upon learning of the discovery, Pallone immediately contacted EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa Garcia, urging a swift review and the development of an action plan. Congressman Pallone's proactive approach led to a site inspection on July 19th, conducted alongside EPA and NJDEP investigators.