Toms River Group Rejects Ciba-Geigy Cleanup Settlement

August 18, 2023 | njspotlightnews.org

Credit: Norman Rockwell’s "Freedom of Speech" - NARA - 513536

“The nightmare continues. It’s been an open wound in Toms River for 60 years. And all NJ DEP has done is pour salt into that wound,” said Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill. Referring to the settlement announced this (last) week by the state Department of Environmental Protection with the BASF chemical company to compensate for damage to natural resources from chemical leaks by the company’s predecessor, Ciby-Geigy, Hill said residents want a better deal. Read More: Click Here NJ SEED: This has been one of the longest continuing battles between the community and a major chemical company responsible for the leakage of toxic chemicals into the groundwater. Toms River officials and residents feel slighted by NJ DEP for agreeing to a settlement that, while mandating continued clean-up efforts, includes “public access” areas with a nature center and boardwalks, but apparently no direct compensation for impacted residents.