When Will this End?

The Citizens of Pompton Lakes Need Answers.

NorthJersey.com has once again put a necessary spotlight on the need for action in Pompton Lakes. If you have not read NorthJersey.com’s investigative articles, I urge you to read them by clicking here. The people of Pompton Lakes are sick and tired of the decades long battle over DuPont’s environmental damage. Residents and environmental experts agree that not nearly enough is being done to repair this environmental disaster created by DuPont.

Pompton Lake previously tested positive for dangerous levels of mercury and lead contamination, but the clean-up project by DuPont was only planned to clean-up, “the most contaminated 36 acres of the 200 acre lake.” In addition to the health of the residents, of great concern is that Pompton Lake is a crucial reservoir that provides drinking water for both Bergen and Passaic Counties.

Residents are demanding more than just a band-aid style fix to a larger problem. By only addressing a small section of the lake, there is a legitimate concern that DuPont is not doing enough. One resident quoted in the article stated that, “Who’s to say it’s not going to get recontaminated.” Another resident said, “this should be far from the final phase of the project, because [DuPont has] left most of [the] pollution in the lake.”

For far too long, DuPont has gotten away with doing the absolute bare minimum. Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra cannot continue to sit back, remain silent, and offer no comment on this issue. I personally reached out to him, with no response.

We need real leadership that is responsive to constituents and willing to stand up to those who flaunt our laws. I intend to work with every elected official, the regulators, and the residents to find a Common Ground, Common Sense solution to this environmental and public health emergency.