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MR. Twp. now in support
of VX disposal plan
By JEAN JONES
MAURICE RIVER TWP. The township committee has rescinded its prior resolution opposing the disposal of neutralized VX nerve gas wastewater into the Delaware River and now supports the project.
The committee adopted a resolution in opposition to the
project in April but since then resident George Kumor, who
asked for the opposition, has reversed his position. Mayor
Ron Riggins said Thursday that the change of position by the
committee was due to Kumor's diligence and perseverance
and said rescinding the original resolution was based on
evidence Kumor provided.
"I think it was a knee-jerk reaction," Riggins said of the original opposition, "and we've become more educated on the need to have the product disposed of in a systematic manner."
Riggins said he thought others would follow Maurice River's lead in months to come. In a press release on Friday, Riggins said he believes that as part of the VX project implementations, the Army and Dupont should consider partnering with the township in constructing a public access boardwalk connecting the PSE&G Estuary Enhancement Project walkway in Heislerville to the bay front at Thompson's Beach.
Since the road to Thompson's Beach now is often washed by tides and has deteriorated, it has been closed to traffic for several years. Riggins feels a new access point would benefit walkers, birdwatchers, fishermen and others.
The township's only reliable access currently is at East Point. The road to Moore's Beach, which now is state property, is by way of a road which becomes a quagmire as it approaches Delaware Bay and is generally impassable. Homes at both Thompson's Beach and Moore's Beach were condemned and bought out several years ago and the sites are now preserved for conservation.
Although Committeemen Norman Franckle and Andy Sarclette voted to rescind opposition, Franckle said he hoped the area wouldn't become a dumping ground for other projects like the VX disposal.
Sarclette said he trusted it would be done properly, with government oversight.
Kumor said there had been concessions made since the plan first was proposed, including "a whole slew of monitoring programs." Access to the treatment and disposal process at Dupont's Chambers Works, in Salem County also would be allowed for representatives of the community which makes its living from the waters of the Delaware River and bay.
"That's the best protection we can have, as water
people independent monitoring by fishermen," he said.
The previous treated effluent would be tested as it comes in from Newport, Ind., during treatment and before it is discharged, he said. Kumor said other countries also will monitor the process, as part of existing treaties.
RIggins said, "This would be a way for our township to
assist with the fight against terrorism and to help citizens
in our region make better use of an underused
resource."
Barney Hollinger, chairman of the Delaware Bay Section of the state Shell Fisheries Council, said the council has not taken a stand on VX disposal.
"We are waiting to see if the state issues a permit," he said. "Until DEP issues a permit, we are not taking a position."
Jane Galetto, president of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River and its Tributaries, said CU is against placing any compound used in clean-up of VX in the Delaware River and bay.
"Any plan to do so is a very poor decision," she said.
Galetto questioned the township committee's wisdom in supporting the project.
"I can't imagine any waterman or any community condoning this," she said. "The mere perception (that Delaware Bay seafood might be tainted) can have an impact. Remember what happened with spinach and e-coli? The consequences could be devastating to the fishing community."