After all drums are removed from the property, an investigation will be ongoing with the State NJDEP and EPA to determine what, if any, impacts have occurred to groundwater, soil or surface water.” The letter from the township’s Office of Emergency Management added, “We estimate the risk of a release of any potential hazardous material to be very low. There are at least three schools and two child care centers in the area, according to an April community update. Residents at a community meeting on March 21 were told the evacuation plan was created “out of an abundance of caution.” On March 9, advice was posted for evacuation routes around the 15 Marl Road site to be used in case of an emergency event, such as a fire. The letter included links to Howell Township’s website, with community updates on the EPA’s work at the site. In addition to the large number of drums found, the letter said authorities also found “spilled materials on the ground and open drums, as well as solid waste.” Resident and business owners within a mile of the site were sent a letter on March 30 from the Howell Township Office of Emergency Management, warning of potential hazardous materials at the site. When asked by CNN if criminal charges are pending over the disposal of potentially hazardous material at the site, the EPA’s McBay said the agency “does not provide information on ongoing or potentially ongoing enforcement actions.” The current owner – who has not been publicly identified – purchased the business in 2021. The site is the former location of Compounders Inc., which manufactured chemical compounds, including glues, adhesives, and asphalt materials, according to the EPA. The OEM and Deputy OEM Coordinators can be contacted through the Police Chief's Office at 97.The department then asked for assistance from the EPA, which said it found “breaches in the front fence of the property and no fence securing any other side of the property.” The EPA also observed containers that were leaking and labeled as hazardous materials, it said. For more information, go to the CERT information website. The CERT program is voluntary and is always seeking volunteers. Currently, Pam Graham is the Jefferson Township CERT Coordinator. The OEM also coordinates a Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT). In addition, the OEM works closely with the Morris County OEM and the New Jersey OEM. The Office of Emergency Management ( OEM) is responsible for coordinating the response to all large scale emergencies, maintaining the Township's Emergency Management plan, and providing resources to all Township Departments during emergencies or in times of crisis. The Emergency Management Coordinator and Emergency Management Council shall have such functions, powers, and duties as provided by state laws, orders, and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Public Safety. The Division shall consist of an Emergency Management Coordinator, who shall be appointed by the Mayor of the Township, and an Emergency Management Council, the members of which shall also be appointed by the Mayor of the Township. As per Township Ordinance 1A-39, within the Department of Public Safety, there shall be a Division of Emergency Management.
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