A peculiar, unpleasant slime has surfaced in a New Jersey river, sparking concern among local residents who fear it might be toxic.
Imagine stepping out on your porch, only to be greeted by an unsettling odor. This was the reality for some in Hillside, New Jersey, when a neighbor anonymously reported a "pungent smell" last fall. Further investigation revealed an "odorous, slimy residue" in a tributary of the Elizabeth River, a waterway spanning approximately 12 miles. The substance, described as white and gray along the banks, was found to be red and brown discharge within a facility believed to be the source: a local produce company.
For residents like Patricia McConn, a systems analyst in her 50s, this news came as a complete surprise. She had no idea the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was even in her neighborhood, let alone investigating industrial pollution in the very tributary that runs nearby. The federal investigation has so far pointed to Gargiulo Produce, a company with nearly a century of history and a significant presence on the East Coast, known for its large-scale reception of fresh fruits and vegetables. It's worth noting that this same company secured a substantial defense department contract four years ago to supply goods to schools.
"If it’s going to cause a health issue, then yes, it needs to be cited," McConn commented, acknowledging that while Gargiulo Produce contributes to local truck traffic, it hasn't been a nuisance otherwise. "But no, I didn’t know." She expressed a hope that state and federal regulators will keep the community informed about any developments that could affect their families' health.
But here's where it gets a bit complex... Currently, the EPA's ongoing probe is the primary source for determining if there's cause for alarm. Experts have indicated that it's still unclear if other factors might be contributing to the pollution.
Following a compliance letter, a spokesperson for the EPA stated on Friday afternoon that "Gargiulo Produce immediately stopped the discharge and is currently working on (a) longer-term plan." The fact that four months have passed with no reported impacts on people or animals, coupled with these early findings, are generally seen as positive signs. More definitive answers are expected soon, according to experts.
While Gargiulo Produce has not responded to requests for comment and has not faced financial penalties, federal regulators have urged them to take steps to address the issues identified. The company has been asked to implement measures to ensure ongoing compliance with the Clean Water Act.
And this is the part most people miss... The EPA's investigation began in October after a resident's complaint. During a surprise inspection of Gargiulo Produce's nine-acre facility, federal regulators noted that the company's stormwater runoff flows into the local municipal system, which then discharges into the tributary. Samples were collected, and a meeting was held with the owner.
According to a December letter and inspection summary obtained by NJ.com, discharge from an outfall pipe at the facility contained "residuals of crushed produce and particulate matter." Inspectors also reported a "strong odor." Images from the site revealed piles of fruits, vegetables, and other unidentified substances on a drain and in the back of a truck.
At the time of the inspection, the EPA found that the produce company lacked essential permits: a "Basic Industrial Stormwater General" permit and a "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System" (NPDES) permit. These are considered standard for such operations.
Interestingly, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has not previously cited Gargiulo Produce for water violations. A state spokesperson mentioned that the company does not currently hold an NJPDES stormwater permit, and it is the facility's responsibility to apply for necessary permits, which the DEP is now reviewing.
On February 5th, the EPA issued an administrative order demanding that Gargiulo Produce cease the "unauthorized discharge immediately" and secure the appropriate permits. The company was also instructed to develop strategies and control measures to ensure continuous adherence to the Clean Water Act.
Preliminary test results from the site indicated a non-stormwater discharge with an ammonia level of 25.3 milligrams per liter. For context, ammonia levels at or above 17 mg/l for more than an hour can be harmful to fish. As of Friday, no significant impacts on marine life have been reported.
"Luckily it’s not anything toxic" for humans, a public health professor at The College of New Jersey, Alexis Mraz, told NJ.com. She added that the EPA's ongoing "track down study" will provide more details on any other detected substances. Based on the initial findings, Mraz believes "it’s definitely not a sound the alarm situation." However, she still advised local residents to be cautious and prevent their dogs from drinking from the tributary. It's important to note that the Elizabeth River tributary is not a source of drinking water for residents in the state.
Another expert, Robert Laumbach, a professor at Rutgers University, commented after reviewing the EPA's preliminary findings. He suggested that while "vegetable waste in particular may be less likely to have pathogens in it," more research is needed before drawing definitive conclusions.
So, what do you think? While experts suggest it's not an immediate crisis, should the community have been notified sooner about the investigation? And how much responsibility lies with companies to proactively monitor and report potential environmental impacts, even before being prompted by a complaint?
