| Upper Township resident Stephen Murphy wants more information and faster action on the contamination of well water in his area. He told the Township Committee on Tuesday that the state has indicated his well could be tested in November. |
By Bill Barlow, Atlantic City Press
UPPER TOWNSHIP — Stephen Murphy wants answers about potential contamination from mercury and other substances in his well water, and he wants them much faster than he expects to receive them.
“Frankly, I’m [angry] at how slow this seems to be moving,” Murphy told members of the Township Committee on Tuesday, one of several residents to raise concerns about contamination discovered in nearby wells and how far that contamination could have spread underground.
Recent tests found levels of mercury in private wells above the concentrations considered safe for consumption, prompting a response from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Township Administrator Gary DeMarzo said about 13 properties have been found with contamination.
So far, township officials have spoken about the number of homes in general terms, rather than offer a specific number. State officials have put the most recent number of impacted homes at 11.
On Thursday, officials with the DEP and the Department of Health met with Cape May County and Upper Township officials to discuss the matter, and the next steps, according to DEP spokesperson Caryn Shinske.
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