Many of you have seen the posting of signs in the Soldier Hill area of Paramus and were quite disturbed. Others have reported receiving anonymous letters and/or flyers. The timing and posting of these signs appears to be highly suspicious especially in light of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's denial of permits and waivers. Such signs as “keep out”, “no trespassing”, “contaminated wetlands”, and “stay out area contains arsenic, lead, zinc, barium, and other ppm ring the property and are present off of Soldier Hill Road, Pascack Road, and near the Reid Park Nature trail.

The property owner/ developer has referenced contamination in the past and it has been mentioned that portions of the Soldier Hill site had been used as a dump over 50 years ago. The NJ DEP has a site remediation file (197810), and although we do not know the specifics, apparently completed a remedial investigation report. Gary Gruelich is listed as the lead investigator (973-656-4465), and based on information posted on the DEP website, seems to have been involved with and/or assessing this property for several years. It referenced a preliminary assessment report which was due in 2003, a remedial investigation report, and a remedial action work plan which is due in December. I spoke briefly with Mr. Gruelich who confirmed that a prior work plan for site remediation had been approved but was contingent upon approval from the Land Use division. Land Use did not issue permits or waivers for the application. Mr. Gruelich advised that the developer must now submit a revised work plan. He indicated that it could be as simple as capping what he described as "historic fill" or "placing a fence around the area in question". He also stated that water samples of the brook were taken but to his knowledge (without looking at the file) “did not show any concerning levels of contamination”.

The builder had mentioned that they would pay for the clean up but due to the anticipated high costs would be forced to build "Enchantment at Paramus", a high-density, over-sized development. Permits and waivers were denied. We believe that the developer is now playing up on contamination to promote their proposal (and potential profits) and possibly using "fear tactics" in wake of Westbrook, ENCAP, and other high profile stories. Based on conditions of this land, the presence of wetlands, and many other variables and concerns, this 35+acre parcel of environmentally sensitive land sold for only $90,000. In addition, a category-one watercourse crosses this site and there are several legal and zoning issues.

The Borough of Paramus, NJ DEP, and other environmental groups must follow up with the property owner and determine what actions need be taken. It would appear as if the purchaser knew about this land's "history" based on the low selling price. They should be held responsible for any clean up and any and all costs associated with it.

We still believe that this is not buildable land and that the property must be protected and maintained as open space. We have placed some phone calls and will continue to follow up. We knew that this would be a “battle” and ask again that everybody remembers David vs. Goliath and never gives up.