Biden EPA Funding Of Woodbine NJ “Brownfields” Sites Raises Questions
A Blizzard Of EPA Press Releases On Federal Grants
In the last year or so, I’ve been hit with a blizzard of EPA Region 2 press releases touting EPA distribution of grant funds from various federal infrastructure laws.
They all follow the same script:
- they all make claims of “historic” and “transformational” change;
- they all tout the leadership of President Biden (which has recently shifted to President Biden – Vice President Harris);
- they all include political quotes, but only from Democratic officials: Congress, Gov.; State legislators and local officials, creating a highly partisan impression;
- they all lack basic background information on the particular environmental issues presented and funded and explain how the grant money will make change or improve the status quo; and
- most all of them generate favorable media coverage (and support from environmental groups), based exclusively on the EPA press release (i.e. they illustrate stenography and cheerleading)
I got another one just now titled:
- EPA $1 Million Brownfields Cleanup Grant to Revitalize Contaminated Sites in Woodbine
It’s not much money, and Cape May County is Trump country, so my curiosity was piqued. So I decided to ask some basic question – lets see how (and if) EPA press contact responds to these basic questions:
Hi Stephen – I’m a retired DEP policy planner and write about NJ and national environmental policy issues. A few questions on this press release:
1) Google maps shows the former Hat Company site at 608 Dehirsh Avenue as adjacent to the local MUA and what looks like a water tower, as well as residential structures. Is there groundwater contamination at this site? If so, where is the source water well field? If GW contamination, has vapor intrusion potential been documented and remediated? What is the status of contamination and remediation at this site?
2) Same questions for the old Woodbine School at 808 Franklin Street. What was the source of contamination at the school? Was contamination present when school was occupied?
3) Does the municipal landfill have a DEP approved closure plan? Is there a methane recovery system and/or groundwater pump/treat system installed? Has a CERCLA HRS been performed at the site? If so, what was the score? What is the status of contamination and remediation at this site?
It would help if EPA provided a link to site specific background information on contamination and remediation.
4) Can you send a link to the program priority criteria for selecting sites and allocating available funds?
5) Woodbine is 1 of only 3 Cape May County municipalities that voted Democratic Party (Clinton/Biden) in 2016 and 2020 Presidential elections, see:
How do you respond to those who question the role of partisan politics in EPA administration of available funds? Is this a legitimate concern? Frankly, I’ve been troubled by the partisan nature of EPA press releases of late.
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Bill Wolfe