Published in the Asbury Park Press
By MARK E. RUQUET
STAFF WRITER
TOMS RIVER -- Dover Township is backing legislation in the state Assembly and Senate that would pay for carbon filtration systems on two township wells.
The Township Committee members last night noted their support for legislation providing $1.5 million from the state to buy, install and maintain the carbon filters on wells 22 and 29.
The system "will eliminate volatile and semivolatile chemicals from the water," a statement on the legislation said.
Committeeman George E. Wittmann Jr. said the carbon filters would remove the small amounts of contaminants still found in the United Water Toms River system, which has been a source of concern because of suspected high levels of childhood cancers in the township.
Wittmann said he hopes the filters could be in place before June, adding, it "will not cost the taxpayers (of Dover) a dime."
Tests of the wells have found trace amounts of trichloroethylene and trimer in well 29.
Wittmann said the amounts do not exceed state and federal standards.
"The water is safe," he said. "Drinking it is a personal choice."
Democratic Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert G. Torricelli have made appearances in Dover supporting efforts to make the water safer for consumers.
Both said the water system needs to be monitored, and supported better filtration systems, but neither proposed federal funding for the work.
In other business, Wittmann said the township's computers will be year 2000 compatible.
He said the township spent about $150,000 to ensure there will be no problems with the computer system.
Upgrades to some computers, including the police department, already were planned, he said, while elevator and fire alarm systems must still be checked.
"We are in good shape," Wittmann said.
Source: Asbury Park Press
Published: April 07, 1999
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