'Safe' levels of lead, copper found in Mahwah water wells

MAHWAH — Five township water wells showed safe levels of lead and copper in a recent evaluation prompted by allegations that contamination at a county facility may have seeped into the local water supply. 

State environmental and local leaders accused the county last month of piling used ammunition – possibly containing lead – in a dirt mound at its Law and Public Safety Institute, which is located on Campgaw Road near wetlands and streams that drain into the Ramapo River.

Police departments from across the county use the complex's 32-position outdoor firing range for practice and firearm qualifications.

Days after the allegation was made, the township authorized precautionary testing for lead and copper at its water wells that link to the river.

Sample results at the five wells – released this week – revealed levels “significantly lower” than the state and federal government’s safety threshold of 15 parts per billion for lead and 1.3 parts per million for copper, according to a letter from the township’s engineer.

Mayor Bill Laforet said the results should ease concerns about Mahwah’s water quality, about 80 percent of which is drawn from township wells.

“Our water department works around the clock to assure that quality pristine water is delivered through the township with confidence,” he said.

The Township Council, however, passed a resolution Thursday calling upon the county to offer free testing at any private wells in neighborhoods along Campgaw Road.

“It’s in the best interest of everyone who lives there to feel comfortable with what they’re drinking,” said Council President Robert Hermansen.

An anonymous source provided  pictures of the alleged ammunition mound to township officials and the NJ Sierra Club in April. The pile, siting at the edge of the property, has been moved multiple times in the past year, Sierra Club director Jeff Tittel said at an April news press conference.

It remains unclear if the pile at the facility contains lead bullets, brass casings, or something else.

County officials tasked its Office of Environmental Health to coordinate an inquiry with the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Soil tests were pending, county spokesperson Alicia D’Alessandro said in April.

D'Alessandro said she could not comment Friday.

An EPA spokesperson said the agency does not comment on ongoing investigations. The agency, however, did provide a copy of a 2002 consent agreement settling accusations that the county committed several hazardous waste violations.

The county had faced federal scrutiny after it failed to file proper records for 20 tons of soil at the Law and Public Safety Institute that had lead bullets in it. The county was also charged with temporarily storing the soil in the police academy parking lot without a permit and without testing the soil.

The county agreed to pay $60,000, according to the EPA order. 

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