Ben Meyer, chair
Elaine Silverstein
Michelle Tyler
David Lindley
Scott King – liaison to the Planning board
Candy Hall, Alternate
Sara Froiklin Gordon, Alternate
Amy Martin – council member liaison to GREC

TO: GLEN ROCK MAYOR AND COUNCIL

DATE: MARCH 21, 2023 RE: NABISCO DEMOLITION

The Glen Rock Environmental Commission (GREC) appreciates the substantial efforts from the Mayor and Council in providing updated information to the Glen Rock residents on the on-going plans for demolition for the Nabisco plant in the section of Fair Lawn adjacent to Glen Rock residential properties. We are providing this communication to the Mayor and Council in accordance with our mission to advise the M&C regarding environmental matters.

Given the substantial extent of the demolition project and its close proximity to our residents, while we trust that the project will be done in conformity with all state and federal regulations, we remain concerned about the potential safety and environmental impacts related to the April 15, 2023 scheduled implosion of the Nabisco plant. Particular concern is focused on the residential properties and Hamilton Elementary School located in very close proximity to the Nabisco facilities.

Due to the common use of hazardous materials (including but not limited to asbestos, lead, mercury, PCBs) in the construction of older buildings, GREC is concerned that the demolition and final implosion event may result in spreading these materials to neighboring properties. We are aware that the asbestos will be completely removed before the implosion, but, nevertheless, to reduce residents’ concerns, we recommend that the Mayor and Council request that the demolition company arrange for independent soil testing of the properties in close proximity to the demolition, and possibly at the Hamilton School playground and fields. The testing should be conducted both prior to and following the implosion (same day or day after). In addition, we recommend that continuous air monitoring be conducted prior to, during, and for some time after the implosion to ensure that particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and other harmful material is not present. In addition, dust clean-up should be offered by the contractor in case significant dust resulting from the implosion is found. Confirming the absence of hazardous materials in the ground and air will help further reassure and protect public health and the environment and give everybody peace of mind. Any soil testing and other follow-up would be subject to the approval of each individual property owner.

We also recommend that our concerns be communicated to New Jersey state representatives such as Lisa Swain, Chris Tully, Joe Lagana, and possibly other legislators. Specifically, the current distance of 200 ft for notice to residents should be increased for large-scale demolitions.

Finally, we are cognizant that the demolition at the former Nabisco site is only one step in the redevelopment process, and that the construction and operation of a new facility at that site may raise additional concerns for nearby residents and schoolchildren, and the wider Glen Rock community. We suggest that the channels of communication that have been built to share information regarding the demolition be maintained and used to provide Glen Rock’s elected officials, and the broader Glen Rock community, with information on additional plans early in that process, and to listen to any questions or concerns Glen Rock might raise.

Again, we appreciate all that the Mayor and Council have done. This is an important environmental issue, and we are grateful for the opportunity to present our recommendations to the Mayor and Council.

To download the letter please click here.