NEW JERSEY SENATE COMMITTEES COMMUNITY AND URBAN AFFAIRS. CHAIR ECONOMIC GROWTH. VICE CHAIR BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS JUDICIABY SENATOR TROY SINGLETON 7TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT 400 NORTH CHURCH STREET SUITE 260 NJ 08057 TEL: 356- 234?2790 FAX: 856-234-295? SenSingIeton?njleg.org July 16, 2019 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe P.O. Box 402 Trenton, NJ 08625-0402 Dear Commissioner McCabe, As the State Senator of the 7th Legislative District, I am writing this letter to seek heighted and focused attention on the ongoing issue of lead contamination in Bordentown?s water. Over the past two years, Bordentown?s tap water has continuously exceeded federal standards for lead. According to an article earlier this month in the Burlington County Times, 16% of homes tested had elevated levels above the 15 parts per billion (ppb) limit set by the EPA. Even more alarming, in this most recent period from January to June 30, the system rated at 50 the highest levels yet. Further, the number of homes with higher lead levels has increased as well. It is my understanding that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has taken a number of steps to determine the cause of contamination and to address the lead levels. These efforts include: the Corrosion Control Treatment Recommendation for Klenphos chemical feed, which has been ineffective; the implementation of a Corrosion Control Study beginning next month; and a public education campaign. In spite of these efforts, it is incomprehensible that Bordentown?s contamination levels have once again increased. While I appreciate the steps that the DEP has taken thus far, answers to the following questions are needed: Where is the lead contamination coming from if, to date, no public or private lead service lines in the distribution system have been identi?ed? What more can the DEP do to ensure that the drinking water in BordentoWn is safe? Undoubtedly, the long-term effects of drinking lead-tainted water can be devastating and it is incumbent upon all of us to take any and all actions necessary to resolve this issue immediately. I respectfully request that the DEP, at your direction, place a renewed focus on using all available resources to ensure that Bordentown?s drinking water is safe. . On behalf of the residents, families and children in Bordentown, thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Most Sincerely, Hon. Troy Singleton Senator, 7th Legislative District cc: Mayor James Deputy Mayor John Brodowski Commissioner Joe Myers