Ford Q&A on Ringwood State Park Rumors
Ford takes its environmental responsibility seriously and has shown through its actions a commitment to addressing company-related issues in Upper Ringwood.
By working closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) over the past six years, significant progress has been made. Ford has voluntarily completed the excavation and disposal of paint sludge from many of the areas indentified during a comprehensive site survey. The Remedial Investigations of the four operable units are nearly complete. The next step will be USEPA's selection of the final remedies.
Below are some FAQs with responses. If you have additional questions, please feel free to send us an e-mail by clicking here.
Q. When will the EPA select the final remediation plan?
A. Ford has submitted a feasibility study on the Peters Mine area for the USEPA to consider. We anticipate the EPA will provide feedback on the feasibility study in the coming months. Once a remedial plan is selected, Ford will move forward with the remediation. .
Q. What are the different remediation plan options for Ringwood?
A. Federal regulations require Ford evaluate and provide several remediation plan options for Ringwood. Ford is working closely with USEPA and NJDEP to select the best plan for the community and environment. A range of options include removal, a combination of removal and capping, to no action.
Q. Why wouldn’t Ford want to conduct a complete removal of the materials?
A. Ford is committed to working with the EPA and NJDEP to develop and implement the best possible remediation plan for the community and the environment. Complete removal is one option being considered.
Q. What is capping? Is it safe?
A. Capping is the process of placing a barrier over an impacted area. Capping is a common technique approved by the USEPA and used on many sites within New Jersey, the United States and globally. There are many examples of recreational, and commercial/retail developments that safely exist on sites where capping was employed as the key remedial strategy. Capping is only allowed where USEPA determines it will protect human health and the environment.
Q. When will the clean up be completed?
A. Once the Record of Decision is entered by USEPA, the remedy will be completed as quickly as possible. We are unable to provide projected timing until we know the type of remedy the USEPA will select.
Q. What about the other areas? When will they be cleaned up?
A. The other areas will be evaluated through the feasibility study process and specific remedial approaches will be developed.
Q. Is Ford trying to buy all of Ringwood State Park?
A. As part of the final remediation plan, Ford was asked by NJDEP staff if it would consider taking back ownership of the small portion of land near the Peters Mine that the company donated to the State years ago. In response to the NJDEP inquiry and recommended next steps, Ford submitted a formal letter to request the five acres of land be transferred to Ford. To ensure transparency, both Ford and NJDEP staff members provided an update to the Community Advisory Group.
Q. Is Ford going to use this land for toxic dumping?
A. No. Ford is committed to cleaning up the site. Ford would only re-gain ownership of this five acre piece of land back from the State to remediate the site and reduce the administrative burden on the Parks department.
Q. What else is Ford doing in Ringwood?
A. The company continues to work with USEPA and the State of New Jersey to address all open issues at the site. Ford representatives also continue to participate in regular Ringwood Community Advisory Group meetings, which provide residents, local officials and environmental organizations an opportunity to meet, obtain information, and ask questions about the ongoing site activities.
