Sunday, June 6, 2010

Pollution in Tenafly, New Jersey: Tenakill Brook, May 23, 2010, part 2







This post shows the confluence of the feeder stream from Chestnut and and Tenafly Road (Tenafly, New Jersey 07670). The milky fluid that was seen flowing from a sewer system into the feeder stream entered the Tenakill Brook, as the pictures above demonstrate. It moved rapidly along the shore of the brook and by 8:11 pm, approximately, it was seen at the bridge spanning that is located near Tenafly Middle School. At that time dusk was turning to darkness and photography was no longer effective, although some pictures were taken for documentary purposes. Obviously, the substance that had entered the sewer system further upstream was no longer as dense, as it was thinned by the water and the current of the brook. The substance appeared to be industrial waste; release of this substance probably stopped after the police and fire engines appeared on the scene. This substance had been observed on days prior to the 23rd when we witnessed it, but the person or persons who had seen it had not officially notified the police department. Once notified, on the 23rd of May, 2010, the Tenafly police and fire departments responded immediately and are to commended for their professionalism.

Some business or industrial entity appears to be using the Tenafly sewer system to rid its premises of noxious products. Using a sewer system is inexpensive, ie free, and likely will not be observed. Yet the cost to the community and the public that uses United Water is great. Chemicals are generally carcinogens. Of course the effects are not directly apparent in most cases, but the long-term effects are deadly. Autism, cancers and numerous other diseases are linked to various chemicals. I do hope that United Water, Bergen County, and other entities or agencies will take this problem seriously and prevent future occurrences using fines, and penalties if need be.
Finally, given our concern about terrorism, is this event not a test for such a catastrophic disaster?

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