N.J. sues U.S. military, wants feds to pay for tainted drinking water cleanup
Updated Jan 14, 2021;
Posted Jan 14, 2021
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is known to have high-levels of PFAS contamination.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media file photo
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For decades, the U.S. military used a special foam to fight fires on bases around the Garden State. That foam, and the toxic chemicals inside it, slowly seeped into the surrounding area and throughout groundwater supplies, according to New Jersey authorities, compromising the safety of nearby drinking water.
Now, New Jersey wants Uncle Sam to clean up the mess.
On Thursday, the state Attorney General’s office and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced a lawsuit against the federal government over long-standing water pollution on and near military bases in the Garden State.
arrow Melvin Herrera-Interiano with his partner, Geyde Zapata, and two of their children, William, 12, and Valeria, 5. HANDOUT
Weeks after their father was deported to Honduras in March, Geyde Zapata’s three kids experienced another dramatic change in their lives: their schools in New Jersey shut down.
For 12-year-old William and 5-year-old Valerie, who both have autism, it was overwhelming to be stuck at home without their dad. William stopped showing interest in his remote classes and started getting upset with his mom, acting defensive and crying out for his father.
“My son would hug me and ask, ‘Where is my dad? Why hasn’t he come back?” Zapata, 35, said in Spanish. “It’s been extremely difficult.”
“As we’ve said before, we take no pleasure in undertaking these actions, but we’re in the midst of a pandemic and we need everyone in the state to do their part to combat a surge in COVID-19, Grewal said. “We will not allow a small percentage of bars and restaurants that disregard mitigation measures to jeopardize public health.
The Gloucester City tavern could lose its liquor license for 10 days after allowing customers to be served food and drinks while sitting at the bar. Bar seating has been prohibited in New Jersey since November.
The North Wildwood bar could have its liquor license suspended for 66 days after failing to implement social distancing and face-covering requirements. The establishment was also cited for failing to keep an employee list on the premises.
Donovan s Bar & Grill in Manchester is among 12 restaurant establishments across New Jersey facing suspension of their liquor licenses for allegedly violating Governor Phil Murphy s Executive Orders.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced Wednesday that Donovan s Bar & Grill, in particular, is facing a 25-day suspension after being cited for allowing people to be served while sitting at a bar, violating face-covering requirements and for failing to maintain a six-foot distance between tables.
The other 11 establishments on the list face a variety of citations from the ABC and length of suspensions being sought out by the state.
“As we’ve said before: we take no pleasure in undertaking these actions, but we’re in the midst of a pandemic and we need everyone in the state to do their part to combat a surge in COVID-19, Attorney General Grewal said in a statement. “We will not allow a small percentage of bars and restaurants that disregard mitigation measures
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