BTMUA Opposes Plan To Expand Asphalt Plant

The Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority [BTMUA] is opposing an application by Stavola Industries to expand an existing asphalt plant, warning the operation could compromise the waters of the Metedeconk River, the primary source of the town’s drinking water supply. 

“Our professionals have evaluated this proposal and have serious concerns,” said Brick Utilities Chairman Gregory M. Flynn in announcing the BTMUA would oppose the application. 

“The Metedeconk River is the primary source of our water supply. Such a heavy industrial operation on the river just upstream from where we get our drinking water presents substantial risks to our water quality and our operations and we believe this would not be in the best interest of our customers.”

However, attorney Carmine Villani, who is representing Stavola Industries before the Brick Board of Adjustment, said the application is a “modernization” of the facility that would in fact make it ultimately safer. 

“[Stavola Industries’ location in Brick] has been there for 70 years and this is a modernization that would bring environmental [standards] at the site up to the 21st century, so that would address all issues. It’s been there for 70 years, it hasn’t been updated in 50 years or a very long time other than just standard repairs and things,” Mr. Villani told The Ocean Star on Thursday.

The application has already received a  Coastal Area Facility Review Act [CAFRA] permit from the NJDEP, he said.

“It somewhat surprises us that the MUA is in opposition to the new project because a brand new 21st century facility that has received the blessing of CAFRA already,” Mr. Villani said.

This is an excerpt of the print article. For more on this story, read The Ocean Star—on newsstands Friday or online in our e-Edition.