New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection wants Trenton’s water utility regionalized — essentially splitting control between Trenton and Ewing, Hopewell, Lawrence and Hamilton.
The DEP argues that Trenton doesn’t have the financial wherewithal to bring much-needed improvements to Trenton Water Works. City leaders say the DEP is ignoring recent investments the city has made.
“It seems that they want to put the cart before the horse, and demand regionalization without any regard to what Trentonians think, or any valuation of Trenton Water Works, and what it means for Trentonians,” said mayor Reed Gusciora. He added that he would be open to regionalization after public input and a study to determine the costs and benefits.
DEP commissioner Shawn LaTourette visited Trenton’s water treatment plant in mid-June, and says he was horrified by what he saw.
“The roof of the water treatment plant is riddled with holes, with mold growing, clearly growing, in the ceiling tiles. This is unsafe for the workers,” he said. “You see electric cords draped over areas that are covered in water, which they shouldn’t be.”
In a recent letter to Trenton’s city council, LaTourette wrote: “For the well-being of the city, and the health and safety of all Trenton Water Works customers, DEP cannot encourage you strongly enough to proceed with [restructuring or regionalization].”
The city must opt in for regionalization to occur, something Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin wants to see happen.
“I want to be, as the mayor of Hamilton, part of an entity that’s going to provide clean and safe drinking water,” he said, “without anybody having a reservation of when they turn on the tap, what they’re getting.”
