Local resident raises concerns over Toll Brothers project and water safety

The Hillsborough Township Committee meeting on January 14, 2025, featured significant public concern regarding the Toll Brothers' Royce Brook project, particularly its impact on local drinking water and well safety. A resident addressed the committee, expressing deep worries about the ongoing blasting activities associated with the construction, which reportedly occur daily between noon and 1 PM.

The resident highlighted that the blasting, which involves drilling 30 feet into the ground, could potentially fracture the shale that protects the local aquifer, a vital source of drinking water for the community. This concern is compounded by the history of contamination at the site, previously a golf course, where water from the Millstone River—known to contain PFAs, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—has been used for irrigation. PFAs are classified as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and are linked to serious health risks, including cancer.

The resident's testimony underscored the physical effects of the blasting, describing vibrations strong enough to dislodge ornaments from a Christmas tree and cause glasses to clink together in cabinets, likening the experience to an earthquake. They urged the committee to consider the long-term implications of the construction activities on the community's water supply, emphasizing that their wells are typically around 100 feet deep and could be at risk from the disturbances caused by the project.

The meeting reflected a growing tension between development and environmental safety, as residents voiced their fears about the potential contamination of their drinking water and the overall health of the community. The committee's response to these concerns and any subsequent actions will be crucial in addressing the residents' fears and ensuring the safety of local water resources.