Township Administrator Mark DeCarlo told the Township of Washington Council on Sept. 22 that soil testing at 450 Pascack Road detected a small area with lead contamination, likely from exterior paint, and that the township is coordinating remediation and demolition steps.

DeCarlo said the township has executed reimbursement paperwork for $472,500 and has established an escrow account to fund potential environmental work. Lisco (the environmental contractor) is conducting the last two rounds of soil testing to delineate the contaminated area; DeCarlo said he expects excavation work to be completed in October.

He told the council Lisco will obtain three quotes for the excavation and that Beckmeyer Engineering is preparing a demolition plan for the structures on the site. DeCarlo said the excavation costs will be paid from the escrow and that the township also has $66,000 in grant money that will help cover demolition and removal of the buildings once remediation is finished.

DeCarlo said the contamination appears limited to lead and is confined to the area around the house’s exterior; tests have not identified PCBs or other contaminants. He said Lisco preferred the contractor complete soil excavation prior to structural demolition and to abate lead on the buildings before tearing them down.

After remediation and demolition, DeCarlo said the site will be turned over to the mayor and council to determine next steps. No final action on reuse or disposition was made at the Sept. 22 meeting.