City says DEP is conducting source investigation after receiving two preliminary assessment reports

City officials told the council they recently received two preliminary assessment reports from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection covering the Lambertville landfill and a former tourist‑corporation site. The documents, the mayor said, compile historical records—site location, ownership, operator history and area water supply—but do not contain detailed environmental analyses or new sampling results.

The mayor said the city attorney and environmental consultant are reviewing the reports and that DEP is negotiating a site‑access agreement with the property owner to collect samples. “The samples will be analyzed in New Jersey in EPA‑approved labs and will be shared with the city,” the mayor said, adding that the city will post the reports to its website when available.

City staff and speakers during public comment urged coordination among DEP, the city and residents while a source analysis proceeds. Residents asked whether development activities could begin before DEP completes testing; staff said DEP must secure access and that the city has asked to build protective provisions into any agreement to limit risk (for example, blasting protocols).

Why it matters: The DEP source investigation could reshape redevelopment timelines and restrict construction activity if sampling identifies contamination or migration pathways. Residents living near Academy Hill and nearby wells have cited recent positive well tests and want clear access to DEP results and a public testing plan.

Next steps: City attorneys and consultants will review DEP data and post the preliminary assessment documents on the city website. Council members asked staff to continue coordination with DEP and to include protective language in agreements to minimize potential impacts during testing or construction.