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Residents press Union County on Ash Brook Golf Course and Clark Reservoir wildlife; county cites DEP permits and ongoing assessments
Summary
Multiple residents urged county action on Ash Brook Golf Course flooding and playability and on wildlife/debris at Clark Reservoir; County Engineer said nearly 4,000 fish were relocated and DEP permitting is required before further remediation; County Counsel said executive session discussed potential PFAS litigation but had no public reportable action.
Several residents at the April 30 Union County meeting urged faster remediation at Ash Brook Golf Course and raised environmental concerns about Clark Reservoir and geese management.
Daniel McCaffery of Clark reported dead turtles and debris at Clark Reservoir after drainage; County Engineer Matias said the county and Fish & Wildlife have been working with consultants and that nearly 4,000 fish had already been relocated as part of an assessment to determine conditions and next steps. Matias said further work requires DEP permitting before additional remediation can proceed.
Multiple speakers — including Dennis Allocco and Frank Wilson (president, Ash Brook Men's Association) — said conditions at Ash Brook have worsened, noting that the full 18 holes are not playable and that flooding persists after moderate rain. County Manager Edward T. Oatman said the county has conducted work consistent with DEP permits to date and has submitted additional permit requests; once approved, the county will continue remediation efforts.
Speakers from the Animal Protection League of New Jersey, Doreen Frega and Valerie Devine, urged the county to use nonlethal methods to manage the resident Canada goose population, suggesting feeding bans and habitat modification and providing reference materials to the Clerk of the Board. The county acknowledged the recommendations and recorded the materials.
Separately, Chairman Joseph C. Bodek and County Counsel Bruce H. Bergen said the Board had entered executive session to discuss attorney‑client privileged communications concerning a potential settlement in litigation by the State of New Jersey against DuPont and 3M related to PFAS. Counsel Bergen stated the Board returned from executive session and he had nothing to report following the session.
Public safety/traffic: resident Ron McCray reported speeding on East Hazelwood Ave in Rahway; County Manager Oatman said the county would coordinate increased enforcement with Rahway Police and that any speed‑limit changes would require municipal initiation and a concurring county resolution.
The commissioners acknowledged the speakers’ concerns and repeatedly pledged to work with DEP and municipal partners to advance remediation where permitted. No new county policy was adopted during the meeting; the matters described remain under study or subject to permitting processes.
