Woolwich discusses compliance with lead-inspection law and resident raises soil and disposal concerns

The Woolwich Township Committee on May 19 discussed implementing a 2022 state law requiring triennial lead paint inspections for rental units built before 1978. Administrator Jim Watson said he identified a contractor used by neighboring towns who proposed charging the Township $1.50 per notification letter while property owners would pay $50 for each triennial inspection. Watson said he would circulate the contractor information to Committee members with the goal of implementing the inspection program by the end of July.

During public comment the same resident who earlier questioned pump-station billings raised multiple environmental concerns: the resident noted a home-improvement-store swipe test can identify lead, emphasized that demolition debris containing lead must be specially bagged and cannot go to a standard landfill, and expressed alarm about potential asbestos and lead contamination from an old refrigeration building across from a park that could disperse dust toward the park. The resident also asked for a report on additional recycling costs tied to bagged collections and requested that the Environmental Commission arrange agricultural-style soil testing at the Community Garden, which has been operating since 2008 and where gardeners have reported plant failures.

The Committee did not take immediate action other than assigning staff to circulate contractor details and to follow up with relevant departments; the resident’s requests for soil testing and disposal-procedure clarification were noted for future consideration.