SWEDESBORO — South Jersey Gas will begin an environmental contaminant remediation project in Swedesboro shortly after the start of the New Year.
Although a construction schedule is not yet available, this nine month project will force the closure of both Auburn and High Hill Roads for about six months, according to South Jersey Gas Environmental Affairs Project Manager Kenneth Sheppard.
The excavation work that will take place is being done to remove a tar-like substance that was buried up to 21 feet deep when the site was home to a local “Manufactured Gas” facility many years ago. This remediation project will eliminate the tar from leaching into the groundwater in the area.
The Walter Hill School is directly adjacent to the work site. An eight foot construction fence will be installed prior to the commencement of any work, and environmental experts will be on site to monitor air-borne particulates.
The road closure will disrupt school transportation routes, and in all likelihood will result in some late buses. Swedesboro-Woolwich School officials met with the management team from South Jersey Gas this week, and will begin planning alternate routes, if possible, once more is known about the construction schedule.
A public presentation to the S/W Board of Education will be made by Ken Sheppard on Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Harker school media center. The district’s officials will release more details about this projects impact on our schools as they become known.
