An aqueous film-forming foam extinguishing agent leaked from an NJ Transit bus garage in Gloucester County and collected in Washington Township’s Grenloch Lake, prompting an environmental cleanup and water quality monitoring by state and local authorities.
Incident Response and Containment at Grenloch Lake
The leak originated from the NJ Transit facility located along Route 42 in Washington Township, according to local officials. The spilled fire extinguishing agent flowed through local drainage systems before pooling in Grenloch Lake. Emergency response teams and environmental agencies deployed booms and absorbent pads to contain the discharge and prevent further migration through the watershed. NJ Transit officials stated that containment measures were established quickly following the discovery of the foam in the water body.
Environmental and Regulatory Investigation
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) responded to the site to oversee containment and test water samples from Grenloch Lake. Officials are assessing the chemical composition of the released agent, which is commonly associated with industrial fire suppression systems designed to smother flammable liquid fires. Environmental investigators are examining both the drainage pathway from the bus garage and the concentration levels within the lake to determine the ecological impact on local aquatic life.
Public Health and Ongoing Monitoring
Local health departments and municipal officials in Washington Township coordinated with NJ Transit to issue updates regarding public access to the affected areas around Grenloch Lake. Water sampling results guide decisions regarding recreational use and remediation timelines. Authorities continue to flush affected storm lines and remove contaminated runoff from the drainage paths connecting the NJ Transit property to the lake basin.
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