Under the proposed agreement, BASF will fund the design and construction, while arranging for long-term stewardship and maintenance (for a period of 30 years), of a five-acre natural resources park on its riverfront property in East Newark, New Jersey. If BASF meets all requirements outlined in the agreement, it will receive credit towards its alleged liability for two pollution sites — Diamond Alkali and, to a lesser extent, the Berry's Creek Study Area.

The proposed park presents a unique opportunity to restore natural resources in the heart of an urban, disadvantaged area long impacted by pollution. If the draft agreement is approved, it is anticipated that the park would be open to the public in late 2023 or the spring of 2024.

This action supports the goals and recommendations of the Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful initiative, including conserving at least 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030 through an inclusive and locally led effort. NOAA’s expertise in conserving and restoring our nation’s waterways and coastal resources will help America the Beautiful leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

With materials in English, Spanish and Portuguese, as well as virtual and in-person briefings, the public is invited to learn more about the proposed park and to provide comments on the draft agreement, which describes the requirements for park construction. 

More information, including a DOJ press release, federal register notice, a fact sheet on agreement terms, FAQs, virtual and in-person briefings and more are on this landing page.

For questions or more information, please contact: tom.brosnan@noaa.gov.