The Draft Plan describes the actions the Trustees have taken to determine appropriate compensation to the public for potential injuries to natural resources from releases of hazardous wastes at the site. The Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment (RP/EA) focuses on floodplain, wetland, and river bank injuries that were not addressed by a previous legal settlement that selected compensation for in-river injuries.

A major concern to the Trustees is contamination to surface water, wetlands, floodplains, and river bank areas of the site, including heavy metals, semi-volatiles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs are often found in high concentrations in fish, causing potential loss of recreational fishing opportunities, consumption warnings, and fishing advisories in the Raritan River and State of New Jersey.

The Draft RP/EA proposes to restore injured natural resources and natural resource services at the Duke Farms Forested Floodplain and Vernal Pool Restoration. The plan proposes habitat restoration, public outreach and education components, as well as environmental justice benefits. 

The draft plan will be available for public review and comment through June 22, 2023 for 30 days. Upon the close of the public comment period, the Trustees will consider comments and issue a Final RP/EA, including responses to comments received.