Open process on water lines

   Paul Murray, in a recent Letter to the Editor, says the democratic process has been denied to residents regarding the proposal to extend township water to the residents of Deans Pond Lane West.
   That is simply not true.
   The issue has been raised at public meetings numerous times by residents concerned about contaminated wells and problems with the septic systems in that area of the township. We directed professional staff to look into it and obtained the assistance of the Middlesex County Health Department to perform testing of wells at no cost to residents. At the same time, meetings were set up between the residents and township officials, attended by some of our elected officials, as well. These meetings were discussed publicly.
   We conducted a survey of residents in that location in which a majority asked for township water and sewer. Further study of the problem led us to provide township water only. Again, all of his has been discussed in public on numerous occasions.
   We recognize that the assessment process for an extension of township water is a difficult one for residents. However, there is a lot more than just radium in the water supply in that area.
   I am not an environmental engineer, but I would not want anyone I know drinking the water in that location, even with a filtration system. Despite that, I respect the wishes of some of the residents who expressed legitimate concern over their own water supply and the potential cost involved with an assessment project. We are mindful of that and, as Mayor Frank Gambatese stated several times at public meetings, this is not something the mayor and council do lightly. There are costs on the township end and we are aware that there will be costs to residents that ultimately go from well water to township water.
   Our primary function is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents. We were confronted with clear evidence of a problem in the water supply in that area. The majority of residents in that area favor our actions and all were invited to separate meetings with our professional staff to explain the process. At a recent meeting, in public session, one resident expressed concern over the project and we again invited him to sit with our professional staff and review what was going on.
   We are going to do whatever we can to lessen the impact of the transition from well water to township water in that area. Our engineers are studying the issue and we are looking at the possibility of doing the work in-house to save money. The funding mechanism has been set up but we are hopeful that the cost will be much lower, but again we await the advice of our experts.
   In terms of the democratic process, my answer to Mr. Murray is simple: It occurred, going back at least a year and a half at several meetings. After a very high degree of careful consideration, we directed township professionals to set up the funding mechanism and move the project forward. My hope is that it can be done in-house and we appreciate the many residents in the area who have already offered to give us the necessary easements so that we can provide safe drinking water. I hope this addresses any concerns that Mr. Murray may have had.
   I applaud the residents for coming forward. The fact is, we did not act unilaterally but worked in conjunction with residents in a very open, public fashion.
Christopher J. Killmurray, of Dayton
Mr. Killmurray is a member of the Township Council.