I read with particular concern an article about a crematorium that appeared on the front page of the April 30 News Transcript. The chairwoman of the Manalapan Environmental Commission, Jenine Tankoos, indicated that the panel had asked for a number of items to be clarified by the applicant and said most of those items were not clarified.
Ms. Tankoos said her commission continues “to request the applicant provide a complete environmental impact statement.”
What does the commission expect the applicant to say? That the site produces toxins and will pollute the environment? The proper approach would be for the township to hire an expert to report on the environmental impact of such a facility in order to get a fair and accurate assessment. To her credit, Ms. Tankoos has recommended this approach.
The commission further states that “it continues to request a letter from the Old Tennent Presbyterian Church stating that a nursery school is not and will not be operational at the site.”
What about Manalapan High School, the Manalapan Recreation Center, nearby schools, and all the other residents and businesses that are a short breeze from this proposed site?
The applicant, as requested, indicated that there will be no odor, no visible smoke or ash, or other particulate (sic) matter released from the facility. I remember reading somewhere that there is another colorless, odorless gas called carbon monoxide that is a major killer.
Come on, Ms. Tankoos and your commission, and the other Manalapan municipal officials, do the proper due diligence, protect your residents and stop this facility before it gets started. Jeffrey Helfer Manalapan