SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Township officials are warning residents to be cautious about accepting soil for their property.
Now that the nice weather has arrived, many residents and property owners want to improve their property by adding or removing soil. Some have accepted soil from locations, which could contain debris, rubble or contaminants, according to a statement prepared by the South Brunswick Township Zoning Office.
In one case, officials said a township resident accepted free soil from a Craigslist advertisement that was contaminated with construction debris. The homeowner had to pay to have the contaminated soil removed and learned the soil was from a construction site. The free soil turned out to be very expensive.
South Brunswick Township has a Soil Permit Ordinance designed to protect residents against such occurrences. It prohibits the removal or dumping of soil, dirt or fill material without first obtaining approval from the Soil Conservation District and the township ‘s zoning officer.
Prior to removing or accepting soil, dirt or other fill material, residents should contact the zoning officer and obtain the proper permit by calling 732-329-4000, ext. 7240.