January 25, 2006

Land Use Board, Chairman and members, Franklin Twsp
2093 Route 57
Broadway, New Jersey 08808-0547


Dear Chairman Meltzer:

It is well known that New Village, Franklin Township is a hot spot for elevated levels of nitrates in the ground water on which residents rely. Consequently, it is of major concern that the proposed Brandywine development, just upflow in the Pohatcong Valley from New Village, would have a package sewer plant that would discharge effluent, untreated for nitrates, into the groundwater. As a long term health official with the county health department, I have first hand information about nitrate contamination in New Village and the seriousness of possible discharge of more nitrates into the groundwater. Knowing this, about a year ago, I made a request for records of New Village wells to the Warren County Health Department. Eventually, I was told that the Private Well Testing Act assues confidentiality of such information. Therefore, I requested nitrate information in New Village wells collected before that law went into effect. Still, I have not received the information I have requested. In deference to the health of your residents, the planning board is advised not to knowingly allow any discharge into the groundwater that will further degrade the quality of the groundwater. Perhaps a request for this information from the WCHD and/or the NJDEP is in order

Sincerely,


Mike King
Chairperson