Monroe Township Mayor Tamburro Calls on EPA to Immediately Rectify “Chemical Odor” from Closed BFI Landfill

MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J.  – September 18, 2020 – Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro today called upon the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to immediately investigate a chemical odor emanating from a closed, Superfund landfill near a residential neighborhood.

Residents in Inwood Estates, comprising parts of Lori, Michelle and Lani streets, have been voicing deep concerns over the past 48 hours about the odors from the former BFI Landfill, a Superfund site that was closed in 1979 and under the supervision of the EPA. Monroe officials immediately responded to the neighborhood to ascertain the source of the odor, from the BFI Landfill.

Mayor Tamburro said it is incumbent upon the EPA and the responsible party, BFI/Republic Services, to immediately respond, identify the cause of the gas vapor and rectify it. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the EPA to provide instant and ongoing updates to area residents, as well as township officials, who are closely monitoring the issue and are demanding answers.

“I am putting the EPA, BFI/Republic Services and the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on notice that immediate action is required to investigate and address chemical odors emanating into a residential neighborhood so close to this landfill site,” Tamburro said.  “This is a health, safety and quality-of life-issue for residents. Immediate action is required.”

Monroe Township officials demand constant communication with the EPA, DEP and BFI/Republic as remediation efforts are conducted. “No matter the cause of these chemical odors, BFI/Republic and the oversight regulatory agencies must immediately identify and abate all conditions that led to this problem,” Mayor Tamburro said.  “It is their responsibility, under Superfund law.”

As transparency and public engagement are vital, Mayor Tamburro is asking concerned residents to contact Township Engineer Mark Rasimowicz at 732-605-9440 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Project Manager Shannon Cenci at 732-610-9856 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if they have questions or can provide additional information.

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All media inquiries may be directed to the Monroe Township’s Public Information Officer Stacey Kennedy at 732-521-4400 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..