Toms River is back in the spotlight as environmental advocates question a settlement between New Jersey and BASF, the company that inherited responsibility for the notorious Ciba-Geigy chemical plant. The agreement, which includes a $500,000 payment and nine ecological restoration projects, is being called insufficient by local groups like Save Barnegat Bay and the Toms River Township.
These critics argue that the settlement doesn’t come close to addressing the extensive environmental damage caused by decades of toxic waste dumping. Records show that since 1958, Ciba-Geigy’s operations severely polluted the area, impacting water sources, local ecosystems, and public health. Advocates are pushing for a fairer resolution, claiming damages exceed $1 billion.
BASF has committed to fulfilling the terms of the 2022 agreement, which focuses on community projects and restoring damaged habitats. However, local groups insist that the community deserves more robust compensation for the harm endured over generations.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between corporate accountability, environmental restoration, and community justice in New Jersey.
