6-06-2024 3:41pm

Washington Township Sells Combe Fill Landfill Site for $2.4 Million

Chris Connors Editor

The 79-acre site, closed due to contamination 20 years ago, is set to become a solar energy facility, recouping unpaid taxes and providing ongoing revenue for the township.

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. - Washington Township finalized the sale of a tax certificate for the former Combe Fill Landfill site on June 6, 2024, for $2.4 million. The 79-acre site, located off Parker Road, will be transformed into a solar energy facility.

The landfill, which was closed in 1981 due to contamination issues, had been the subject of a significant environmental cleanup effort 20 years ago. Contaminants found included benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and chloroethane. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been preparing to build a new groundwater treatment plant and install wells to extract contaminated groundwater.

The sale allows Washington Township to recoup every dollar of unpaid taxes from the dormant site, a rarity among communities that often write off such amounts. In addition to the $2.4 million, the township will receive annual payments of $80,000 for easements related to the project.

Mayor Murello collaborated with state legislators and agencies to support the Township's efforts, including submitting letters of support to the Board of Public Utilities.

"This is a significant event for the Township in that the Township is able to recoup every dollar of taxes that wasn’t paid by the landfill when most communities write off these amounts," noted Mayor Murello. He added, "these funds will be utilized in our local budget for the benefit of our taxpayers and the financial stability of the Township."

Administrator Charlie Daniel noted that the proceeds equate to a ratable assessment of almost $700 million. The site, which had not contributed taxes for over 25 years, will now become a valuable tax ratable for the township.

Chester Washington Solar Land LLC, the purchaser, will develop the site into a clean, efficient, and low-intensity use property, marking a new chapter for the former landfill.