Mayor announces closing of the Paramus Municipal Pool

Dear Resident,

I am taking responsibility as Mayor to provide up-to-date, accurate information with regard to our Municipal Pool. As background, the Municipal Pool was selected as part of our proactive environmental tests of unearthed soil throughout Paramus, a new environmental policy based on my commitment to test soil in public areas frequented by our children and families.
We recently directed engineering professionals to take soil samples at our Municipal Pool. The preliminary analysis shows slightly elevated levels of Chlordane, a manufactured chemical that was used as a pesticide in the United States up until 1988. Our new proactive environmental testing policy worked as intended. My staff and I are working closely with the borough’s engineering professionals and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to safely and quickly remediate any areas confirmed to be contaminated.

Because I will NOT implement any remediation until we have assurances from NJDEP on a remediation plan, this year’s pool season will have to be suspended. We have been in contact with surrounding communities as to the ability to participate in their 2008 pool season. Please contact the Paramus Pool office (201-265-2100 X665) for additional information.

We realize that this may be an inconvenience, but rest assure that the public safety of our children and community as a whole will always be our number one priority.

In closing, I promise to do everything within my authority to keep our families safe and make certain that members of borough council and I continue to implement proactive policies for important environmental testing. The 2009 pool season will not only be environmental friendly, but will include new improvements such as a recreational slide and improvements to our kiddy pool. While I remain committed to opening our Municipal Pool, I will only allow the pool to open when it is deemed safe by State environmental professionals.

Please do not hesitate to contact your Members of Borough Council or me directly if we can be of any assistance to you or your family.

Very truly yours,

Mayor James J. Tedesco, III