Bristol Township officials this week called on federal lawmakers to intercede on their behalf with regards to Dow Chemical Company “abandoning” the former Rohm & Hass Plant levee system.
The letter, addressed to Sen. Robert Casey Jr (D-PA) and several other lawmakers, says abandoning the levee jeopardizes the health and welfare of the township and its residents.
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Township council President Bob Lewis urged Casey and federal officials Sen. Toomey (R – PA) and Representaive Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA-8) to take “swift action and intercede on our behalf in this critical matter with the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency and United States Army Corp of Engineers.”
Lewis said it was “imperative to the future of Bristol Township than the maintenance of the Rohm and Hass Plant levee system.”
Without re-accrediting the levee, more than 400 acres in the Maple Beach section of town, which is along the Delaware River, would be classififed a flood plain. The designation would make it unlikely developers would purchase the land.
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Township Manager Bill McCauley said on Tuesday in the township would be agreeable to buying the property from Dow since its been brought up in the past.
McCauley said he didn’t know the costs involved with upkeep and maintenance of the Dow owned land but the loss the township would be an additional stress on the residents of the township in terms of finances. Bristol Township has roughly $92 million in unfunded liabilities, many made up as pension and health insurance costs.
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Asked about a specif date for Dow “abandoning” the property, McCauley said he didn’t know.
Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick in a response to a request for comment said “nearly a decade ago, our community came together to develop a coordinated plan for our waterfront. It’s a good plan that is working. Bristol Township and the surrounding communities have my support to work with all parties involved to preserve this critical stretch of waterfront to fulfill our shared vision for prosperity.”
McCauley when asked if Dow would donate the property to the township said ” from your lips to God’s to ears”
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“As of right now, our office has received the letter and we are reviewing it to get the necessary information from all parties involved,” Casey spokesperson Amy Miller said Wednesday evening.
