Water is revered across spiritual traditions as a life-giving and sacred force; water holds a central place in our eco-spiritual ethos. It is through this sacred lens that we view a recent contamination issue in Keyport. Rocks found in the area, tainted with lead, are a stark indicator of the pollution threatening our cherished water sources. This contamination jeopardizes the health of local ecosystems and the well-being of communities that depend on these waters for sustenance and spiritual nourishment.
In June, lead-contaminated lumps discovered by Greg Ramaud, CEO of NY/NJ Baykeeper, along Keyport raised concerns about potential sources of the pollution, including an adjacent landfill and illegal dumping, rather than a known Superfund site further away. Thankfully, Greg identified the hazardous material and provided test results to authorities. Per PBS reporting, we learned federal and state agencies are investigating, with further testing planned. As Greg has shared, the presence of lead, a highly toxic substance, has alarmed local officials and environmental groups, leading to calls for urgent action from U.S. Representative Frank Pallone and heightened scrutiny of the situation. To date, per Greg and recent reporting, there is still no signage. The affected area remains open to the public, with no warnings or signs posted to alert visitors of the contamination. Congressman Pallone recapped in his newsletter this week: “Today (7/17) I teamed up with NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette to roll out an action plan to address lead contamination at Keyport's beach. This robust plan includes immediate removal of the contaminated material, rigorous toxicity testing, a thorough investigation into the lead's origin, and continuous monitoring to ensure no further exposure. With NJDEP's action plan and EPA's backing, I'm confident we will clean up the lead waste discovered by Baykeeper Greg Remaud and protect Keyport's residents. I'm fully committed to seeing this effort through to the end.”
Lead contamination poses severe risks to both human and ecological health. Lead, a harmful heavy metal, can leach into water sources, endangering aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain. This pollution disrupts natural habitats and also impacts the health of residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The discovery of lead contamination in Keyport reinforces our collective responsibility to protect the sacred waters we hold dear. NJ Spotlight continues to report the latest.
Waterspirit is in close communication with NY/NJ Baykeeper and will continue to bring you the latest. You each have a role to play. We ask that you help us by raising awareness, supporting the efforts of organizations like NY/NJ Baykeeper and Waterspirit, participate in local coastal clean-up initiatives, partake in environmental justice work, and finally, incorporate practices that honor sacred water in your daily life.
For more information, or for ways to get involved with Waterspirit, sign up for our weekly mailer (under “Get Involved” below), consider volunteering, and register for one of our upcoming events!