Feds seek damages from DuPont for munitions plant pollution in NJ

The federal government is seeking damages from DuPont for pollution at the company’s 600-acre property in northern New Jersey where it made ammunition for both world wars.

The Record reports that DuPont and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reached an agreement to determine the damage to fish, wildlife and other natural resources. The facility operated from 1902 to 1994. Pollution in nearby neighborhoods in Pompton Lakes is also being reviewed.

DuPont spokesman Terry Gooding says the company is cooperating in the collection of data to determine if any natural resources have been affected by its operations there.

Melissa Foster, a senior biologist with Fish and Wildlife’s New Jersey field office, says the case will be handled by the U.S. Justice Department if a settlement can’t be reached.