Joint Media Release From Gloucester County OEM: Grenloch Lake Investigation July 30, 2026
On Thursday, July 30, 2026, a complaint was filed to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding a substance on Grenloch Lake in Washington Township, Gloucester County that was white and filmy in appearance. Officials from Gloucester County HazMat Response Unit, within the Office of Emergency Management, responded to investigate along with Washington Twp. Fire Department. The substance on the lake was discovered as described in the complaint to NJDEP. Through the investigation, it was later discovered that an accidental discharge of an ABC dry chemical fire extinguishing agent took place at the New Jersey Transit Bus Garage on SR42 (Black Horse Pike) which entered a nearby waterway, and later collected in a southern section of Grenloch Lake.
Officials on scene coordinated with NJDEP – Bureau of Emergency Response and environmental officials of NJ Transit during the investigation. Less than 25lbs of this low toxicity extinguishing agent was released during the incident, which is anticipated to have a minimal impact to aquatic life.
Today, Friday morning, officials will continue to coordinate and assess the situation, and provide any remediation efforts necessary, through a third-party environmental clean-up contractor. In addition to those mentioned, on scene assistance was provided by Washington Twp. Police Dept., and Gloucester Township Police Dept. in Camden County, and their respective Offices of Emergency Management, as Grenloch Lake sits on the dividing line of both jurisdictions.
Gloucester County Hazardous Materials Response Unit will be coordinating any future actions necessary regarding this incident. For inquiries, contact Gloucester County Department of Emergency Response at 856-307-7100. More information will be provided as investigation and clean-up efforts progress.
https://gtpolice.com/news/article/3079
