The Heritage Minerals site was the scene of events during the past holiday weekend, and Manchester Township police are still working to secure it.
Manchester police are coordinating with Berkeley police, Toms River police, and the Ocean County sheriff’s office in response to a surge in complaints about trespassing and noise disruptions.
This past weekend, the department began a concerted enforcement action against unauthorized activity at the Heritage Minerals property, formerly known as the ASARCO facility. Up until the early 1980s, mining operations were conducted on the 7,000-acre property, which ran from Route 37 to Route 70. Years of excavation have left the landscape dotted with a number of underground groundwater aquifers that are sometimes confused for recreational lakes.
Despite their serene appearance, these bodies of water pose a serious risk. They can reach depths of up to 90 feet and have erratic banks and abrupt drop-offs, unlike natural lakes. The land is unstable and unsuitable for any kind of leisure activities.
Preventing unwanted access and enhancing public safety are two of the increased enforcement strategies that have been put into place. Officers supported by enforcement funds were stationed at key entry points across the property during the July 4th weekend as part of the department’s expanded presence.
Finding trespassers and implementing the proper enforcement measures were the duties assigned to these officials. To maintain compliance and safeguard public safety, there will be a greater police presence and patrol activity all summer long.
Together with the property managers from Hovnanian Enterprises, physical obstacles and restricted access have been put in place. To secure the site, a number of access control measures have been put in place, such as installing concrete barriers at key entry points, digging trenches to discourage and disrupt vehicle access, planting trees along unapproved trails to block passage, and installing a new access gate along Bone Hill Road.
Township police said these steps are a part of a longer-term plan to maintain safe, regulated access in accordance with property management procedures and to protect the site’s integrity.
The Heritage Minerals property is privately held and strictly off-limits to the public, as Township Police continue to remind all locals and guests.
Trespassing is when someone enters the property without permission, which is dangerous. Those who are caught trespassing may be subject to fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to six months, or both. Any automobiles discovered on the property could be seized.
The Police Department is still dedicated to protecting private property rights and ensuring public safety, officials said. It is advised that anyone with inquiries or who wants to report suspicious activity in the region call the department directly at 732- 657-6111.
This past weekend, township police were occupied with a number of other occurrences, including a two-vehicle collision on the evening of July 6 that left two people gravely injured.
Police said the collision occurred near Broadway Boulevard and Burnside Street at 8:38 p.m. Brick residents Anthony Fernandez, 21, and Briana Rodriguez, 23, were rescued from a blue 2021 Jeep Cherokee that Rodriguez was operating. Jersey Shore University Medical Center was the destination of their flight.
According to an investigation, Rodriguez was traveling south on Burnside Street when he ran the stop sign at Broadway Boulevard and collided with a gray 2015 Toyota Camry that was being driven by Toms River resident Jun-Jun Zheng, 38.
The accident caused Zheng’s jeep to overturn, coming to a halt on the passenger side of a house’s front lawn. Jersey Shore University Medical Center described Rodriguez and Fernandez as stable, however
Zheng survived the collision unscathed.
Patrolman Brendan Brush of the Traffic Safety Unit is still investigating the incident.
