June 25, 2003       

Dear Neighbors, I normally try to send the newsletter out monthly, but this issue is early due to a public health concern I recently learned about. I want to make sure as many people find out about it as possible so they can act upon it, if it applies to them. High Radon Levels in Bobby's Run:   Several days ago, a subscriber of the newsletter informed me of high radon levels in several homes in the newest section of Bobby's Run (completed in 2002). The high radon levels were discovered when one house was to be sold. The new home inspection found a reading of 9.4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Subsequently, many of the neighbors in the area had their homes tested. To my knowledge, almost every house tested in that section of Bobby's Run has a radon level over 8.0, pCi/L with the highest level being 14.3 pCi/L. According the EPA, the average indoor quality is 1.3 pCi/L. A level over 4.0 pCi/L is considered unsafe. Radon is the leading cause of Lung Cancer among non-smokers, and the second leading cause among smokers. Radon gas is formed from decaying radium deposits in the soil and is common in this part of New Jersey. A new builder is required to take radon samples before construction, but often they are not accurate measures of post-construction radon levels because the developer disturbs the soil during construction which can alter the radon levels. Typically, when you purchase an existing home, a radon test is included in the home inspection. However, a radon test is not required as part of the Certificate of Occupancy for a new home. If you live in a new construction home or Bobby's Run, you may want to consider getting your home tested. A home testing kit can be purchased from Lowe's or Home Depot for about $15 plus a $25 processing fee. Residents of the effected homes are facing a $1,500 expense to vent the radon away from the living spaces in their homes. To learn more about Radon, you can visit the EPA web site's FAQ's Section. The Farm Fair is Back:  On the lighter note, The Burlington County Farm Fair will be held at the Village Green again this year. The dates have been set for July 16-19th. New Municipal Recreation Center:   As many of you are aware, the township plans to build a large, new recreation center on the land adjacent to the Municipal Building on Municipal Drive. The project will be broken into three phases. The timeline for the first phase is to send out requests for proposals and select a developer between now and the end of this year. There will be a public hearing on the plan in January with construction in the spring. Phase 1 is tentatively planned to be complete in late spring to summer 2004 timeframe. There have been various informal plans and ideas for the site, but the actual detail of what will ultimately be built will not be determined until the winning proposal is selected and approved by the Township Committee next winter. New Traffic Lights Are Coming:   Lumberton will be getting two new traffic lights. Burlington County has approved a plan to put a traffic signal at the intersection of 541 and Fostertown Road. The second light will go up at the intersection of Route 38 and Smithville Road. The dates for both traffic signals are still to be determined. Thanks again for all your feedback and ideas on improving the E-News service. I would like to give a special thanks to the residents who provided me the details on the radon problems. As always, please feel free to share this with your friends and neighbors. Patrick Delany Founder & Editor Lumberton E-News