Firm Issued Violation For Spill That Caused Princeton Water Problem

PRINCETON, NJ — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Notice of Violation to M&U International for an unpermitted discharge, “which is a violation of the Water Pollution Control Act.”

Located in Branchburg, M&U International repackages fragrances, essential oils, and flavorings at a facility located within the watershed and upstream of New Jersey American Water’s (NJAW) surface water intake.

Residents from Somerset, Union, and Middlesex Counties reported foul taste and smell to their tap water last Tuesday.

In response to the complaints, the Somerset County Office of Emergency Management responded and conducted an initial cleanup of the spill at M&U on the night of Dec. 16, NJDEP officials said.

Though the exact chemicals were not identified, NJ DEP, said the spill consisted of compounds, most notably alpha-pinene, which are commonly used as fragrance and food additives.

NJDEP is continuing to monitor the water quality and safety and said the samples are meeting primary state and federal drinking water standards to protect public health.

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