Bulletin Board Magazine [Volume 2 - 2025]

The trial court found the language of N.J.S.A. 58:10B-17.1(a)(2) to be ambiguous and resorted to extrinsic aids to determine the meaning of “until the contaminated site is remediated.” In doing so, the trial court concluded that the limitations period had expired, granted Defendant’s motion, and dismissed the complaint as untimely. The Appellate Division reversed and remanded the trial court’s decision, finding that the plain language of N.J.S.A. 58:10B-17.1(a)(2) indicates the cause of action does notaccrue until the contaminated site is fully remediated. Since remediation had yet to be completed, the statute of limitations had not yet begun to run. The court noted that the statute's use of the past tense "remediated" suggests the conclusion of the remediation process. The court also highlighted that the legislative intent was to extend the time for DEP to bring remediation claims, not to limit it. This case is another in many examples of decisions favoring survivability of claims relating to environmental remediation obligations, which are grounded in an intent to promote the public’s interest in completion of remediation and restoration of the environment.

Spirit of Giving: SBACNJ Member Supports CASA

Town & Country Design Studio hosted its 8th Annual Spirit of Giving event at their studio in Red Bank. This event benefits CASA of Monmouth Country. CASA for Children of Monmouth County serves as the voice of children in foster care, and they work to ensure that every child is provided an opportunity to be placed into a safe, loving, and permanent home. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children is a network of community based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. This year, approximately 60 designers, clients, vendors, and friends of Town & Country provided gift bags to 100 children in the foster care system. For the past 8 years, Town & Country has called upon this amazing group to decorate and personalize gift bags which they in turn fill with items from the children’s wish lists. On December 8th, Town & Country hosted a cocktail party for the staff of CASA Monmouth County and the advocates who give of their time all year long for the best interests of these children. It is their way to give back to a community who does so much for the children in the foster care system.

You can reach out to CASA for Children of Monmouth Country for more information on this amazing organization and how you can get involved, volunteer or donate at 732 460-9100.

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