Giving the Bay a Voice
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Take Action to Save Barnegat Bay

We are in the fight of our lives—Save Barnegat Bay is facing the largest battle in its 53-year history. Governor Murphy’s Department of Environmental Protection has brokered a shameful, backroom deal with BASF, the world’s largest chemical company. This deal attempts to settle decades of environmental devastation caused by the infamous Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site by proposing a public park on top of contaminated land.

This settlement was made without meaningful public input and completely disregards the harm caused to the Toms River watershed and the surrounding shore communities. From polluted drinking water to degraded ecosystems and economic losses from historic ocean dumping, the impacts of Ciba-Geigy’s actions are far-reaching and demand real accountability—not a beautified toxic park.

Get Involved

Learn more about the BASF and DEP Ciba Settlement on our [Ciba Page](Link to Ciba Page).

Help us fight for justice! Use the template below to write to Governor Murphy and remind him that Natural Resource Damage (NRD) settlements should compensate communities for all damages to our natural resources—not sweep them under the rug with a public relations stunt.

How to Write an Impactful Open Letter

Follow these three simple steps to make your voice heard:

  1. Introduce Yourself and Your Connection to the Issue Share who you are, your ties to Barnegat Bay, and how this issue has affected you or your community. For example, mention:

    • The loss of wildlife habitats or recreational spaces.
    • Economic impacts on tourism or fishing industries.
    • Contaminated drinking water or polluted land.
    • Lower property values or reputational harm to your town.

  2. Example: If your family has faced challenges with drinking water due to pollution, describe the financial strain of purchasing bottled water or the inconvenience of daily life without reliable tap water.
  3. Explain the Broader Impact Highlight the long-term effects of this issue on human and environmental health, community well-being, or local economies. Support your points with evidence where possible. Make it clear why this issue matters to the public and why action is needed.
  4. Make a Specific Request End your letter with a clear, actionable demand. Ask Governor Murphy to reject this settlement and ensure NRD funds are used to fully compensate communities for the extensive damages to Barnegat Bay and its watershed.

Legacy Pollutants from Ciba-Geigy

As Margaret Mead said:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Let’s fight for the future of Barnegat Bay—because it’s worth saving.

Alexandra Sellitsch

Alex is 27 years old and is an aspiring marine biologist who is finishing up her junior year at Stockton University. Growing up by the beach has made a significant impact on Alex’s life, which has influenced her passion for the ocean. She is an advocate for elasmobranch conservation, and enjoys getting her hands dirty in research. Alex is currently an intern with Barnegat Bay, researching pathogen influences in the bay’s water. She is also an active intern partnering with one of her professors, who is researching dual seagrass habitats in the Mullica River-Great Bay Estuary. In her spare time, Alex enjoys spending time at the beach and teaching herserself new hobbies. Hobbies that include roller skating, and surfing. Alex is also volunteering with the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Team, and is in the process of obtaining her SCUBA certification.