MANCHESTER – Township police are continuing their effort in securing the Heritage Minerals site which had incidents this past holiday weekend.
In response to increased complaints involving noise disturbances and trespassing, Manchester police are working in coordination with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police, and Berkeley Police.
The department launched a coordinated enforcement effort targeting unauthorized activity at the Heritage Minerals property (formerly known as the ASARCO site) this past weekend. The 7,000-acre site, stretching from Route 37 to Route 70, was actively mined until the early 1980s. As a result of years of excavation, several deep groundwater aquifers – often mistaken for recreational lakes – dot the landscape.
While these bodies of water may appear calm, they are extremely hazardous. Unlike natural lakes, they contain unstable banks, sudden drop-offs, and can reach depths of up to 90 feet. The surrounding terrain is unpredictable and not suitable for any recreational activity.
Among the enhanced enforcement measures that have been implemented include improving public safety and preventing unauthorized access. The department has increased its presence and over the July 4th weekend, officers funded through enforcement grants were deployed at strategic access points throughout the property.
These officers were tasked with identifying trespassers and taking appropriate enforcement action. This heightened law enforcement presence and increased patrol activity will continue throughout the summer to ensure compliance and protect public safety.
Physical barriers and restricted access have been established in collaboration with property managers from Hovnanian Enterprises. Several access control measures have been implemented to secure the site including placement of trees along unauthorized trails to obstruct passage, excavation of trenches to deter and disrupt vehicle access, installation of concrete barriers at primary entry points and a new access gate along Bone Hill Road.
According to township police, these actions are part of a broader, long-term strategy to ensure the integrity of the site and maintain safe, controlled access in line with property management protocols.
Township Police are continuing to remind all residents and visitors that the Heritage Minerals property is privately owned and strictly off-limits to the public.
Unauthorized entry onto the property constitutes trespassing and poses significant safety risks. Individuals found trespassing may face legal penalties, including fines of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. Any vehicles found on or within the property may be impounded.
Officials noted that the Police Department remains committed to public safety and the protection of private property rights. Those with questions or who wish to report suspicious activity in the area are encouraged to contact the department directly at 732- 657-6111.
Township police were busy this weekend with other various incidents one of which involved two individuals who were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on the evening of July 6.
According to police, the crash was reported at 8:38 p.m. at Broadway Boulevard and Burnside Street. Briana Rodriguez, 23, and Anthony Fernandez, 21, of Brick were extricated from a blue 2021 Jeep Cherokee that Rodriguez was driving. They were flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
An investigation showed Rodriguez was driving south on Burnside Street and ran the stop sign at Broadway Boulevard and crossed into the path of a gray 2015 Toyota Camry driven by Jun-Jun Zheng, 38, of Toms River.
Zheng’s jeep overturned from the impact and it stopped on its passenger side on the front lawn of a residence. Rodriguez and Fernandez were listed as stable at Jersey Shore University Medical Center while
Zheng was not injured in the crash.
The incident remains under investigation by Traffic Safety Unit Patrolman Brendan Brush.
