MANCHESTER, NJ – After decades of illegal partying, offroading and several drowning and offroad deaths, the party at the SARCO pit in Manchester may finally be over.
Police in Manchester raided the pit and ticketed people trespassing at the abandoned open pit mine site, a private property owned by Heritage Minerals. Police have been patroling the abandoned mine for months, but this was the first major action taken by the department against partygoers.
“On July 30, 2022, officers of the Manchester Township Police Department conducted a special enforcement detail at Heritage Minerals with the assistance of the members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, the Toms River Police Department, the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, and the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit. Originally operated by ASARCO (American Smelting and Refining Company), Inc., the property was sold to and subsequently operated by Heritage Minerals until the cessation of mining operations in the early 1980’s. This enforcement detail was established in response to multiple complaints of trespassing, noise complaints, water crafts, atv riders, and 4 wheelers from residents of the surrounding communities,” police reported.
According to a report released today by the Manchester Police Department, “As officers arrived on the property. they encountered more than 200 people in vehicles, ATVs, and water crafts in various locations around the lake. Once enforcement measures began, many of the patrons attempted to leave the area.”
As a result of the detail, 90 Special Complaint Summonses (criminal violations) were issued along with 41 Title 39 citations for traffic violations, which totaled 131 summonses.
“At the conclusion of the detail, there were also reports of a vehicle stuck in the sand near the southeast area of the lake. After a brief search the vehicle was located. All personnel worked together to free the vehicle which managed to get stuck an additional 3 times while attempting to escort the vehicle out. Ultimately Priced Rite Towing was contacted and was able to remove the vehicle at the owner’s expense. The owner of the vehicle was issued summonses accordingly,” police said in the release. “The Manchester Township Police Department would like to remind the public that the Heritage Minerals or “ASARCO” site is private property. It is closed for recreational and/or other use and it is a criminal offense to enter or remain on the property. In the interest of public safety, the Manchester Township Police urges everyone to obey the “No Trespassing” signs posted at the site. Trespassers are subject to hefty fines and penalties up to and including incarceration for being on the property.”
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