HAMMONTON, NJ – A lawsuit initiated in August 2022 by the New Jersey Attorney General and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) against Blueberry Bill Farms, Inc., Booper, LLC, and owner/operator William A. Mortellite has led to a court-ordered shutdown of unsafe drinking water wells and unpermitted septic tanks on the farm. The farm employs and houses minority migrant workers and their families, who were exposed to unsafe water conditions.
The wells in question did not meet New Jersey health standards and were identified as a health risk for migrant workers and their families, exposing them to harmful bacteria, viruses, phosphorous, and nitrogen. The latter poses specific dangers as it can interfere with the body’s ability to carry oxygen, particularly in infants.
Following the lawsuit, the court mandated the immediate cessation of the unsafe wells and unpermitted septic fields. Blueberry Bill Farms was also required to ensure proper wastewater treatment moving forward. In compliance with the court order, the farm has drilled new, safe drinking water wells in preparation for the 2023 season.