MANCHESTER, NJ – As spring blooms and summer approaches, the warm weather draws thrill-seekers and curious visitors to the Heritage Minerals site, colloquially known as the “ASARCO” site or “Crystal Lake,” in Manchester Township, New Jersey.
This 7,000-acre former mining quarry, nestled in the Pine Barrens between Routes 37 and 70, boasts crystal-clear, aquamarine waters and sprawling sandy trails—an alluring but deceptive oasis.
Despite its beauty, the site is private property, illegal to access, and a proven deathtrap, with a grim history of drownings, ATV crashes, and other tragedies.
Manchester Township Police are now cracking down with vigorous enforcement to deter trespassers, warning that the risks far outweigh the allure.
A Storied Past: From Mining to Menace
The ASARCO site, originally operated by the American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO), was a bustling mining operation from the 1970s, extracting titanium, zircon, and other minerals, including uranium and thorium, from the quartz sand and gravel of the Cohansey Formation. After ASARCO’s tenure, Heritage Minerals took over until mining ceased in the early 1980s.
The deep excavations pierced the water table, creating massive aquifer-fed “lakes” that are as treacherous as they are picturesque.
Unlike natural lakes, these bodies of water have unstable shorelines, sudden drop-offs exceeding 60 feet, and cold, mineral-laden water that reduces buoyancy and exhausts even strong swimmers.
The site, now owned by Hovsons, also bears environmental scars, including a 45-acre area with low-level radioactive tailings from past operations, regulated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Despite dozens of “No Trespassing” signs and some fencing, the property’s vast size and multiple access points in Manchester, Berkeley, Lakehurst, and Toms River make it a persistent draw for illegal visitors.
A Trail of Tragedies
The Heritage Minerals site has claimed numerous lives and left countless others injured. Its clear waters and off-road trails attract swimmers, ATV riders, and partygoers, many unaware of the lethal hazards. Over the years, the site has been the scene of multiple drownings and serious accidents, with recent incidents underscoring the ongoing danger.
Drownings:
The lakes’ cold, dense water and unstable banks have led to several fatal drownings. In July 2024, 18-year-old Victor Arias-Peralta of Perth Amboy drowned while attempting to swim across Crystal Lake, suffering fatigue just 20 yards from shore.
In June 2024, 33-year-old Edwin Toro-Mejia of Howell Township drowned after a leg cramp left him unable to reach safety. Other victims include a 22-year-old Cliffside Park man in 2021, a 17-year-old Manchester teenager in 2015, and a Plainfield man in 2020.
Police note that the lakes’ lack of natural buoyancy and sudden depth changes tire swimmers quickly, while collapsing shorelines can trap unsuspecting bathers.
ATV and Vehicle Crashes:
The site’s sandy trails are a magnet for off-road enthusiasts, but the soft, unpredictable terrain has caused numerous accidents. In December 2020, 62-year-old James Grover of Howell died when his Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) overturned in 25 feet of water, trapping him underwater while strapped in by a safety harness. Vehicles frequently get stuck in the sand, with one incident in 2022 requiring a tow truck after a vehicle became mired three times during an extraction attempt.
Serious and fatal ATV crashes have been reported over the years, often involving high speeds and unstable ground.
The site’s dangers gained further notoriety during the COVID-19 pandemic when social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcased its scenic allure, drawing crowds despite warnings.
Posts tagged as a “hidden gem” often ignore the site’s deadly history, with commenters split between those seeking directions and others warning of arrests and drownings.
Police Crackdown: No Warnings, No Exceptions
Frustrated by ongoing trespassing, noise complaints, and safety concerns, Manchester Township Police have intensified enforcement efforts.
The site’s proximity to neighborhoods like Suncrest Village, Pine Acres Manor, Summit Park, and Leisure Village West has led to frequent resident complaints about loud music, revving engines, and disruptive watercraft.
In July 2022, a three-day operation involving Manchester Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Toms River Police, and New Jersey State Police units issued 221 citations, including 90 criminal violations and 41 traffic summonses, after encountering over 200 trespassers with ATVs and watercraft. Similar crackdowns in 2021 and 2016 resulted in dozens of fines and arrests, with police emphasizing a “no warning” policy, especially during high-traffic periods like Labor Day weekend.
Manchester Police Chief Antonio Ellis has stressed the importance of public education alongside enforcement, noting the difficulty of patrolling a 7,000-acre property.
Mayor Robert Hudak has proposed ordinances to increase fines, with current penalties including hefty fines and potential incarceration for trespassing, plus additional charges for operating recreational vehicles or lighting bonfires.
A Deadly Allure Persists
Despite the risks and legal consequences, the ASARCO site’s siren call persists, fueled by its natural beauty and the thrill of forbidden adventure. Manchester Township Police urge the public to heed the “No Trespassing” signs and avoid the property altogether. “They think it’s an unassuming, beautiful-looking lake,” said Lt. Chris Cerullo, “but it’s extremely unpredictable and extremely dangerous.”
As warm weather beckons, authorities are bracing for another season of enforcement, hoping to prevent further tragedies at a site that has already claimed too many lives.
For those tempted by Crystal Lake’s shimmering waters or rugged trails, the message is clear: the cost of trespassing could be your life.