New Jersey Towns Face Salt Shortage Ahead of Snowstorm

Salt Shortage in Middlesex County

• ⚠️ Several towns in Middlesex County, New Jersey, are facing a significant salt shortage just days before an expected snowstorm.
• 📌 In South River, the DPW salt shed, which typically holds 300 tons, only had 25 tons as of Thursday night, a situation described as highly unusual.
• 🚚 Mayor Pier Gindi of South River attributes the reduced supply to delays in deliveries, not a lack of planning.

Impact on Municipalities

• 📉 Piscataway is experiencing a similar issue, with its salt shed down 90% to just 500 tons, a problem Mayor Brian Waller says is unprecedented in his 25 years.
• 🚢 Piscataway has not received a salt shipment in three weeks, and township trucks are unable to pick up shipments at ports due to special security clearance requirements.
• 📞 Calls to the port authority regarding these issues have reportedly gone unanswered.

State vs. Local Supplies

• ✅ The New Jersey DOT states they have sufficient salt for state and interstate highways and do not comment on local supplies.
• 🏘️ Edison Township, however, reports a full salt shed with 1,000 tons, sourced from various locations, indicating a stronger supply position.

Coping with Shortages

• 🙏 South River is anticipating another salt shipment on Friday and is making adjustments, but acknowledges that many side roads may not receive salt due to the shortage.
• ❄️ Municipalities are concerned about whether their salt supplies will hold out for the duration of the upcoming storm.