Cornine Field Closed After Twp. Finds Pockets of Gas

Morris Township has closed , used by recreation groups including the Junior Colonial Football Club, after finding a pocket of methane gas about 10 feet below the playing field. Officials say there's no immediate danger, but they've needed to close the field while they evaluate the situation.

Corrine Field sits atop a landfill clsoed in the 1970s.

The township's full statement to recreation groups is below:

While conducting geo-technical testing required for the re-development of Cornine Field on Sussex Avenue in Morris Township, a subsurface methane gas pocket was discovered approximately 10 feet below the surface of the playing field. Cornine Field is situated on top of Morris Township’s former Sussex Avenue landfill. The site was active during the 1950’s and 1960’s for landfill of household trash, old appliances, and construction debris. The landfill was closed in the 1970’s in accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requirements. A 15 to 20 foot soil cap was constructed over the landfill surface at the time of closure.

The current geo-technical investigation revealed the build-up of a gas pocket at the northern edge of the landfill. Gas venting from the drill hole was tested and revealed to be methane, a gas commonly found with aging landfills and also with the decomposition of vegetation and other organic materials. The size and volume of the gas pocket could not be determined during this initial testing. The drill hole was fully sealed at the field so no there is no gas leakage.

The Township, in consultation with its project engineers, Suburban Engineering Consultants, is communicating with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to seek guidance on the proper evaluation of the scope of the gas pocket, and also for the anticipated design of additional venting and capping work. While this investigation continues, the Township Committee has temporarily closed Cornine Field to public use.

Committeeman Daniel Caffrey, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation sub-committee stated, "Although there is no imminent safety concern the prudent course of action is to close the field until a full evaluation can be completed by our professionals in conjunction with NJDEP. The Township is working with the Junior Colonial Football Club to secure alternate practice and game facilities during the closure period."