No toxic chemicals detected in Paulsboro testing

Air-monitor technicians have inspected 155 Paulsboro homes and 10 businesses, and no toxic chemicals have been detected, Coast Guard Petty Officer Nick Ameen said Saturday.

The testing began at noon Friday and continues. Residents in 25 homes have declined testing, Ameen said.

Most Paulsboro residents who were evacuated after the freight-train derailment Nov. 30 on a bridge over Mantua Creek have returned home.

Residents of 10 homes closest to the bridge cannot go home yet because heavy machinery and other equipment are still in the area, the officer said. "It's not due to vinyl chloride gas; there have been zero readings of vinyl chloride for several days now."

More than 600 residents in 200 homes were evacuated after the derailment.

Residents wanting their air quality tested can go to the Community Assistance Center at the Paulsboro Fire Department. They will be accompanied to their homes by a police officer and a technician, Ameen said.

- Linda Loyd