STAFFORD - Beach Haven West area residents are receiving phone calls from Stafford Township officials informing them of contamination in some lagoons in the Beach Haven West and Village Harbor section of the township. The township also posted on Thursday the following statement on the home page of their website:

"Dear Residents of Beach Haven West:



As of this date there appears to be some form of contamination in some of the lagoons in the Beach Haven West Community, specifically the Village Harbor Section.





Sign Up for Stafford/LBI Newsletter Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. You have successfully signed up for the TAPinto Stafford/LBI Newsletter.

The source and type of contamination is unknown at this time, but there is clear evidence that it is highly toxic to wildlife, as well as fish, and other indigenous creatures. We have contacted New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the Division of Fish and Wildlife of the NJDEP and the Ocean County Health Department to assist us with determining the cause and potential impact of this contamination.

Until we have further information, we are unable to determine an appropriate course of action, therefore, we are encouraging all residents to refrain from swimming in any lagoon in the entire Beach Haven West section of town. We are also requesting that all residents be extremely vigilant with regard to the water ways and inform the township of any incidences of fish kills or sick birds.



Please understand we are making every effort to determine what has happened and to keep the residents of Beach Haven West informed as we gain additional information."

TAPinto Stafford-LBI will stay on top of this and keep residents informed as story progresses.