Paint Sludge at the Powerlinez

Paint sludge in the Torne Valley.

As the TVCC (Torne Valley Climbers Coalition) continues to work toward the goal of opening access at the Powerlinez, (Yes, it is still closed and the TVCC is making progress)  there are some key issues to highlight that will effect access and use in the future.


On the top of that list,  is the fact that the area has been used as a dumping ground for excess paint sludge.  The paint sludge pictured here lies just off Torne Valley Road, by the new Ramapo Saltbox Environmental Research Center. (ERC). 

One such sludge deposit lies right off the access path by the turn-a-round used for parking by climbers,  and there are many more in the valley.  Odds are,  if you've hiked or climbed around the Powerlinez,  then you've walked over and around the paint sludge.

The paint sludge came from a Ford Plant that was operating in Mahwah,  and there have been countless articles: NJ Record Article and an HBO documentary titled Ford vs. Mann about it's toxicity and pollution. 

Environmentalists have been fighting for clean-up for years and they still need our support.  Ford dumped the sludge there because they thought no one would notice,  and the corporation has been very effective in evading its responsibilities.  If climbers are allowed to use the area,  we can definitely raise awareness and continue to point out the obvious:  the Torne Valley is dangerously polluted with paint sludge.

Powerlinez Access Denied

Based on the following article,  the Palisades Interstate Park Committee is planning to enforce its no climbing policy on the Powerlinez.

Power Struggle Over the Powerlinez

The author, Joseph Caravaglia, reports that:  'that climbers caught in the area will “be escorted off the premises by park police, although the area will remain available for hikers.” Signs and fences are scheduled to be placed throughout the property, and failure to adhere to the new mandate (repeat offenders) may face steep fines instead of steep faces.'

The Torne Valley Coalition of climbers met 1 Feb 11, to discuss the issue and made the following statement:

Climbing is currently prohibited in 95% of the Powerlinez. We are pursuing legal access and any unauthorized climbing will impact that effort in a negative way.  We are definitely soliciting the support of the entire climbing community and welcome any contributions and suggestions you have.  Finally,  remember that many park officials will visit this site, and what is said will be read by them, and unfair characterizations may hurt our cause.

NEXT Torne Valley ... Coalition Meeting

February 1st, 7 pm Gravity Vault.

Top-roping at the 'Linez

NEXT Torne Valley ... Coalition Meeting: Wednesday, February 1st, 7 pm Gravity Vault. Items on the agenda will be: access issues, mapping climbing areas and trails, and more access issues.