Pennsylvania Honors Governor McGreevey for His Environmental Leadership
Environmental Group Also Awards DEP’s Campbell

(03/78) TRENTON – Governor James E. McGreevey is being honored tonight by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, which has bestowed its highest award to New Jersey’s chief executive for his leadership on smart growth and open-space protection.

Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is accepting the organization’s prestigious Curtin Winsor Award on behalf of Governor McGreevey at the organization’s 33rd Annual Philadelphia Dinner.

The statewide, nonprofit, educational organization, founded in 1969, has advocated for policies, laws and regulations on key environmental issues in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The council has directed its efforts in three major areas: sustainable use of land and natural resources; protection of watersheds; and innovative solutions to environmental problems.

“Combating sprawl and protecting our open space and environment are among my most important priorities for improving New Jersey’s quality of life. Recognition from such an effective environmental advocacy group is tremendously rewarding and I thank you,” Governor McGreevey said. “I am committed to continue with our aggressive agenda to preserve our remaining open space and farmland, protect our drinking water supplies and revitalize our cities and older suburbs.”

The Governor has taken new and unprecedented measures to safeguard New Jersey’s water resources, strengthen environmental enforcement and promote many smart growth policies.

“I’m deeply honored to be chosen for this award because I consider it a privilege to serve Governor McGreevey and the people of New Jersey as steward of our air, water and other precious natural resources,” Campbell said.

On Earth Day 2003, a historic package of regulations proposed by the Governor on Earth Day 2002 was adopted, strengthening protections for nine drinking water reservoirs and six river and stream segments by upgrading their status under the Clean Water Act to Category One.

Governor McGreevey is the first New Jersey governor to use this regulatory tool to provide the highest level of protection to the State’s drinking water resources. The Governor has announced plans to provide this Category One designation to other water bodies throughout New Jersey.

Under Governor McGreevey’s leadership, the administration has introduced new reforms to its brownfields program to encourage and accelerate the cleanup and redevelopment of New Jersey’s polluted sites. The Governor has also committed to create two new state parks and establish or improve 200 local parks.

As part of his environmental and community enhancement efforts, Governor McGreevey has committed to planting 100,000 trees statewide to help urban and older suburban communities improve their air quality, reduce their energy costs and summertime temperatures, and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods. Five hundred trees have already been planted in Camden using money from a clean air enforcement settlement.

“To stop mindless sprawl in its tracks, we need to work together – the state, counties, towns, developers, nonprofit organizations and environmentalists. Our fight against sprawl will shape the New Jersey that we will leave to our children and grandchildren,” McGreevey said.

The Winsor award is given in memory of the Council’s founder and longtime president, Curtin Winsor. Winsor retired as chairman of the organization in 1989 and died in 1998 at age 92.

• NJ Office of the Governor
  http://www.nj.gov/governor
• NJDEP Office of the Commissioner
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/commissioner

NJDEP and PA Power Plant Sign Agreement to Protect Warren County Air:
Power Plant to Burn Cleaner Fuel; Close Coal-Fired Units by 2007

(03/77) TRENTON – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced an agreement with PPL Generation, LLC (PPL), to shut down two coal-fired units at its Martins Creek power plant in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, and to take other actions to significantly reduce emissions of air pollutants from the plant.

“This agreement with PPL will greatly reduce the impact of air pollution from Martins Creek on communities in Warren County, New Jersey,” said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. “The agreement marks the first time that a state has been able to negotiate the shutdown of a coal-fired power plant outside its borders – an essential complement to New Jersey’s efforts to set more protective emission requirements for facilities inside the state.”

Warren County residents and the New Jersey DEP have worked for years to address local air quality concerns resulting from Martins Creek plant emissions. Studies by the federal Environmental Protection Agency identify the plant’s sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions as the principle reason for poor air quality in Warren County, which is located across the Delaware River from the Pennsylvania facility and has been in SO2 nonattainment since 1988. In addition, a survey by the Belvidere Environmental Commission in Warren County has found that the rate of asthma in town is twice as high as the state average. A more comprehensive study of asthma rates in the entire region is underway.

The agreement with PPL stems from New Jersey DEP’s challenge of a Pennsylvania-issued permit that authorized PPL to build a 600-megawatt natural gas-fired generating unit at its Martins Creek site. Under the newly signed agreement, the DEP has agreed to withdraw its appeal of that permit, allowing development of the cleaner burning, 600-megawatt natural gas facility to move forward. In return, PPL has agreed to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from Martins Creek’s four existing units as follows:

• By May 2004, burning cleaner coal and oil with lower sulfur contents; and
• By September 2007, ceasing operations of the two 1950s-vintage coal-fired generating units at the site.

As a result of this agreement, SO2 emissions from Martins Creek will be reduced by up to 80 percent – or approximately 20,000 tons per year by 2007. Also, emission reductions will be achieved for nitrogen oxides, mercury, and fine particulates. In addition, PPL will retire 70 percent of the SO2 and NOx credits made available as a result of the shutdown of the coal-fired units in 2007. Retiring the credits will prevent them from being used to authorized higher emissions at another facility upwind of New Jersey.

In addition to reducing emissions and agreeing to annually monitor its stack emissions and report data to the NJDEP, PPL is providing $100,000 to help fund a comprehensive air monitoring project in Warren County being conducted by Roche Vitamins. The monitoring project is collecting data for an ongoing regional study on asthma rates of residents in Warren County.

SO2 emissions cause acid rain, which harms our streams, lakes, forests, and farmland. SO2 emissions also create fine particles believed to contribute to hundreds of premature deaths in New Jersey every year. NOx emissions also contribute to acid rain and fine particles, as well as causing high concentrations of ground-level ozone and aggravating respiratory problems.

• NJDEP Environmental Regulation (Air-related Programs)
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/er

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/28/03

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP Orders Shut Down of Unlawful Solid Waste Facility in Newark

(03/76) TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today ordered Hi Tech Trans, LLC and its chief executive, David Stoller, to shut down its unlawful solid waste transfer operations and to cease the illegal charging of fees to accept and transfer solid waste at its Essex County facility within 20 calendar days.

"We have significant environmental concerns regarding the unlawful, unpermitted activities occurring at Hi Tech," said DEP Assistant Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson. "Its operation entirely flouts our environmental laws designed to protect public health and safety."

The facility is located on Bay Street at the Oak Island Rail Yard in Newark.

Based on an inspection conducted by DEP enforcement officers, the DEP has issued an Administrative Order to Hi Tech Trans that includes a cease and desist directive for the unlawful operation of a solid waste facility and for charging solid waste haulers a fee to accept and transfer solid waste without obtaining a DEP-issued Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. New Jersey law mandates that all solid waste operations obtain a site-specific engineering design, a solid waste facility permit, and a county solid waste management plan approval prior to commencing operations.

Hi Tech has not submitted any application to the DEP for review of its operations and has evaded the required DEP engineering review of its operation, increasing the potential for environmental violations and harm.

To ensure that current environmental control and safety standards are met, DEP regulations require that waste processing facilities conduct all waste activities within the confines of an enclosed building equipped with air pollution control technology, and implement approved stormwater control measures to prevent rainwater from coming into contact with solid waste and potential pollutants. In addition, waste processing facilities must have an approved fire and safety plan and complete a noise and traffic impact analysis.

During inspections, the DEP observed High Tech’s facility accepting hundreds of tons of construction and demolition waste, dumping solid waste loads into a roofless tipping area, and transferring waste using a grapple loader into rail cars.

Violation of the DEP-issued Administrative Order carries potential penalties of up to $50,000 per day, per violation.

A copy of the DEP-issued Administrative Order is available upon request.

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Related Links

• Administrative Order to Hi Tech Trans (PDF)
  https://njdepwptest.net/newsrel/03_0076_ao
• NJDEP Compliance & Enforcement
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/23/03

Contact: Amy Cradic (609) 984-1795
Dana Loschiavo (609) 984-1423

DEP Opens Swimming Areas Memorial Day Weekend at State Parks, Forests and Recreation Areas

(03/75) TRENTON – Beginning Saturday, May 24, 2003, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites visitors to kick off their summer season at New Jersey's state swimming areas located in state parks, forests and recreation areas.

"New Jersey's freshwater lakes and the swimming beaches at Island Beach State Park are great recreational resources for residents and out-of-state visitors, and we hope everyone takes time to visit and enjoy these scenic areas, " said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell.

The DEP's State Park Service operates its lake swimming areas from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (unless otherwise posted). All areas are open Memorial Day weekend, with the exception of Cheesequake State Park, where the recruitment of lifeguards is ongoing.

Swimming areas in the southern part of the state at Bass River State Park, Belleplain State Forest, Island Beach State Park, Parvin State Park and at the Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest are open weekends only, until June 22.

Round Valley and Spruce Run Recreation Areas are open seven days a week.

To accommodate visitors in the northern part of the state, the swimming areas at Ringwood and Wawayanda State Parks are open seven days a week beginning this Memorial Day weekend. The northern lakes at High Point State Park, Stokes State Forest and Swartswood State Park are open on weekends and on a rotating schedule during the week until June 25, at which time they will operate seven days a week. Hopatcong State Park 's swimming area is open Wednesdays through Sundays until additional lifeguards are hired. For more information on availability contact the park prior to visiting.

Lifeguard positions are still available at the following areas: Bass River State Forest, Belleplain State Forest, Cheesequake State Park, Hopatcong State Park and at the Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest. Testing, training and certification are provided free of charge. Contact the individual area of interest for more information.

DESIGNATED SWIMMING AREAS

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Related Links

• NJDEP Division of Parks & Forestry
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/23/03

Contact: Elaine Makatura
(609) 292-2994

New Internet Mapping Highlights Recreational Opportunities in the Delaware River Basin

(03/74) TRENTON –- The Department of Environmental Protec tion (DEP) and the Delaware River Basin Commission announced today a new internet mapping program, which showcases recreational opportunities along the Delaware River. i-Map DelBasin provides easy to use, simultaneous access of geographic information system (GIS) data from the four states bordering the Delaware River – New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

"New Jersey offers all kinds of recreational opportunities including hiking trails, camping grounds and fishing waters," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "This technology provides hikers, bikers, birders and boaters with the tools to make the best of their precious free time outdoors," he added.

This user-friendly application identifies state and federal fish advisories, gaging stations where recreational boaters can safely pump out marine heads, as well as state and federal park locations. Dissimilar reference maps from the four states are customized into one standardized map with a uniform scale that provides access for driving directions.

"This application is a benchmark for us," said Karl Heinicke, DRBC GIS manager. "In the future, the public will start seeing more and more of the DRBC's information served up on the internet in easy-to-use applications like i-Map."

So, if you are looking for a place to launch your boat or a place to kayak or canoe or you are interested in how much water is flowing in a river or stream, i-Map DelBasin is the tool to use.

Experts from New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-Regions 2 and 3, the U.S. Geological Survey, and Lehigh University worked closely with DRBC staff to build the application.

Coordination for the project was provided by the Commission's Information Management Advisory Committee (IMAC) which is chaired by the DEP Office of Information Resources Management, Bureau if Geographic Information Systems. The DEP managed the project and provided the template for the application. Cybertech Inc. performed contract work.

The DRBC provided $40,000 in funding for the project. DELEP and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provided $5,000 each.

i-Map DelBasin can be found on the DEP web site (www.nj.gov/dep/gis/mapping.htm), on the DRBC web site (www.drbc.net) or on the Delaware Estuary Program (DELEP) web site (www.delep.org). Specialized GIS software is not needed to run the application. i-Map DelBasin works best with Internet Explorer, version 5.0 and above and uses ESRI ArcIMS technology.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/22/03

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Announce “Broad Thorofare” Dredging Project:
Section of Intracoastal Waterway to Open for First Time in Decade

(03/73) EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that the Broad Thorofare section of the Intracoastal Waterway – closed for more than a decade due to shoaling, will be dredged to provide access and safe passage for commercial and recreational vessels.

"The Broad Thorofare project – long overdue – will reopen this important artery for thousands of New Jersey boaters and highlight the importance of clean, open waterways for the many residents and transient boaters who contribute to our shore economies," said DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell. "I am especially grateful to Congressman LoBiondo for fighting for federal funding to match the state share for this and other projects."

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is very happy to be a partner in this project to open this portion of the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway Federal navigation project to commercial and recreational vessels," said the Army Corps Philadelphia District Commander Thomas C. Chapman. "The boating public will definitely benefit from this combined federal/state effort."

As part of the Broad Thorofare project, approximately two and one-quarter miles of sediments (estimated to be between 40,000 to 80,000 cubic yards of sand) will be dredged along the Intracoastal Waterway – west of Longport and north of Ocean City in Atlantic County. Through an agreement between the DEP and the state Department of Transportation, approximately $75,000 from the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund is available for the placement of the dredged sediments. The actual dredging activities are funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which was appropriated $500,000 for maintenance dredging in New Jersey. Dredging of the Broad Thorofare will begin in July.

Recognizing that shore tourism contributes more than half of the $31 billion in tourism expenditures in New Jersey, Nancy J. Byrne, executive director of the NJ Office of Travel and Tourism, applauded state and federal efforts to move the dredging project forward. "One of the many reasons for the great appeal of the New Jersey coast is the tremendous diversity of our shoreline," said Byrne. "We are delighted to work with the DEP, the federal government, and organizations like the Marine Trades Association to increase awareness and expand boating and marine opportunities for visitors and residents alike."

For nearly a decade, Broad Thorofare remained closed to recreational and commercial vessel access by order of the U.S. Coast Guard and was last dredged in 1982.

The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is a navigable interconnected thread of passages running 1,500 miles between the mainland and offshore islands, along rivers, through lakes, lagoons, bays and canals, from the tip of Florida to Maine.

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Related Links

• US Army Corps of Engineers
  http://www.usace.army.mil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/13/03

Contact: Elaine Makatura
(609) 292-2994 or
Peter Boger
(609) 984-1795

ADMINISTRATION REVISES START DATE FOR NEW EMISSIONS SYSTEM TEST

(03/72) TRENTON – The McGreevey Administration announced today that it was revising the start date for a new test that is part of the state's vehicle inspection program, beginning the test on August 4, 2003 instead of June 2. The new procedure allows inspectors to read a vehicle's on board diagnostic (OBD) computer to determine if there have been any malfunctions in the emissions-related systems.

"The additional time will help us minimize any glitches in the testing system that might inconvenience motorists," said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "Our fundamental goal is to make inspections as user-friendly as possible while safeguarding the quality of New Jersey's air for the health of our communities."

When New Jersey last updated its emissions testing program in December of 1999, requiring the use of dynamometers for testing tailpipe emissions, the program changes were implemented prior to the system being fully tested, resulting in frequent equipment failures and inordinately long lines at inspection stations.

"We want to avoid rushing a new test into our inspection program before we have determined that the system is working properly," Campbell added. He noted that the later start date will also allow more privately owned inspection facilities to complete the installation of the OBD testing systems in time for the roll out of the testing requirement.

"More time is needed to scrutinize and test this new and important technology," said Diane Legreide, director of the Division of Motor Vehicles. " By revising the implementation date and catching problems before they arise, we can provide a level of service to residents they expect and deserve."

A vehicle's OBD computer, which is federally mandated to be installed on all vehicles manufactured in 1996 or later, monitors all emissions-related systems and stores a code whenever a malfunction is detected. Motorists are made aware of any problems by the "Check Engine" indicator light on their dashboards.

Since some emission system malfunctions do not adversely affect a vehicle's performance, they can go undetected by the driver for some time. The OBD test can detect problems as small as a pinhole-sized leak, alerting motorists of problems before they potentially become more costly to repair or create an excess of harmful emissions.

The use of an OBD test will replace the traditional tailpipe emissions test in inspections for most cars manufactured in 1996 or later.

Since February 2003, New Jersey has conducted trial runs of the new testing system at centralized inspection stations. Almost all centralized inspection stations around the state now are equipped to conduct OBD tests.

New Jersey's 1,400 Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs) are also in the process of upgrading to the new OBD test. Although the start date for OBD testing has changed, PIFs have until the original deadline of May 15 to apply for state funding to offset the costs of upgrading their systems. The state is providing $1 million to PIFs committed to the OBD testing program to help defray the costs of needed software upgrades.

With the new OBD test, New Jersey's motorists retain the option of having their vehicle inspected at either a centralized inspection facility or a PIF.

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Related Links

• NJ Motor Vehicle Commission ("DMV")
  http://www.nj.gov/mvc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/13/03

Contact: Amy Cradic
609-984-1795

Stricter Emission Requirements Set for New Jersey Facilities to Reduce Smog:
"Ozone Season" Begins

(03/71) TRENTON – To protect against and decrease health-threatening ozone levels in New Jersey, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced stricter air emission regulations that will further reduce smog-causing nitrogen oxides (NOx) under a new phase of a regional emissions cap and trade program, and lessen volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from gas stations, auto refinishing operations and manufacturers using cleaning solvents.

"These stricter standards are part of a regional effort to protect public health by reducing the pollution that causes smog and impacts the health of New Jersey's citizens," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "Air pollution is not confined by state borders and our cooperative work with neighboring and upwind states is essential to protect our air quality."

New Jersey is participating in the Ozone Transport Commission's (OTC) multi-state cap and trade initiative called the NOx Budget Program, which sets a regional budget or cap on NOx emissions from power plants and other large combustion sources during the "ozone season." The regulated ozone season is May through September. The first phase of the NOx control program was initiated in 1995, the second phase was initiated in 1999 and the current, third phase began May 1, 2003.

The targeted goal of the newly launched Phase III of the NOx Budget Program is to reduce ozone-causing emissions throughout the northeast corridor (from Washington, D.C. to southern New Hampshire) by approximately 70 percent from the 1990 regional levels. In 2002, OTC states collectively reduced ozone by 280,000 tons – approximately 60 percent below the 1990 baseline levels. In 2002, New Jersey facilities covered under the program emitted approximately 17,082 tons of NOx, compared with 47,000 tons in 1990. Under the stricter, third phase of OTC rules, New Jersey's 2003 NOx emissions cap is 8,200 tons.

"The OTC budget program provides facilities a cost-effective option to trade emissions and achieve much greater pollution reductions than could be achieved through conventional approaches," added Commissioner Campbell, who also serves as the newly elected Vice Chairman of the OTC.

In addition to using add-on pollution controls to meet the emissions budget, facilities can participate in a viable NOx trading market. The OTC program requires that each state allocate specific emission allowances to facilities in accordance with their portion of the regional budget. Unused allowances can be sold or saved for use in subsequent ozone seasons. The NOx Budget Program applies to more than 1,000 large combustion facilities (budget sources) in OTC states, including more than 900 electric generating units and over 100 industrial units, such as steam boilers and process heaters. There are currently 184 New Jersey NOx emission sources participating in the OTC program. All NOx sources are closely monitored under the OTC program and each individual facility can not violate other regulated air emission limits.

While the OTC budget and trading program has successfully reduced emissions, NOx emissions as a whole continue to be a problem from increased motor vehicle use and the ongoing transport of pollutants into the region from states upwind of OTC states. Further emission reduction efforts both within and upwind of the OTC region – including the launch of Phase III of the NOx Budget Program – are necessary to achieve the ozone standard.

The OTC's Phase III reductions have been merged into a broader regional cap and trade program under the federal Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "NOx State Implementation Plan (SIP) Call," which impacts 21 eastern states and the District of Columbia (including all OTC states except New Hampshire).

Unlike the EPA's Clear Skies cap and trade program, the OTC NOx budget caps are phased in through an aggressive timeline, requiring power plants to use more effective pollution control technologies and actively driving significant emission reductions thro ughout the region. The Clear Skies emission caps are too loose and are phased in too slowly to help states attain federal standards for fine particulates and ozone by required dates. Under the Clear Skies program alone, new power plants built in New Jersey would actually be required to meet less strict emission requirements than those already required and in effect. Also, in contrast to the Open Market Emission Trading (OMET) program that the DEP abandoned at the start of the McGreevey Administration, the OTC trading program includes safeguards to ensure that pollution goals are met.

In addition to participating in OTC's NOx budget program, the DEP has adopted two OTC model rules to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from auto refinishing operations and manufacturers that use vapor cleaning machines on their products. Approximately 3,500 automobile repair and maintenance facilities, industrial maintenance shops and the electronics industry will be regulated under the law's "solvent cleaning operations" provision. A second adopted provision – "mobile equipment repair and refinishing" – will require less polluting paint spray guns at 1,600 facilities that apply VOC-releasing materials to cars and other mobile equipment for profit, such as automobile repair and maintenance facilities.

The DEP also is adopting new rules that affect the dispensing of gasoline. Under the "enhanced vapor recovery" provision, new VOC rules will require operators of approximately 3,800 gas dispensing facilities including gas stations and car rental agencies to install emission controls for all new equipment and conduct yearly compliance testing. The new VOC regulations become effective this summer.

OTC consists of representatives from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, including Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

Ground-level ozone (or smog) is formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compound (VOC) gases react with sunlight, particularly in the warm summer months. The regulated ozone season begins in May and closes at the end of September. Ozone impacts the respiratory system, aggravating asthma, increasing susceptibility to respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis, and contributing to permanent lung damage. It can also damage forests, reduce the productivity of agricultural crops, and lead to the decay of buildings and monuments.

In 2002, New Jersey exceeded the new eight-hour health standard for safe levels of ozone on 44 days, and exceeded the existing one-hour ozone standard on 16 days.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Bureau of Air Monitoring
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/airmon
• Ozone Transport Commission (OTC)
  http://www.sso.org/otc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/8/03

Contact: Dana Loschiavo (609) 984-1423
Amy Cradic 609-984-1795

DEP Recognizes Outstanding Historic Preservation Efforts at the 13th Annual Preservation Awards Ceremony

(03/70) TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Historic Preservation and the New Jersey Historic Sites Council today recognized the steadfast efforts of nine individuals and groups working to preserve the state's valuable historic resources.

From the restoration of a 200-year old Mill Village in Monmouth County to a site associated with the Underground Railroad located in Camden County, this year's award recipients tell success stories of how historic preservation prevails through time and captures important components of New Jersey's past.

"Historic preservation efforts throughout the state have saved and enhanced many of the irreplaceable features that help shape and define the truly distinct characteristics of New Jersey's communities," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "This year's award recipients are models for historic preservation in New Jersey and their efforts contribute to the lives of all state residents and beyond."

For the past 13 years, the DEP and the Historic Sites Council have recognized outstanding contributions to historic preservation in New Jersey. The criteria for the awards broadly recognize people, organizations, community effort, initiatives, and projects that set high standards for achievement.

The New Jersey Historic Preservation Awards Program is held annually during National Preservation Week to increase public awareness of historic preservation; recognize projects of excellent quality and contributions by individuals, organizations and agencies; and acknowledge volunteer contributions to preserve historic resources. Created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1971, this year's National Historic Preservation week celebrates "Cities, Suburbs, and Countryside."

This year's award recipients include:

Grace Episcopal Church, Phase I, Restoration
(Plainfield City, Union County)
The Vestry and members of the Church received an award for the phase 1 restoration of the 1892 church. The work included repair and replacement of the roof and drainage system as well as extensive masonry and exterior restoration.

Peter Mott House Restoration
(Lawnside Borough, Camden County)
The Lawnside Historical Society received an award for their efforts to restore this significant site associated with Black History and the Underground Railroad in New Jersey.

Federal Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project
(Camden, Camden County)
The NJ Department of Transportation was recognized for their extraordinary efforts to rehabilitate this significant single leaf bascule bridge. This 1906 bridge is one of the most significant movable span bridges in the state.

"Digging New Jersey's Past, Historical Archaeology in the Garden State" by Richard Veit
Author Richard Veit was recognized for his scholarly work aiding the general public to better understand the intricacies of archaeological investigation in the Garden State. Veit is an Assistant Professor of History and Anthropology and a member of the graduate faculty in history in the Department of History and Anthropology at Monmouth University. Rutgers University Press also received an award as publisher.

Fort Mott, Restoration of the Range Finder Tower
(Pennsville Township, Salem County)
The DEP, Division of Parks & Forestry received an award for the extensive restoration of the Southern Range Tower at Fort Mott State Park. The restored tower affords the public a unique opportunity to view and better understand this significant historic coastal fortification.

"City of Cape May Historic Preservation Commission Design Standards"
(Cape May, Cape May County)
The City of Cape May's Governing Body and Historic Preservation Commission received an award for the creation of a well illustrated and user friendly publication to aid the community in preserving this National Historic Landmark City for future generations to enjoy.

French Huguenot Cemetery Preservation Project
(New Milford Borough, Bergen County)
Girl Scout Troop 52 received this award for their hard work and dedication in cleaning up one of the oldest cemeteries in Bergen County. They stand as models to the youth in our state, sparking interest in local history as well as instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment within the community.

Restoration of Historic Walnford
(Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County)
The Monmouth County Park System received an award for the restoration of this former Mill Village located along the Crosswicks Creek. The monumental restoration effort included restoration of the Waln's mill, house, carriage house, cow barn and associated outbuildings. The restored complex aids in our understanding of evolution of the site over five generations from colonial mill to 20th century rural retreat.

Wyckoff-Garretson House Historic Structures Report
(Franklin Township, Somerset County)
The Meadows Foundation, Inc. received an award for undertaking an exemplary Historic Structures Report that will serve as a roadmap for future preservation of this Dutch farm house work. The House retains a great deal of its 18th and early 19-century fabric and will serve as a center to interpret Dutch culture in Somerset County.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Office of Historic Preservation
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/7/03

Contact: Amy Cradic
609-984-1795

DEP Issues $600,000 Penalty to Essex County Developer for Unauthorized Sewer Main Connection

(03/69) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that Town & Country Developers, Inc. was fined $604,110 for illegally constructing and connecting a sewer extension in Nutley Township, Essex County.

"Town & Country neglected a critical environmental review of its wastewater treatment plans required to protect New Jersey's waterways and ensure that local sewage infrastructures are not overburdened by new development," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "Illegal sewer hookups undermine the effectiveness of regional water quality management plans and the state' s ability to safeguard clean and adequate water supplies."

Town & Country Developers failed to obtain a Treatment Works Approval (TWA) for its Cambridge Heights at Nutley Development prior to constructing and connecting a sewer main to the Nutley Township sewage collection system. The total wastewater flow for the development, which consists of 33 one family homes and 135 townhomes, is 138,000 gallons per day of sewage.

Failure to apply for a TWA, as required by the Water Pollution Control Act, prevents the department from determining whether or not a local sewage collection system infrastructure and the downstream sewage treatment plant have the hydraulic and treatment capacity to accept additional proposed sewage flows.

Town & Country applied for and obtained the necessary TWA permit nearly a year after the sewer main to Nutley Township collection system had already been constructed and connected. The Cambridge Heights at Nutley Development is located in Nutley Township between Washington Avenue and Kinglands Road.

The DEP's TWA program regulates the construction and operation of domestic wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment facilities, including treatment plants, pumping stations, interceptors, sewer mains and other collection, holding and conveyance systems. The program is aimed at protecting the waters of the state by preventing the entry of increased pollutants from inadequate facilities.

NOTE: A copy of the DEP's Administrative Order and Notice of Civil Administrative Penalty Assessment that was issued to Town and Country is available upon request.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Division of Water Quality
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/dwq