Additional Shellfish Beds Re-Opened after Sewage Spill Closure (03/P058)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:21 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/17/03

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

Additional Shellfish Beds Re-Opened after Sewage Spill Closure

(03/58) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced plans to open another 20,000 acres of shellfish beds that have been closed since March 3 due to a sewage spill in Sayreville, Middlesex County.

DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell signed an order today re-opening 19,047 acres of shellfish beds in Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook Bay effective Friday. These beds are classified as special restricted, so clams harvested there must be treated at a depuration plant.

The order also returns 945 acres of shellfish beds in the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers to their normal seasonal classification effective May 1. Since these beds are seasonally classified, they are closed during the warm-weather months. Harvesting there will resume Nov. 1, 2003.

Today's action follows the April 5 re-opening of more than 6,000 acres of beds in Sandy Hook Bay and the Navesink and Shrewsbury rivers. In total, the commissioner has ordered the re-opening of more than 26,000 acres of shellfish beds since the sewage spill.

"The public can be assured that these clam beds have met the most vigorous public health standards," Campbell said. "We are particularly grateful for the cooperation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in expediting the shellfish tests."

To ensure public health and safety, the DEP initiated a three-tier reopening plan for the shellfish beds. The DEP required testing for fecal coliform and potential viral and metal contamination in shellfish tissue. All three testing criteria have been met for waters that are being re-opened. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed the re-opening plan is protective of public health.

DEP test results found no indication of viral contaminants in shellfish tissues, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found metal levels in shellfish tissues were below FDA safety guidelines. Water-monitoring tests indicate levels of fecal coliform in the affected harvesting areas have returned to normal and are deemed safe.

 

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Related Links

Dive Into Summer as a Lifeguard in New Jerseys State Parks (03/P056)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:25 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/11/03

 

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

Dive Into Summer as a Lifeguard in New Jersey’s State Parks

FREE TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

(03/56) TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Parks and Forestry is currently recruiting staff for 180 lifeguard positions at state park swimming areas. Testing, training and certification are provided free of charge. A complete listing of areas offering lifeguard positions and testing dates is attached.

The DEP invites all individuals who are 16 years of age or older to spend the summer enjoying the landscapes of New Jersey's state parks, forests and recreation areas. Students can enhance their resume with admirable public service and learn valuable life skills such as responding to emergency situations and administering first aid, CPR, AEDs and oxygen.

Starting salary is $7.50 per hour. No previous experience is required. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older. Applicants under 18 years of age must have an official State Park Service permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian to participate in lifeguard testing. Dates for the required testing to qualify for all State Park Service lifeguard positions are listed below.

To learn more about becoming a lifeguard, stop by any State Park Service area or contact:

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
DIVISION OF PARKS AND FORESTRY
STATE PARK SERVICE
OFFICE OF VISITOR SERVICES & PROGRAM SUPPORT
ATTN: GERRY DAVIES
PO BOX 404
TRENTON, NJ 08625
609-984-0370
E-mail: Gerry.Davies@dep.state.nj.us

The Department of Environmental Protection is an equal opportunity employer.

LIFEGUARD EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ANTICIPATED AT THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

      Telephone

SOUTHERN REGION

 
  Atsion Recreation Area, Wharton State Forest, Hammonton, NJ   609-268-0444
  Bass River State Forest, New Gretna, NJ   609-296-1114
  Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine, NJ   609-861-2404
  Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove, NJ  

856-358-8616

 

CENTRAL REGION  
  Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon, NJ   908-236-6355
  Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton, NJ   908-638-8572
 

Hopatcong State Park, Landing, NJ

 

973-398-7010

 

NORTHERN REGION  
  High Point State Park, Sussex, NJ   973-875-4800
  Ringwood State Park, Ringwood, NJ   973-962-7031
  Stokes State Forest, Branchville, NJ   973-948-3820
  Swartswood State Park, Swartswood, NJ   973-383-5230
  Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt, NJ  

973-853-4462

 

SHORE REGION  
  Cheesequake State Park, Matawan, NJ   732-566-2161
  Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, NJ  

732-793-0506

 

       

LIFEGUARD TEST SITES AND DATES

 

SOUTHERN REGION:  
  Saturday, April 26 2003
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center
1735 Simpson Ave.
Ocean City, New Jersey

 

 

Saturday, May 10, 2003
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center
1735 Simpson Ave.
Ocean City, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center:

From North: Garden State Parkway South to Exit 30; follow signs into Ocean City (about 4 miles); first light after bridge Bay Avenue turn right; proceed to 18th Street turn left; 1 block to Simpson Avenue, Aquatic Center on left.

From South: Garden State Parkway North to Exit 25; turn right on Route 623 East OR Route 9 North to Route 623 East; proceed 2 miles to first light after bridge Bay Avenue turn left; proceed to 18th Street turn right; 1 block to Simpson Avenue, Aquatic Center on left.

From West: Route 49 to Tuckahoe; turn right on Route 50 South; approximately 2.5 miles to traffic light intersection Route 631 turn left on Route 631 to Marmora (6 miles); Cross Route 9 – road becomes 623 East; proceed 2 miles to first light after bridge Bay Avenue turn left; proceed to 18th Street turn right; 1 block to Simpson Avenue; Aquatic Center on left.

 

CENTRAL REGION:  
 

Saturday, May 10 and 17, 2003
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Raritan Valley Community College
Rt. 28 and Lamington Rd.
North Branch, New Jersey

 

  Saturday, June 7 and 14, 2003
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Raritan Valley Community College
Rt. 28 and Lamington Rd.
North Branch, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Raritan Valley Community College:

Located 4 miles west of Somerville on Route 28. Take Interstate 287 to Route 78 West to Exit 26. Turn left onto Lamington Road. Proceed approximately 2 miles. College entrance will be on the left. Follow signs to parking lot #1. Pool is located in Physical Education building.

 

NORTHERN REGION:  
  Saturday, April 26, 2003
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ramapo State College
Aquatic Center
Mahwah, New Jersey

 

  Sunday, May 4, 2003
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Kittatinny High School
77 Halsey Road
County Route 626
Newton, New Jersey

 

  Saturday, May 10, 2003
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Kittatinny High School
77 Halsey Road
County Route 626
Newton, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Ramapo State College, Aquatic Center:

Ramapo State College is located along US Route 202 just southwest of New Jersey State Route 17 near Suffern, New York. Route 202 may also be accessed from Interstate Highway Route 287 in Oakland, New Jersey. Ramapo State College will be located northeast of Oakland on Route 202.

 

 

Directions to Kittatinny High School:

The school is located ½ mile east of County Route 627 on Halsey Myrtle Grove Road (County Route 626) or one-mile northwest of County Route 519 on Route 626. County Route 626 intersects State Route 206 North of Newton, New Jersey.

 

SHORE REGION:
  Saturday, May 3, 2003
2:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Ocean County YMCA
1088 West Whitty Road
Toms River, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Ocean County YMCA:

From the North: Garden State Parkway Exit 88 to Route 70 West to New Hampshire Avenue South (Left turn is jughandle to the right). Continue 2 1/2 miles on New Hampshire. Turn right onto Whitty Road (just before GSP overpass). The YMCA will be on the right, just past the cemetery. Alternate: On Route 70 West, if you miss New Hampshire, continue to US Route 9 South. Continue 3 miles to Whitty Road. Turn left onto Whitty Road and the YMCA will be 1/4 of a mile on left.

From the South: Garden State Parkway to Exist 83 (US Route 9 North). Continue north and Whitty Road will be the second traffic light. Turn right onto Whitty Road and the YMCA will be 1/4 mile on the left.

From the West: Route 70 East to Route 571. At the US Route 9 intersection, turn left (north). At the first traffic light, turn right onto Whitty Road. The YMCA will be 1/4 mile on the left.

 

         

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Related Links

      Telephone

SOUTHERN REGION

 
  Atsion Recreation Area, Wharton State Forest, Hammonton, NJ   609-268-0444
  Bass River State Forest, New Gretna, NJ   609-296-1114
  Belleplain State Forest, Woodbine, NJ   609-861-2404
  Parvin State Park, Pittsgrove, NJ  

856-358-8616

 

CENTRAL REGION  
  Round Valley Recreation Area, Lebanon, NJ   908-236-6355
  Spruce Run Recreation Area, Clinton, NJ   908-638-8572
 

Hopatcong State Park, Landing, NJ

 

973-398-7010

 

NORTHERN REGION  
  High Point State Park, Sussex, NJ   973-875-4800
  Ringwood State Park, Ringwood, NJ   973-962-7031
  Stokes State Forest, Branchville, NJ   973-948-3820
  Swartswood State Park, Swartswood, NJ   973-383-5230
  Wawayanda State Park, Hewitt, NJ  

973-853-4462

 

SHORE REGION  
  Cheesequake State Park, Matawan, NJ   732-566-2161
  Island Beach State Park, Seaside Park, NJ  

732-793-0506

 

       

LIFEGUARD TEST SITES AND DATES

 

SOUTHERN REGION:  
  Saturday, April 26 2003
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center
1735 Simpson Ave.
Ocean City, New Jersey

 

 

Saturday, May 10, 2003
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center
1735 Simpson Ave.
Ocean City, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Ocean City Aquatic & Fitness Center:

From North: Garden State Parkway South to Exit 30; follow signs into Ocean City (about 4 miles); first light after bridge Bay Avenue turn right; proceed to 18th Street turn left; 1 block to Simpson Avenue, Aquatic Center on left.

From South: Garden State Parkway North to Exit 25; turn right on Route 623 East OR Route 9 North to Route 623 East; proceed 2 miles to first light after bridge Bay Avenue turn left; proceed to 18th Street turn right; 1 block to Simpson Avenue, Aquatic Center on left.

From West: Route 49 to Tuckahoe; turn right on Route 50 South; approximately 2.5 miles to traffic light intersection Route 631 turn left on Route 631 to Marmora (6 miles); Cross Route 9 – road becomes 623 East; proceed 2 miles to first light after bridge Bay Avenue turn left; proceed to 18th Street turn right; 1 block to Simpson Avenue; Aquatic Center on left.

 

CENTRAL REGION:  
 

Saturday, May 10 and 17, 2003
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Raritan Valley Community College
Rt. 28 and Lamington Rd.
North Branch, New Jersey

 

  Saturday, June 7 and 14, 2003
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Raritan Valley Community College
Rt. 28 and Lamington Rd.
North Branch, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Raritan Valley Community College:

Located 4 miles west of Somerville on Route 28. Take Interstate 287 to Route 78 West to Exit 26. Turn left onto Lamington Road. Proceed approximately 2 miles. College entrance will be on the left. Follow signs to parking lot #1. Pool is located in Physical Education building.

 

NORTHERN REGION:  
  Saturday, April 26, 2003
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Ramapo State College
Aquatic Center
Mahwah, New Jersey

 

  Sunday, May 4, 2003
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Kittatinny High School
77 Halsey Road
County Route 626
Newton, New Jersey

 

  Saturday, May 10, 2003
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Kittatinny High School
77 Halsey Road
County Route 626
Newton, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Ramapo State College, Aquatic Center:

Ramapo State College is located along US Route 202 just southwest of New Jersey State Route 17 near Suffern, New York. Route 202 may also be accessed from Interstate Highway Route 287 in Oakland, New Jersey. Ramapo State College will be located northeast of Oakland on Route 202.

 

 

Directions to Kittatinny High School:

The school is located ½ mile east of County Route 627 on Halsey Myrtle Grove Road (County Route 626) or one-mile northwest of County Route 519 on Route 626. County Route 626 intersects State Route 206 North of Newton, New Jersey.

 

SHORE REGION:
  Saturday, May 3, 2003
2:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

Ocean County YMCA
1088 West Whitty Road
Toms River, New Jersey

 

 

Directions to Ocean County YMCA:

From the North: Garden State Parkway Exit 88 to Route 70 West to New Hampshire Avenue South (Left turn is jughandle to the right). Continue 2 1/2 miles on New Hampshire. Turn right onto Whitty Road (just before GSP overpass). The YMCA will be on the right, just past the cemetery. Alternate: On Route 70 West, if you miss New Hampshire, continue to US Route 9 South. Continue 3 miles to Whitty Road. Turn left onto Whitty Road and the YMCA will be 1/4 of a mile on left.

From the South: Garden State Parkway to Exist 83 (US Route 9 North). Continue north and Whitty Road will be the second traffic light. Turn right onto Whitty Road and the YMCA will be 1/4 mile on the left.

From the West: Route 70 East to Route 571. At the US Route 9 intersection, turn left (north). At the first traffic light, turn right onto Whitty Road. The YMCA will be 1/4 mile on the left.

 

         

DEP Commissioner Campbell Lends a Hand Stocking Fish for Saturdays Opening Day of Trout Season (03/P055)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:25 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/11/03

 

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

DEP Commissioner Campbell Lends a Hand Stocking Fish
for Saturday's Opening Day of Trout Season

(03/55) PRINCETON TOWNSHIP — Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today helped stock the Delaware & Raritan Canal with hatchery raised fish in preparation for the opening of the 2003 trout season.

At 8:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, the season officially begins in all waters open to public angling.

"Opening day of trout season is a sure sign that spring is here," Commissioner Campbell said. "Nearly 200 streams and lakes throughout the state will be stocked with hundreds of thousands of trout."

This spring, the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife will release more than 575,000 brook, brown and rainbow trout into 95 streams totaling 350 miles and 89 freshwater lakes, ponds and impoundments totaling 12,400 surface acres.

The ice and snow cover that accumulated this winter and above normal precipitation should provide ample water levels and stream flows this spring.

"After a cold, wet winter, anglers can expect great trout fishing in New Jersey," the commissioner said. "Governor McGreevey's initiatives to protect the state's highest quality waters will help ensure that trout habitats remain healthy for future generations."

The trout are raised at the Division's Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center in Warren County and measure 10 to 11 inches in length with weights between one-half and one pound. In addition to these trout, another 5,000 breeders measuring 16 to 24 inches in length and weighing an average of 2 to 3 pounds will be released.

Spring trout stocking begins about three weeks prior to the opening day of trout season and continues for another seven weeks after the season starts. Brook trout are stocked first during pre-season weeks since they are easier to catch and help to increase angler success in the beginning of the season. Rainbow trout are next, usually released during the first or second weeks of in-season stocking efforts. By the fifth or sixth weeks, brown trout are ready to be released. The browns are saved until the end of the stocking regime since they are partial to warmer water temperatures.

This year, there are several changes to trout stocking locations throughout the state. Pine Brook in Monmouth County was removed from the list of trout stocked waters due to poor access and lack of fishing activity. Pohatcong Lake in Tuckerton, Ocean County, was added to the list of trout stocked waters. This lake is a popular location that has been used as a site for the Children's Fishing Derby Program and is the only freshwater fishing opportunity in this area. Waywayanda Creek in Sussex County will be added to the list of trout stocked waters. Biologists are currently working with the DEP's Division of Parks and Forestry to create a handicapped-access area that will be stocked pre-season only.

DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell tosses trout Friday into the Delaware & Raritan Canal at Alexander Road in Princeton Township in preparation for Saturday's opening day of trout season.
Photo caption: DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell tosses trout Friday into the Delaware & Raritan Canal at Alexander Road in Princeton Township in preparation for Saturday's opening day of trout season.

Larger image (JPEG 75 Kb)

 

 

Marc Matsil, DEP assistant commissioner of Natural and Historic Resources, and Martin J. McHugh, director of the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife, will be at the Pequest Trout Hatchery on April 12 to celebrate the opening day of the 2003 trout season in New Jersey.

Some trout waters are closed on specific dates and times during pre and in-season trout stocking periods. Check the 2003 New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest, Freshwater Fishing issue, for information on fishing specific waters and associated regulations.

For a weekly updated list of waters slated for spring stocking, call (609) 633-6765. Information on trout and trout fishing in New Jersey as well as weekly stocking schedules are also available on the Division' s Web site: www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw

 

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DEP Offers FREE Spring & Summer Events Calendar for State Parks and Historic Sites (03/P054)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:25 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/10/03

 

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP Offers FREE Spring & Summer Events Calendar for State Parks and Historic Sites

(03/54) TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) State Park Service Spring & Summer Calendar of Events is now available free of charge at all state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites throughout New Jersey. The calendar offers hundreds of recreational and cultural events and activities for all ages from April through September.

"We’re proud to offer an array of events and activities at our state-owned sites that highlight and provide access to New Jersey’s diverse ecology and history," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "State parks and forests can offer visitors a place for a peaceful escape, an invigorating expedition or a festive family outing,"

This year marks the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the largest land artillery battle of the American Revolution as more than 2,500 reenactors recreate the 1778 battle on June 28th and 29th at Monmouth Battlefield State Park in Manalapan. Experience history first hand at all 57 historic sites offering tours, talks and interpretation.

A sampling of State Park Service programs and events include:

  • Earth Day Family Festival at Liberty State Park, April 26
  • 19th Century Living History Weekend at Long Pond Ironworks State Park, May 3&4
  • Fishing Derby at Parvin State Park & Ringwood State Park on May17
  • Whitesbog Blueberry Festival, June 28th
  • Birding by Kayak at Island Beach State Park, July 11, 18 & 25
  • Annual Summer Crafters Market at Allaire Village on July 12
  • Garrison Weekend at Fort Mott State Park, August 16&17
  • Open Air Theater at Washington Crossing State Park, June through August

Free copies of the State Park Service's Spring & Summer 2003 Calendar of Events are available at all state parks, forests and historic sites. For a copy by mail, call 1-800-843-6420. Text telephone users can call NJ Relay Services at 1-800-852-7899. Requests can also be emailed to Michele.Stelle@dep.state.nj.us.

NOTE TO FEATURE EDITORS: Media requests for a copy of the calendar of events can be made directly to Dana Loschiavo, Communications Coordinator, at 609-984-1423.

 

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Related Links

Urban Study Confirms Trees Are Cool; Trees Are Cost-Effective and Pleasant Way to Cool Our Cities (03/P053)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:26 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/10/03

 

Contact: USEPA Contact: Marty Lipp, (212) 637-3667
NJDEP Contact: Peter Boger, (609) 633-1496
Montclair S.U.: William Solecki, (973) 655-5129

URBAN STUDY CONFIRMS TREES ARE COOL
Trees Are Cost-Effective and Pleasant Way to Cool Our Cities

(03/53) TRENTON – Trees can significantly cool urban areas that generate heat and clean the air by absorbing pollution, according to two studies sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The studies examined so-called "urban heat islands" surrounding the cities of Newark and Camden and explored various measures to mitigate their adverse effects.

On warm summer days, the air in urban areas can be significantly hotter than in surrounding areas – an effect called a "heat island." The problem is caused by a variety of factors that trap heat, including buildings and dark pavement that absorb the sun's rays rather than reflect them.

"These two cities generate unneeded heat, which is not only unpleasant, it can have real health consequences for urban residents and for the environment," said Jane M. Kenny, EPA Regional Administrator. "The good news is that there is a relatively simple and economical solution – plant trees."

Kenny added that while it can take five years or more for a newly planted tree to grow enough to begin significantly cooling the environment and absorbing pollution, the long-term benefits of trees are irrefutable.

"Johnny Appleseed had it right," said New Jersey DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "These studies reinforce the need for Governor James E. McGreevey's initiatives to plant 100,000 new trees in New Jersey's urban and suburban communities." Campbell noted that the DEP already has begun planting more trees in Camden using $1 million funded by a supplemental environmental project.

In the short term, Kenny pointed out, there are additional steps that can be taken to reduce the "heat island" effect. These include constructing buildings using the principles of EPA's Energy Star program, which can conserve energy and reduce demand and the pollution that comes with generating electricity.

The two studies – conducted by Montclair State University and National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Goddard Institute for Space Studies with research assistance from Columbia University – confirmed that both Newark and Camden have heat islands. The average air temperature in Newark can be as much as 11 degrees Fahrenheit higher than its suburbs and Camden's temperature can top the surrounding area by as much as 6 degrees Fahrenheit.

This increase in temperature is bad for many urban residents' health. Hotter weather increases the frequency of heat-related health problems, such as heat exhaustion, and induces more asthma attacks, as the heat concentrates air pollution and speeds up smog formation. In addition, higher temperatures result in more expensive utility bills as residents run their air conditioners longer.

The New Jersey studies point to tree planting as a key strategy in combating urban heat islands in the future. Trees serve numerous purposes. In addition to providing shade from the sun, trees absorb carbon dioxide and filter out pollutants from the air. They cool the air by excreting droplets of water that draw heat as they evaporate, which is a process called " evapotranspiration." Trees also absorb sound, prevent erosion and provide habitats for birds and animals.

"Trees also provide an attractive canopy for urban areas, making communities more attractive to business and tourism, transforming a neighborhood's appearance and increasing home market value, as they bring nature closer to where we live and work," added Campbell.

The studies also showed that heat islands can be tempered by using lighter colored or more reflective surfaces on buildings, roofs and streets.

 

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Related Links

DEP Invites Public to Hearing on Wastewater Recycling; We Need to Be Better Stewards of Our Water Supplies, Commissioner Campbell Says (03/P051)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:26 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/9/03

 

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

 

DEP Invites Public to Hearing on Wastewater Recycling
We need to be better stewards of our water supplies, Commissioner Campbell says

(03/51) TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) invites anyone interested in the issue of recycling wastewater to attend a presentation and offer testimony at a public hearing next week in Middlesex County.

The hearing begins at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, with a panel presentation on case studies of wastewater being reclaimed for beneficial reuse. Scheduled speakers include Edward Clerico of American Water, Keavin Nelson of U.S. Filter Operating Services and Rocco Maiellano of Evesham Municipal Utilities Authority.

Public testimony begins at 4 p.m. Written comments will be accepted until May 2.

The importance of reclaiming wastewater for beneficial reuse in New Jersey came to light during the drought of 1999 and again during the drought of 2002, when the state experienced firsthand the importance of protecting and conserving our potable water supplies.

"The recurring droughts in New Jersey are a clarion call to better stewardship of our waters, both to protect the environment and to ensure economic growth," DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell said. "Recycling presents an opportunity to extend our existing resources to support future growth in our communities."

Water treated at sewage plants has traditionally been discarded into streams, rivers and the ocean. The hearing will address a growing public interest in providing a higher level of wastewater treatment so it can be reused for purposes ranging from irrigating golf courses to cooling and washing industrial equipment.

Each year the Clean Water Council and the Water Supply Advisory Council hold a public hearing to solicit views on an important issue pertaining to state water quality. This year, Campbell requested the hearing focus on wastewater recycling.

The hearing will take place at the Holiday Inn – Monroe, 390 Forsgate Drive in Jamesburg, off New Jersey Turnpike exit 8A. To register to speak, please call (732) 932-9271 weekdays.

Under state law, the Clean Water Council is responsible for making recommendations to the DEP commissioner on matters pertaining to water-pollution control. The Water Supply Advisory Council advises the commissioner on water supply issues.

 

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Related Links

DEP Awards Grants to Local Environmental Agencies (03/P050)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:26 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/8/03

Contact: Peter Boger
(609) 633-1496

DEP Awards Grants to Local Environmental Agencies

(03/50) TRENTON — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded 71 local environmental agencies a total of $165,000 in grants through its Environmental Services Program (ESP). These grants are used to enhance projects developed by local environmental commissions and soil conservation districts including open space planning, natural resource inventories, trail designs, watershed protection, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and educational programs.

Specific examples of projects funded by this year's grants include: the development of a river "blueway" brochure to assist Chatham Borough in Morris County in implementing its Open Space Plan; storm drain marking and locating in Raritan Township in Hunterdon County; development of a recycling community outreach program in Irvington Township in Essex County; and natural resource mapping using computerized GIS in Weymouth Township in Atlantic County.

Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500 and require a 50-percent match from the local governing body. Formal agreements between the grant recipients and DEP will be finalized by the end of June.

A full list of this year's statewide recipients is posted on the DEP website at http://nj.gov/dep/esp.

 

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DEP Holds Hearing on EPAs New Source Review Proposals Concerns Raised About Effect on New Jersey Air Quality (03/P049)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:26 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/7/03

Contact: Elaine Makatura
or Patricia Cabrera
609-984-1795

DEP Holds Hearing on EPA's New Source Review Proposals Concerns Raised About Effect on New Jersey Air Quality

(03/49) TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today convened a public hearing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new air pollution rules for power plants and other industrial facilities. The proposals would change the New Source Review (NSR) program, which requires improved air pollution controls when these facilities make modifications that result in increased emissions. The changes would greatly expand the exemptions for "routine maintenance, repair and replacement" to include activities which could increase emissions and indefinitely extend the life of high-emitting facilities. The rules, which were announced last November, were formally proposed in the Federal Register on December 31, 2002.

DEP organized the public hearing after EPA ignored the state's request for a public hearing in the state and announced that the closest of EPA's hearings would be held in Albany, New York. Governor McGreevey had requested a hearing in New Jersey last February in a letter to EPA Administrator Whitman stating "I am greatly concerned because nothing less that the health of New Jerseyans is at stake."

Approximately one-third of New Jersey's air pollution originates out-of-state. The facilities that would benefit from the new rules generate nitrogen oxide, a major contributor to the state's ozone problem, and particulate matter. Both are known triggers of asthma attacks, a major health concern in the state. Other contaminants of concern include sulfur dioxide, another asthma trigger and a contributor to acid rain; carbon dioxide, which results in climate change; and mercury, a toxic metal that has contaminated much of New Jersey's freshwater fish resulting in health advisories regarding consumption.

DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell opened the hearing with a presentation reviewing the specifics of the NSR proposal and explaining the state's concern about the new rules. As the newly elected Vice-Chair of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC), the Commissioner used the hearing as an opportunity to explain to those in attendance how much of our region's air quality problems are caused by pollution transported into the region from the west. "These new rules will have a detrimental effect on the quality of the air that every one of us breathes" he noted.

The OTC was established under the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 to help develop solutions to reduce the ozone shared by all of the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic States as a result of ozone transport. The OTC's region includes Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.

The hearing was attended by a number of elected officials along with representatives of business, environmental, health and community-based organizations. Among the elected officials testifying were U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, Congressman Robert Menendez of Hoboken, Assemblymen Upendra Chiukula (Middlesex/Somerset Co.) and Joseph Cryan (Union Co.) and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

Senator Lautenberg, in one of the opening statements at the hearing, set the tone for most of the comments. "These proposed changes by the EPA remove pollution regulations and are just another example of the Bush Administration's assault on New Jersey's environment." The senator went on to note that "much of the progress we made in the 90's to protect our water and our air have been reversed in order to produce larger corporate profits despite the increased health risks to our families."

U.S. Senator Jon Corzine, in written comments to the DEP, stated "Governor McGreevey and Commissioner Campbell should be commended for continuing to press for a full airing of the implications of the Bush administration's New Source Review proposal." He went on to note that "the proposals would effectively eliminate the teeth in the review program and basically favor polluters over public health. These rollbacks will have a real impact on people's lives. What we need are tougher standards and regulations, not rollbacks."

Concern over the health effects of the proposed changes was a major theme of those testifying at the hearing. "It is imperative that the EPA recognize that we do not live in isolation," said Rep. Bob Menendez. "Nearly one-third of our state's pollution does not emanate from within New Jersey, but rather from outside sources. We cannot afford the detrimental effects this ruling will have on the air our families and children breathe. Our nation's air quality is in grave danger."

Essex County Executive DiVincenzo added, "lowering the NSR standards will further pollute the air we breathe leading to more cases of asthma and lung and heart ailments. These health problems are already too high in Essex County. New Jersey residents cannot be condemned to breathing unhealthy air."

The proposed NSR rule changes have been a subject of controversy for a number of years. During her tenure as Governor, EPA Administrator Whitman recognized the contribution made by the Midwest to New Jersey's air pollution problems. "We've done much here in New Jersey to ensure that our residents can breathe clean air," Governor Whitman said in a statement. "All our efforts are fruitless, however, if New Jerseyans must breathe the dirty air coming into our state from Midwest coal-burning power plants."

Commissioner Campbell also noted the potential economic impact the NSR rule change could have for New Jersey businesses. "The rules may also adversely affect the bottom-line of every facility in the state with an air permit. If Midwest facilities that stand to benefit from this rule don't do their fair share in controlling pollution, the federal Clean Air Act may require that New Jersey businesses pick up the slack."

DEP will transcribe the testimony presented at today's hearing and submit it to EPA to be considered as part of official public comment on the proposed rules. EPA's public comment period will close on May 2, 2003.

 

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DEP Re-Opens 6,000 Acres of Shellfish Beds Closed After Sewage Spill; Ban on Clam Relaying Activities Remains in Effect (03/P048)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:26 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/4/03

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

DEP Re-Opens 6,000 Acres of Shellfish Beds Closed After Sewage Spill
Ban on Clam Relaying Activities Remains in Effect

(03/48) TRENTON – – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced more than 6,000 acres of shellfish beds will re-open Saturday in Sandy Hook Bay, the Navesink River, and the Shrewsbury River for harvesting clams that are brought to depuration plants.

Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell had closed the beds March 3 due to impacts from the Sayreville sewage spill.

"Sandy Hook Bay contains some of the state's most productive shellfish areas, so we expedited the testing of those beds in order to help the baymen idled by last month's sewage spill," Campbell said. "We are re-opening these beds based on testing that show clams in these waters meet federal safety guidelines that are the most protective of public health."

To ensure public health and safety, the DEP initiated a three-tier reopening plan for the shellfish beds that required testing for fecal coliform and potential viral and metal contamination in shellfish tissue. All three testing criteria have been met for waters that are being re-opened. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has agreed that the re-opening plan is appropriately protective of public health.

Test results show no indication for viral contaminants in shellfish tissue, and metal levels were below FDA safety guidelines. Five consecutive water-monitoring tests indicate levels of fecal coliform in the affected harvesting areas have returned to normal and are deemed safe.

However, metal testing has not yet been completed for Raritan Bay and a small section of Sandy Hook Bay, so these waters are not yet open. Test results are expected back in two weeks.

Relay and depuration programs will be discontinued in the Shark River, because more productive waters are now available.

In response to a separate issue relating to New Jersey's shellfish beds, the DEP is continuing its temporary ban on shellfish relaying activities in the Raritan and Sandy Hook bays. This ban does not affect harvesting activities that use the depuration plants.

On March 13, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation suspended its transplant program because of a parasitic hard-clam disease, Quahog Parasite Unknown (QPX), found in shellfish beds off Staten Island in New York's section of Raritan Bay.

While QPX kills hard clams, it is not harmful to consumers who might eat infected clams.

The DEP has taken numerous tissue samples from clams in Raritan and Sandy Hook bays and sent them to the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences for analysis. Expedited test results are anticipated soon. In the interim, relay harvesting in New Jersey will be permitted in waters of the Manasquan River.

 

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DEP Extends Opportunity for Public Comment on BIG Map: Revised Map to be Released in May (03/P046)

Last modified on November 22nd, 2024 at 3:27 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/2/03

Contact: Amy Cradic or Elaine Makatura
(609) 292-2994

DEP Extends Opportunity for Public Comment on BIG Map:
Revised Map to be Released in May

(03/46) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is extending the current informal public comment period for the Blueprint for Intelligent Growth (BIG) Map from the original deadline of today to April 25, 2003.

Following the April 25 deadline, a revised BIG Map incorporating public comments as well as a more in-depth description of regulatory considerations will be released in May for an additional 30-day informal public review. DEP will formally propose a final draft of the BIG Map through the rulemaking process in the fall.

To achieve smart growth and to improve the quality of life for all New Jersey residents, the DEP launched Big Map to show where the department, through streamlined regulatory approaches, will encourage growth, new development and redevelopment, and where it will discourage inappropriate growth to protect the state's waters and natural resources.

In seeking public comment, the department is interested in the following six topics:

  • The overall concept of this "traffic light" approach to environmental regulation;
  • The appropriateness of the use of the different data sets to construct the draft BIG Map;
  • Recommendations for additional data sets to further refine the green, yellow and red light areas;
  • The appropriateness of the suggested regulatory changes in accordance with the BIG Map;
  • Specific recommendations for regulatory changes that may contribute to achieving the department's objectives for its Smart Growth strategy; and
  • Recommendations on methods to encourage appropriate redevelopment of already built areas of the state, including both regulatory and non-regulatory methods.

Public comments may be submitted via the DEP homepage (www.nj.gov/dep) or in writing to:

Janis E. Hoagland
E-mail: bigmap@dep.state.nj.us
Attn: DEP Docket No. 03-03-02
Department of Environmental Protection
Office of Legal Affairs
401 E. State Street
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0402

 

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