FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2003

Contact: Peter Boger
(609) 984-1795

DEP PROPOSES NEW MEASURES TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM MERCURY EXPOSURE
New regulations would reduce emissions of mercury that contaminate air, water and fish

(03/175) TRENTON — New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the proposal of new rules that would reduce mercury emissions from power plants, iron and steel melters, and municipal solid waste incinerators. These rules will help to reduce mercury contamination in water and fish that poses a serious public health risk for New Jersey's communities.

"New Jersey's largest sources of mercury air pollution must use today's technology wherever possible to protect our children and families from the harm that exposure to mercury causes," said Commissioner Campbell. "These rules will reduce annual emissions of mercury by up to 1,500 pounds statewide."

Exposure to the most toxic form of mercury comes primarily from eating contaminated fish and shellfish. Children and pregnant women are especially susceptible to mercury contamination, which can cause permanent brain damage to the fetus, infants, and young children. Mercury exposure has been shown to affect the ability of children to pay attention, remember, talk, draw, run, see, and play.

Even exposure to low levels can permanently damage the brain and nervous system and cause behavioral changes. Scientists estimate up to 60,000 children may be born annually in the United States with neurological problems leading to poor school performance because of mercury exposure while in utero.

"Now that the Bush Administration has chosen to neglect the environmental harms caused by mercury, New Jersey yet again must shoulder the responsibility of protecting public health," Campbell said. "If New Jersey's rules were enacted nationally, annual mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants alone would decline from approximately 48 tons to about five tons."

Last week, Bush Administration officials announced a proposal to let coal-fired power plants trade credits, gaining financially for mercury emission reductions already mandated by the Clean Air Act. The Bush proposal would reduce plants' mercury emissions by only one-third of what the Clean Air Act requires and would allow many plants to continue their mercury emissions unabated. The cap-and-trade form of mercury controls would allow several times more emissions than a Clinton-era plan that called for a technology-based control standard for all facilities. The Bush scheme also extends the deadline for full compliance to 2018 from a court-approved deadline of 2007.

Joining the Commissioner at today's announcement were Senator Barbara Buono, Vice President of the National Environmental Trust John Stanton, and members of environmental and fishing advocacy groups.

"It was gratifying that the Governor signed my bill into law, which would require that alert notices on consuming mercury-tainted fish be posted in doctor's offices that pregnant women and their children may frequent," said Senator Buono. "Providing important public health information to parents was an excellent first step in the process to bring awareness of mercury dangers to the public."

"I commend Commissioner Campbell for proposing new regulations that will actually lower toxic emissions from many sources helping to reduce mercury contamination in fish and water," Senator Buono added.

"Last week, the White House dramatically reduced federal mercury safeguards for pregnant woman and children," Stanton said. "With the Bush Administration willing to sacrifice public health for polluter profits, state efforts like these are more important than ever."

DEP's proposed regulations call for up to a 90 percent reduction of mercury emissions from the state's 10 coal-fired boilers in power plants by 2007. The rules allow for some flexibility, giving plants the option of meeting the standards by 2012 if they also make major reductions in their emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulates.

The new regulations also mandate a reduction of mercury emissions from the state's six iron and steel melters by 75 percent by 2009. The state estimates that iron and steel manufacturing plants are the largest New Jersey-based sources of mercury emissions, with much of their materials coming from shredded automobiles' scrap metal.

The proposal also calls for a further reduction of mercury emissions from New Jersey's five municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerators of at least 95 percent below 1990 levels by 2011. Previous rules enacted in 1994 have already significantly reduced emissions from MSW incinerators, leading to a reduction of 4,000 pounds of mercury emitted into New Jersey's atmosphere annually.

The rules also contain standards for medical waste incinerators that are already being met by the three facilities operating in New Jersey. These protective standards will ensure that these incinerators continue to minimize mercury emissions, allowing for a maximum level of emissions that is one-tenth the current federal limit.

Mercury is a problem both from long-range sources and from regional and local sources. Contaminated fish have been found in remote areas of the state, such as the Pine Barrens, as well as in industrialized areas. Mercury can contaminate waterbodies either directly through runoff or from air pollution that deposits in the water. Once in an aquatic ecosystem, it accumulates in the tissues of plants and animals as methylmercury, the most toxic and harmful form of mercury.

New Jersey is one of 41 states that has issued fish advisories for certain species of fish contaminated with mercury. Studies have shown, that reducing mercury emissions can significantly reduce contamination in nearby ecosystems. In Florida, scientists found that mercury concentrations in fish and wading birds in the Everglades have declined by 60 to 70 percent in the last 10 years as a result of controls in mercury emissions in neighboring industries.

DEP developed today's rules in consultation with other governmental agencies, universities, scientists, regulated industry officials, and environmental and public health advocates. The rules are also similar to regulations adopted in Connecticut and Wisconsin and proposed in Massachusetts.

The proposed rules will appear in the January 5, 2004 New Jersey Register and are subject to a 60-day public comment period.

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Related Links

• Notice of Rule Proposal
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/rules/notices/010504.html
• Air Regulation Development
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/aqm/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

Federal Judge Lifts Prohibition on Bear Hunting at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; Updated Bear Hunt Information

(03/174) TRENTON — United States District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton today lifted the federal court order prohibiting hunting for bears at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The Order, issued Friday December 5, 2003, was in response to a federal suit filed by Fund for Animals claiming that the Director of the National Park Service and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior had violated the National Park Service Organic Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Fund for Animals also alleged that the hunt would cause irreparable harm to their members and was against the public interest. The New Jersey Fish and Game Council sought and was granted the right to intervene in the lawsuit to defend the bear hunting season, which was part of the 2003 Game Code adopted by the Council.

Ruling against the Fund for Animals in all counts, Judge Walton found that the Fund had failed to establish any violations of the statutes by the National Park Service or the Secretary of the Interior. The court also failed to find that Fund for Animals would suffer any irreparable harm.

A summary of Judge Walton’s decision is posted on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s homepage at www.state.nj.us/dep.

A total of 116 bear were taken during the first day of the bear hunt, which began yesterday, December 9. Of the 116, 76 bear were female and 40 male. A total of 85 bear were taken in Sussex County, 13 in Warren County, seven in Morris County, 10 in Passaic County and one in Bergen County. Of the 116 bear taken, six were previously identified as nuisance bears and five were taken in previously identified problem areas where bear/human conflicts occurred. One bear taken during the hunt had been previously relocated out of an urban area.

NOTE TO PRESS: For the remainder of the bear hunt, the DEP press office will issue current- day bear hunt information at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Since the mandatory check stations operate until 9:00 p.m., a final daily count of bear taken will be released the following morning.

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Related Link

• Summary of Federal Judge Walton's decision
  https://njdepwptest.net/newsrel/03_0174addl/
• NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2003

Contact: Elaine Makatura (609) 292-2994
Dana Loschiavo (609) 984-1423

HISTORICAL TRAVELING EXHIBIT OPENS AT MONMOUTH BATTLEFIELD STATE PARK

(03/171) MANALAPAN – The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will unveil Caught in the Crossfire: Churches, Taverns and the Revolution in New Jersey, at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park Visitor's Center, on Sunday, November 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

"New Jersey has an incredible inventory of American Revolutionary War sites and a fascinating history that accompanies them," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "As we continue to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the American Revolution, this exhibit presents an ideal opportunity to highlight the state's heritage and its contributions to the cause of American liberty."

"The New Jersey State Museum is honored and proud to join with Commissioner Campbell and the Monmouth Battlefield State Park to share this traveling exhibition with the residents of Monmouth County and the citizens of the State," said Secretary of State Regena Thomas. "New Jersey is the Crossroads of the Revolution. Through exhibitions such as Caught in the Crossfire, we can share with new generations the story of our great State and its people."

Caught in the Crossfire: Churches, Taverns and Revolution in New Jersey explores the role of churches and taverns during the American Revolution with insights into the sacred and secular spirit of the time when the nation was founded. The traveling exhibit features a selection of images, documents and reproduction artifacts on view at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park's Visitor Center through February 1, 2004.

The opening of this exhibit also includes an illustrated lecture on the 1778 geography of the battlefield presented by Garry Stone, State Park Historian, a discussion by author David Martin and a guided hike to the hedgerow and parsonage sites. The historic Craig House, located within Monmouth Battlefield also will be open to visitors until 4:00 p.m.

From late 1776 through 1781, New Jersey was a war zone. With official public buildings few and far between, New Jerseyans sought out other places to debate and discuss America's future. Churches and taverns located throughout the colony became venues for expression and reflected the diversity of opinion that characterized New Jersey on the eve of Revolution. Tavern keepers and patrons, clergymen and congregants often found themselves caught in the crossfire as war raged around and about them.

Organized by the New Jersey State Museum, the traveling exhibit is an adaptation of a larger exhibition of the same title at the Museum's Auditorium Galleries in Trenton. This project is supported by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission in the New Jersey Department of State. Additional support is provided by the Friends of the New Jersey State Museum.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Division of Parks & Forestry: Monmouth Battlefield State Park
  http://www.njparksandforests.org/parks/monbat.html
• NJ State Museum
  http://www.njstatemuseum.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

DEP Reminds New Jersey Residents Not to Feed Bears

(03/170) TRENTON – In light of the fact that the number of black bears entering homes in New Jersey has surpassed last year's record level, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell reminds residents not to feed bears. Bears increase their foraging this time of year to put on weight for their winter dormancy.

"Whether or not it is done intentionally, feeding bears is inhumane and dangerous, because it can ultimately lead to aggressive bear behavior," Campbell said. "Once a bear associates people with food, it is only a matter of time before it pursues garbage and food stored in peoples' homes."

So far this year, the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife has documented 58 instances of bears entering homes in North Jersey, three more home entries than last year. In addition, the DEP has documented 21 attempted home entries.

Just last week, a homeowner in West Milford, Passaic County, heard banging at his front door only to find a bear with its face pressed against the screen. A similar looking bear was seen the prior week rooting through the resident's garbage.

Earlier this month, a 400-pound bear marked with yellow ear tags entered a homeowner's garage in Stillwater, Sussex County, by breaking a glass door to get at garbage. A bear of identical description returned the following week, pushing in the plywood where the glass used to be.

Bears have attempted to push in window-mounted air conditioners to gain access to homes, but more often they push through screen doors or windows, or tear the doors off garages. Bears broke into vehicles nine times this year.

Black bears will consume whatever is available, so it is important to keep one's property as temptation-free as possible.

Bear-proofing one's home includes storing garbage in an airtight container in a secure area, such as a basement. Garbage containers should be washed at least once a week with a disinfectant to eliminate odors. Outside feeding of dogs and cats should occur only during daylight, and any uneaten food should be removed immediately. Birdfeeders should be hung from a free-hanging wire at least eight feed above the ground. Barbecue grills should be cleaned to minimize food odors and stored securely.

Bear damage and nuisance complaints may be reported to the DEP's Wildlife Control Unit weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by calling (908) 735-8793. For the fastest response, residents should call their local police department.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.org
  • Bear Facts for New Jersey
    http://www.njfishandwildlife.org/bearinfo.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

DEP Opens Parking Area at Splitrock Reservoir Nov. 21

(03/169) TRENTON – Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell announces the opening of a new parking area at Splitrock Reservoir in Rockaway Township, Morris County. The parking area located on Splitrock Road at the southern end of the reservoir opens for public use on Friday, Nov. 21.

"Governor McGreevey has made a priority of increasing public access to our streams, lakes and shores," Campbell said. "This new parking area will provide generations of anglers, hikers and wildlife watchers with countless opportunities to explore all that Splitrock Reservoir has to offer."

The new parking area provides reservoir access for people who want to launch a cartop boat for fishing, kayaking or canoeing. The parking area also provides a trailhead for hiking the 13.8-mile loop trail. Visitors should look for signs of white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey along the trail, as well as waterfowl and neotropical birds during the spring and fall migrations. Anglers can expect good fishing for bass, crappie and chain pickerel in the reservoir.

The 625-acre reservoir and surrounding 1,500 acres are owned by Jersey City, but are protected by the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife under a conservation easement purchased by the DEP's Green Acres Program.

The reservoir has some regulations specific to the site that are in place to ensure the long-term protection of wildlife and their habitats, water quality, and public safety.

No gasoline-powered engines are permitted on the reservoir. You may enjoy boating on Splitrock Reservoir in a non-motorized boat (canoe, kayak, rowboat) or boat with electric motor.

Stay on the trail as you hike around the reservoir. Access to areas off the trail is prohibited.

Horseback riding, mountain biking and ATV use is not permitted on Splitrock Reservoir property. Hiking is permitted.

Special Lunker Bass regulations are in effect for Splitrock Reservoir. The minimum size limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 15 inches and the combined daily creel and possession limit is 3 fish.

For a complete listing of fishing regulations, refer to the Freshwater Fishing Issue of the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.org
  • Fish & Wildlife Regulations (with link to current New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest)
    http://www.njfishandwildlife.org/njregs.htm
• NJDEP Green Acres Program
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2003

Contact: Elaine Makatura 609-292-2994
Dana Loschiavo

DEP's State Historic Preservation Office Names Five New Sites
to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places

(03/168) TRENTON – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the listing of five new historic sites to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. The sites are located in Camden, Middlesex, Salem and Somerset Counties.

"New Jersey is blessed with a rich heritage of historically significant sites and artifacts that are vital parts of our communities and landscape," said Commissioner Campbell. "Listing these sites on the New Jersey State Register will help property owners and communities be more effective advocates for protecting their historic properties from destruction."

The State Register is a list of areas and properties worthy of preservation for their historical, architectural, cultural or archaeological significance.

In addition to the state listing, Commissioner Campbell will recommend that these properties be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, administered by the National Park Service. National Register listing offers historic properties a measure of protection from federally sponsored or assisted activities.

Below is the list of sites added to the register.

• Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, Camden County
  The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, constructed 1864 – circa 1877, is significant in the area of architecture as a well-executed example of the Gothic Revival style as applied to an ecclesiastical structure. Constructed of Trenton brownstone, the cathedral has pointed-arch windows, stained glass and wood tracery, a large rose window, buttresses, an offset tower, spire and many other features common to the Gothic Revival style. The interior finish work, including the plaster and frescoes, the Carrara marble alter and some of the domestic stained glass windows were completed before the consecration of the church in 1893. The Mayer Studios stained glass windows were installed in 1905. Noted Newark, New Jersey architect Jeremiah O'Rourke designed the Cathedral. O'Rourke developed a relationship with the Roman Catholic Church and was commissioned to design churches, rectories and schools for the Dioceses of Trenton and Newark in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century.

• St. Joseph Polish Catholic Church, Camden, Camden County
  St. Joseph Polish Catholic Church, built in 1914 is an architectural and community landmark in the City of Camden. The parish was established in response to the determined efforts of Polish immigrants who worked toward the goal of instituting a new parish reflecting their history, culture and traditions of worship. Once established, the parish was instrumental in creating a welcoming neighborhood for Polish immigrants through the construction of housing in the area of the church and the formation of Polish-owned savings and loan associations, as well as acting as a religious, educational and social center of the new neighborhood, which became known as "Polishtown."

The church was designed by Philadelphia architect George I. Lovatt, Sr., who was well known for his ecclesiastical commissions in the greater Philadelphia area. The design of the church reflects the Baroque influence on the churches in the parishioners' native Poland and is laid out in a traditional basilica form. It is constructed of New Hampshire granite with decorative elements carved from limestone or formed in copper. The interior was designed with a repeating theme of arches and elaborate decoration that includes faux painting, statues and murals.

• St. Mary's Church, Borough of South River, Middlesex County
  St. Mary's Church is a local landmark in the river town incorporated as the Borough of South River. This imposing and majestic church is the tallest structure in the Borough and can be seen from any approach to the Borough of South River. Formed by Polish Catholics, it is a well-preserved granite Romanesque Revival church, significant for its architecture. The architect of the church was Henry Dandurand Dagit, a renowned Philadelphia architect of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

• Alloways Creek Friends Meetinghouse, Lower Alloways Creek Twp., Salem County
  The Alloways Creek Friends Meetinghouse, constructed in 1756, was the third meetinghouse constructed for the Alloways Creek Friends. The original form of this meetinghouse, a one story, single-cell building, was a common form for small Friends Meetings in the Delaware Valley from the late seventeenth through the mid-eighteenth centuries. The construction of a major addition in 1784, along with alterations to the original building, converted the meetinghouse into a two-story, two-cell form that quickly dominated Quaker meetinghouse design in the second half of the eighteenth century. While new meetinghouses constructed during the period were built with equal-sized rooms, reflecting contemporary thought on space arrangement for worship and business meetings, the Alloways Creek Friends Meetinghouse retained a slight discrepancy in the size between the two rooms, maintaining the distinction between the main worship room/men's business meeting room and the women's business meeting room found in the earlier generation of meetinghouses. Typical Quaker meetinghouse elements exhibited by the Alloways Creek Friends Meetinghouse include its plain, rectangular brick form with a side gable roof, covered entrances, unadorned interior, facing bench platforms, a U-shaped gallery and a movable partition that allowed joint worship services and separate business meetings.

• Dirck Gulick House, Montgomery Township, Somerset County
  The Dirck Gulick House was constructed in the mid-eighteenth century and is a one-and-one half story Dutch vernacular building. It is a rare example of a Dutch built stone house in a Dutch community typified by its frame houses. In the Gulick house there is evidence that a process of assimilation was underway in the house-building culture of other nationalities present in mid-eighteenth century central New Jersey.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Historic Preservation Office: Register of Historic Places
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/1identify/nrsr_lists.htm
• US National Register of Historic Places
  http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP Reaches Settlement with Branchburg Township for Illegal Sludge Disposal, Water Pollution Violations & Falsified Monitoring Reports:

Violations Self-Disclosed

(03/167) TRENTON – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced a settlement agreement with Branchburg Township, Somerset County, that addresses a number of serious water pollution violations, including their unlawful disposal of sludge and their submittal of falsified discharge monitoring reports. Branchburg Township must pay the state $201,600 as part of the settlement agreement.

"We are pleased Branchburg Township acted quickly to voluntarily disclose their environmental violations and to correct the problems occurring at their sewage treatment plants," said Commissioner Campbell. "While the penalties issued reflect the seriousness of the violations and their negative impact on the state's ability to protect water quality, they also take into consideration Branchburg Township's cooperation and appropriate response."

Upon hiring a new consultant to oversee the operation of their Fox Hollow and Neshanic Sewage Treatment Plants, Branchburg Township discovered that their former operator and employee, Joseph Stracuzzi, had directed the illegal disposal of sludge from the sewage treatment plants and falsified discharge monitoring reports submitted to the DEP.

On at least 65 instances between February 1997 and April 2002, sludge generated from their sewage treatment plants was discharged into a portion of their wastewater collection system that flows into the Somerset Raritan Valley Sewage Authority system. Under state laws, sludge must be disposed of at a disposal facility approved by the DEP. Neither the department nor the Somerset Raritan Valley Sewage Authority were notified or approved of Branchburg's sludge disposal activities.

In addition, for at least 10 years prior to May 2002, Mr. Stracuzzi consistently submitted required discharge monitoring reports for Branchburg Township's Neshanic Sewage Treatment Plant that indicated that all effluent sampling required by their DEP permit was properly conducted. However, after hiring the new consultant to oversee the operation of the sewer utility, Branchburg Township learned that random, grab samples instead of composite samples were consistently taken for solids and oxygen demand. As a result, the discharge monitoring reports contained false sample information that the DEP relied upon to make compliance determinations.

Also, during May 2001and December 2001, the DEP cited the Neshanic Sewage Treatment Plant for serious effluent violations for fecal coliform. In January 2002, Fox Hollow also received a violation for a serious effluent violation of fecal coliform.

In an attempt to mitigate the financial impact of the $201,600 issued to Branchburg Township's sewer utility, the DEP granted the township a 10-year payment schedule. The first payment of $20,160 is due March 1, 2004. In assessing the penalty amount, the DEP took into consideration that the township self disclosed its violations upon discovery.

In a separate settlement agreement with Mr. Stracuzzi, the former operator agreed to pay the state a $2,000 fine for his unlawful activities and accept the permanent revocation of his wastewater operator licenses. The DEP operates a water and wastewater license certification program to ensure that only properly trained and experienced individuals operate water and wastewater facilities in New Jersey.

"Licensed individuals who operate New Jersey's water and wasterwater facilities have an obligation to serve the public in a professional and lawful manner," Campbell added. "This enforcement case clearly demonstrates that any operator who fails to meet these obligations will be held individually responsible and will be forced to seek another profession."

Failure to properly monitor wastewater discharge undermines the integrity of the department's New Jersey Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit program, which is based in large part on self-monitoring and reporting by permittees.

Branchburg Township is currently in compliance with its DEP permit requirements.

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Related Link

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2003

Contact: Elaine Makatura
609-292-2994

DEP HONORS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS AND INNOVATORS
Excellence Awards Recognize Significant Environmental Achievements in New Jersey

(03/166) ATLANTIC CITY – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell will honor environmental leaders at a ceremony tonight handing out the annual Environmental Excellence Awards to winners in eight categories. The awards recognize individuals, businesses, and communities who have made significant contributions to environmental protection in New Jersey. The awards ceremony and reception will begin at 5:15 p.m. in room 319, Atlantic City Convention Center.

"These awards recognize the environmental leaders in New Jersey's towns, companies, authorities, and military bases who are achieving superior environmental performance," said Commissioner Campbell. "These leaders are setting the standard for innovation and commitment, while reminding us that some of the best ideas in environmental protection emerge from local problem solving rather than traditional regulation."

Winners were selected from a record number of nominations and were judged on the basis of the documented environmental benefits, innovation, and long-term impact of their work to the environment. DEP received nominations in eight categories: Clean Air, Clean and Plentiful Water, Safe and Healthy Communities, Open Space Protection and Preservation, Healthy Ecosystems, Innovative Technology, Environmental Stewardship and Environmental Leadership.

This is the fourth year the awards, co-sponsored by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology (NJCAT), have been bestowed on state environmental leaders. This year, DEP received so many nominations that it awarded Honorable Mentions for the first time.

The New Jersey State League of Municipalities is a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government by pooling information resources. The association has been serving local officials for more than 80 years.

NJCAT is a public-private partnership that pools the resources of business and industry, entrepreneurs, university research centers, utilities and government to promote New Jersey's emerging environmental technologies.

Below is a list of this year's winners and honorable mentions:

• Clean Air Winner – Naval Air Engineering Station, Lakehurst
  The Naval Air Engineering Station at Lakehurst provides engineering support to all naval air platforms and has more than 600 major sources of air emissions, consisting primarily of utility boilers. This award recognizes the station's efforts to reduce emissions by initiating several projects to convert all fuel oil fired boilers at the facility to cleaner burning natural gas.

• Clean Air Honorable Mention – Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority
  The Cape May County Municipal Utilities Authority (CMCMUA) provides solid waste management services for all 16 municipalities within Cape May County. This honorable mention recognizes the use of landfill gas from the CMCMUA's Sanitary Landfill as a replacement fuel for the boilers at the Woodbine Development Center. This fuel switch provides a significant reduction in the emissions from the WDC's boiler facilities.

• Clean and Plentiful Water Winner – Pequannock River Coalition
  The Pequannock River Coalition, founded in 1994 as a grassroots watershed association, promotes the "preservation of the Pequannock River as a natural, recreational, aesthetic and water supply resource." This award recognizes the Coalition's intensive temperature monitoring program using electronic data loggers at targeted sites throughout the watershed.

• Clean and Plentiful Water Honorable Mention – Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners
  Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners (PVSC) is a 330 million gallon per day wastewater treatment plant located in Newark that serves 1.3 million people in parts of Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Passaic Counties. In 1998, PVSC created the Passaic River/Newark Bay Restoration Program to clean the shoreline and remove debris along the banks of the Passaic River. The PVSC also created a Pollution Prevention Educational Outreach Program that visits local grammar schools to discuss point and non-point source pollution and household waste disposal. This honorable mention recognizes these efforts.

• Clean and Plentiful Water Honorable Mention – Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management
  The Ten Towns Great Swamp Watershed Management Committee is an inter-municipal organization that was formed to prepare and to implement a Great Swamp Watershed Management Plan. Since its formation, the Ten Towns Committee has become a model for the entire state for effective partnership, not only among all four levels of government (municipal, county, state and federal), but also with private organizations. This honorable mention recognizes the Committee's ongoing work in watershed management planning and protection

• Clean and Plentiful Water Honorable Mention – Raritan Basin Watershed Management Project
  The Raritan Basin Watershed Management Project was a four-year effort funded by DEP and the NJ Water Supply Authority (NJWSA), and implemented by NJWSA. The Project involved hundreds of stakeholders in the development of nine Characterization and Assessment Technical Reports as well as the Raritan Basin Watershed Management Plan. The Raritan Plan provides strategies for management of six critical issues highlighted by the technical reports: water supply, surface water quality, stormwater management, ground water, stream ecosystem health and riparian ecosystems integrity. This honorable mention recognizes the ongoing work of the Project and the Alliance to implement the Raritan Basin Watershed Management Plan.

• Healthy Ecosystems Winner – Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc.
  The Hackensack Riverkeeper represents the interests of the natural, living, and recreational resources of the Hackensack River through environmental advocacy, education, and conservation programs. The Hackensack Riverkeeper carries out its mission through a combination of both formal and informal environmental education projects focused on raising the level of awareness and sensitivity of the people of the Hackensack River watershed. The group also advocates for the responsible restoration and conservation of the various fish and wildlife habitats that exist within the Hackensack River watershed. By assuming the role of citizen steward for the watershed, the Hackensack Riverkeeper participates proactively to promote sustainable development. This award recognizes the ongoing work of the Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc. to protect this valuable ecosystem.

• Healthy Ecosystems Honorable Mention – Warren Grove
  The Warren Grove Air National Guard Range (WGR) is located in the heart of the Pinelands National Reserve and consists of approximately 9,400 acres, most of which are undeveloped and serve as a buffer to weapons range operations. The safety buffer, as well as parts of the impact zone where gunnery training occurs, is dominated by pygmy pine forests with occasional wetlands including Atlantic white cedar swamps, hardwood swamps, savannas and lowland forests. To maintain a healthy ecosystem, the base developed an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan that includes priority goals that support ecosystem and watershed management, threatened and endangered species management, and outreach and education. This honorable mention recognizes the implementation of the WGR Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan.

• Innovative Technology Winner – RangeSafe Technology Demonstration Initiative
  The RangeSafe Technology Demonstration Initiative (RTDI) was established at Picatinny Arsenal in 1998 to speed the development and commercialization of innovative technology solutions to environmental challenges associated with the life-cycle management of the Army's weapons and munitions. RTDI demonstrates new technologies for the remediation of existing contaminated sites, develops innovative technologies to reduce the future environmental impact of Department of Defense (DoD) operations on natural resources and develops improved mechanisms for the transfer of technologies from the DoD to commercial applications nationwide. This award recognizes the overall RangeSafe program as well as the recently completed soil clean up and stabilization demonstration at firing range 25 on Fort Dix.

• Innovative Technology Honorable Mention – Janssen Pharmaceutica
  Janssen Pharmaceutica is a Johnson & Johnson company that produces and manufactures prescription medications for central nervous system disorders and pain management, among others. With the support of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Janssen invested in solar energy to meet Johnson & Johnson's Next Generation Pollution Prevention Goals to reduce harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Janssen's solar system generates enough electricity during the daytime to power over 600 homes. In addition to generating clean electricity, the system insulates the building, reducing the cost of heating and air conditioning while extending the life of the roof. This honorable mention recognizes Janssen's solar program and emissions reductions.

• Open Space Protection and Preservation Winner – Chesterfield Township
  The Township of Chesterfield is a sparsely developed agricultural community situated in the northwest portion of Burlington County. The Township covers 21.61 square miles and the entire land area of the Township is designated in the New Jersey State Plan as Planning Area 4 – rural. The Township has made farmland preservation a priority, permanently preserving approximately 3,300 acres of farmland to date under a variety of local, county and state programs. The Township has spent many years planning for a transfer of development credits program to direct future growth to a designated "receiving area" while limiting development in the rural environs of Chesterfield. This planning effort culminated in the vision of a neo-traditional town to be developed in the receiving area that would incorporate a variety of housing types, neighborhood commercial facilities, civic uses, and active and passive open space areas. This award recognizes Chesterfield's farmland preservation efforts and visionary planning.

• Open Space Protection and Preservation Honorable Mention – Mount Laurel Township Recreation and Open Space Program
  Mount Laurel Township has prepared a Recreation and Open Space Plan Program to inventory all existing municipally-owned sites that are used for recreation and open space, as well as for parcels of land that could potentially be acquired and added to this list for future open space and recreational purposes. Through the development of this Plan, Mount Laurel discovered its shortage of lands dedicated to recreation and open space when faced with the high demand from its present dense and growing population. The Township has used DEP's Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant Program and the Burlington County's Local Open Space Program as a way to satisfy this high demand by acquiring both more and diverse sites for use as open space and passive and active recreation. This honorable mention recognizes the development and implementation of the Recreation and Open Space Plan.

• Safe and Healthy Communities Winner – Huntsman
  Huntsman's West Deptford site is one of 48 sites in the US and one of three in New Jersey that has been recognized by both the OSHA Volunteer Protection Program and the EPA Performance Track Program. Performance Track is a voluntary public-private partnership that encourages environmental excellence and continuous improvement through the use of environmental management systems, local community involvement and measurable results. This award recognizes the ongoing Environmental Management System and related programs of Huntsman.

• Environmental Stewardship Winner – Dr. Christopher C. Obrupta
  Dr. Christopher Obropta was an environmental consultant for 12 years prior to assuming the leadership of the New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station/Rutgers Cooperative Extension's Water Resource Program. During these years, Dr. Obropta had an opportunity to work with municipalities, counties, and watershed associations to implement nonpoint source pollution control projects. Although he worked on over a dozen projects with different project partners, two projects that are highly successful are the restoration of Strawbridge Lake in Moorestown and the urban flood plain restoration project in Rahway. These projects are classic examples of consensus and partnership building, innovative designing and implementation. As the newly hired Rutgers Cooperative Extension Specialist in Water Resources, Dr. Obropta has been given the opportunity to continue to work with groups throughout the State to provide technical support to continue to address water resource problems in New Jersey.

• Environmental Stewardship Honorable Mention – George Hawkins
  As Executive Director of the Stony Brook Millstone Watershed Association, George Hawkins is responsible for overseeing the associations' mission to preserve the natural environment in the 285 square mile drainage basin for the Stony Brook and Millstone River. Operations include: a) an education program that offers more than 400 programs a year for 10,000 adults and children, including programs for 120 schools and 200 teachers; b) a watershed management program which includes StreamWatch, the state's largest volunteer monitoring and streambank restoration program; c) a 785 acre nature reserve that includes 10 miles of trails, 17 buildings, an arboretum and a 3 acre pond; d) the Watershed Organic Farm, the largest community supported organic farm in the Northeast; and e) the Natural Lands Network, a group of more than 40 local environmental organizations. Recent additions include an NSF grant to study wetlands, an internet-based environmental curriculum program, and the formation of the Watershed Institute to help citizens' throughout New Jersey to protect the environment. This enterprise has quadrupled in size to a staff of 28 with a budget of $1.6 million.

• Environmental Leadership Winner – James A. Shissias
  Since 1974, James Shissias has been an environmental leader in New Jersey at PSEG as General Manager – Environmental Affairs. In this job, he has had an important role in shaping PSEG's corporate environmental conscience and image. The importance of his impact outside the company is witnessed by his long standing appointments by several Governors to the NJ Environmental Education Commission, the State Soil Conservation Committee and the Low Level Radioactive Waste Siting Board. He was appointed by the DEP Commissioner to the Endangered and Non-Game Species Advisory Committee and the New Jersey Waterfowl Advisory Committee. Mr. Shissias has led businesses beyond PSEG in his positions as Chairman of the Environmental Affairs Committee of the State Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin. He is a member of the board of directors for New Jersey Audubon and Crossroads of the American Revolution Association. He is also past president of the Common Wealth of New Jersey, Inc. Mr. Shissias has been a member of the board for the College of New Jersey Foundation and the Center for Analysis of Public Issues.

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Related Links

• NJ Corporation for Advanced Technology (NJCAT)
  http://www.njcat.org
• NJ State League of Municipalities
  http://www.njslom.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2003

Contact: Fred Mumford
(609) 984-1795

DEP Issues Enforcement Directives Against Three Companies To Compel Cleanup
Action Supports State Brownfield Redevelopment Area Initiative

(03/165) Trenton– New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced enforcement actions against three companies refusing to meet their cleanup obligations in state designated Brownfield Development Areas located in Camden, Trenton and Elizabeth targeted for priority smart growth projects.

"The contamination left by commercial operations at these three sites has not only created environmental risks, but also stymied revitalization efforts in the surrounding communities," said Commissioner Campbell. "We will not allow the burden to be shifted from polluters to communities whose residents have had to live with brownfield sites for decades."

The three enforcement directives require each company to either participate in or pay for remediation of their respective site. In Camden, DEP issued a directive against Knox Family Inc., which DEP alleges is responsible for remediation of the Knox Gelatin site. In Trenton, DEP issued a directive against Exide Corporation, which DEP alleges is responsible for remediation of the Magic Marker site. In Elizabeth, DEP issued a directive against Exact Anodizing Company, which DEP alleges is responsible for remediation of the Exact Anodizing site. Failure to comply with the directives could result in significant penalties.

"We would prefer to work voluntarily with liable companies, but the state is prepared to enforce its remediation requirements when there is a lack of cooperation," said Commissioner Campbell. "The Brownfield Development Area program creates a new opportunity for neighborhoods that are devoting their time and energy to making their communities a better place to live. We are going to make sure that these companies now step forward to meet the needs of the communities."

Commissioner Campbell noted that the directives announced today are the first actions against companies who refuse to participate voluntarily in remediating properties included in the state's Brownfield Development Area program since it was launched in 2002. The program is designed to assist neighborhoods impacted by multiple brownfield sites and encourage smart growth. Community-based steering committees propose "clusters" of closely spaced brownfield sites to DEP for coordinated oversight of the remedial process.

By helping to revitalize communities in urban areas, the Brownfield Development Area program is an important component of Governor James E. McGreevey's smart growth initiative. Communities in Camden, Elizabeth, Hillside, Irvington, Newark, Palmyra and Trenton are now working through this process.

DEP works with the state's Economic Development Authority and Department of Community Affairs and other federal, state and local partners, to help guide communities through a comprehensive and coordinated cleanup and reuse process within Brownfield Development Areas. Community-based plans for reuse can include a wide range of options including commercial, industrial, residential, park and open space uses.

As one component of its assistance to help spur progress in Brownfield Development Areas, DEP identifies companies that are legally responsible for addressing contamination on properties within the designated areas. These can include past industrial owners and operators of the properties, or other companies that dumped wastes on the properties. DEP gives the responsible parties an opportunity to participate voluntarily in fulfilling their environmental obligations. Many responsible companies have accepted this invitation.

"The City of Camden is encouraged by the actions of Commissioner Campbell to assist the residents of Camden, through the Brownfield Development Area initiative, in bringing the parties that used the land to
the table to make the land usable for Camden's future," said Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison. "We encourage these firms to participate with Camden in the reuse of their former property, but sometimes some folks need to be 'encouraged' by strong actions. I am pleased to see that Commissioner Campbell has directed that some strong 'encouragement' will be given to those who have not yet come forward."

"DEP has taken a major step in issuing this directive," said Mayor Chris Bollwage. "The Brownfield Development Area effort in Elizabeth Port helped engage several responsible parties in the process to remediate these sites. However, when a responsible party doesn't commit to clean up its past contamination and do the right thing, it's important for DEP to take enforcement action to bring them to the table."

"We urge the companies responsible for these environmental hazards to step up and work with DEP to address these issues," Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer said. "It really is 'better late than never' in terms of the cleanup work that is needed at Magic Marker and other brownfield sites in our city. At the same time, we hope DEP will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law those entities, such as Exide, that are failing to assume their responsibility."

Brownfield sites are properties that are known or suspected to be contaminated from past industrial or commercial uses. Fear of liability for environmental cleanup has caused developers and companies to avoid these properties, leaving them abandoned or severely underused.

DEP estimates that there may be as many as 10,000 brownfields in New Jersey. These abandoned, contaminated properties can have a devastating impact on their surrounding communities by contributing to urban decay, impairing tax bases and preventing new beneficial development. This impact is particularly severe where there are several brownfield sites in one neighborhood, creating a cumulative impact that chills revitalization.

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Related Link

• NJDEP Brownfield Development Area Initiative
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/srp/brownfields/bda