FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2003

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

DEP ANNOUNCES OPEN SPACE PROJECTS IN HUDSON COUNTY
New Park Improvements Will Help Build Stronger Communities

(03/154) WEST NEW YORK – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell and West New York Mayor Albio Sires today announced new parks along the waterfront in West New York and Weehawken that the state has approved for open space funding pending legislative appropriation. The parks will transform abandoned piers and link them to the existing Hudson River Walkway, providing community residents with additional access to the waterfront.

"The projects announced today will reconnect residents with their waterfront and their community by providing more places to relax and enjoy the riverscape" said Commissioner Campbell. "In November, citizens across New Jersey will have an important opportunity to help more families and communities benefit from similar opportunities to create parks and to revitalize urban areas by voting on Ballot Questions Numbers 1 and 2."

In West New York, one park project would develop a new park on Pier 8. The project proposal calls for planting lawn and trees and constructing benches, a gazebo and a walkway for greater citizen access to the Hudson River waterfront.

The Weehawken Pier B project would create a community space on a restored pier, destroyed during Hurricane Floyd. The Township is proposing to rebuild the pier with areas for fishing and for outdoor concerts. Pier B abuts Lincoln Park and is adjacent to another open space parcel recently acquired with Green Acres funds.

Standing in Donnelly Park, one of the many parks in West New York refurbished with Green Acres funds, the Commissioner and Mayor were joined by Senator Bernard Kenny, Jr., Senator Nicholas Sacco, County Executive Thomas DeGise, Mayor Richard Turner of Weehawken, Mayor David Roberts of Hoboken, Mayor David Delle Donna of Guttenberg, and local schoolchildren and community residents.

"The West New York and Weehawken pier projects are investments that will provide enormous environmental and cultural dividends for generations of Hudson County residents," said Mayor Sires. "With the transformation of these piers into new parks and recreation areas, community residents will have increased access to the waterfront and expanded opportunities to escape the congestion and pressures of urban life."

The two pier park projects announced today were part of the round of DEP Green Acres funding proposals approved last week by the Garden State Preservation Trust. The proposals must now go before the legislature for approval before receiving final approval from the Governor. The Pier 8 project in West New York would receive $800,000 in funding – $120,000 in loans and a $680,000 grant. The Pier B project in Weehawken would receive an $800,000 matching grant.

The park improvements are further examples of the significant commitment by the State and by Hudson County and its communities to develop recreational opportunities for urban residents. To date, the Green Acres Program has awarded more than $6.6 million in West New York alone to improve several parks and to create or to refurbish playing fields, tennis courts, walkways, swimming pools, and a stadium.

The latest round of DEP Green Acres funding proposals also includes 13 other park and open space projects for Hudson County, totaling more than $6.8 million in grants and loans. Details on these projects can be found at https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/newsrel/2003/03_0150presspak.pdf.

Statewide, open space preservation and park development are integral to Governor James E. McGreevey's smart growth initiatives, providing focal points for urban and suburban communities to gather and to relax. In complement with efforts to redevelop underused brownfields and abandoned urban areas, these policies are helping to revitalize New Jersey's cities and to maintain the quality of life New Jersey's residents deserve.

The Governor's brownfields initiatives include signed legislation that expands tax reimbursements for projects that convert brownfield sites into residential development. The Governor has also provided $40 million in funding for brownfield investigation and cleanup projects through the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund.

The November ballot contains another brownfields initiative – Public Question No. 2. This measure would establish a long-term funding source to help clean up and redevelop approximately 10,000 contaminated or underutilized sites throughout the Garden State. The ballot proposal would expand the use of Corporate Business Tax revenues dedicated to the state's underground storage tank program, which has a current surplus of $100 million.

The ballot proposal would allow the state to provide municipalities and businesses with loans and grants, using at least 50 percent of the existing $100 million surplus as well as future revenues, which generate a total of about $20 – 30 million each year. If voters approve, up to $50 million would be available the first year alone, without any additional cost to taxpayers.

Since Governor McGreevey took office, DEP's Green Acres program has acquired more than 43,000 acres of open space. The McGreevey Administration's continued efforts to save open space would be enhanced by Public Question No. 1 on the November 4 ballot. This measure, if approved, would allow the Garden State Preservation Trust to issue an additional $150 million in bonds for the preservation of open space, farmland and drinking water in the Highlands, and for improvements to local parks-without costing taxpayers additional money.

The Green Acres program was created in 1961 to meet New Jersey's growing recreational and conservation needs. To date, Green Acres has protected more than 500,000 acres of open space and developed hundreds of public parks, bringing the statewide system of preserved open space to more than 1.2 million acres of open space and farmland.

More information on both ballot questions can be found at http://www.nj.gov/dep/antisprawl/ballot.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Green Acres
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres
• NJDEP November 4, 2003 Open Space Ballot Initiative
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/antisprawl/ballot

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Bradley M. Campbell, Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic (609) 984-1795
Gloria Montealegre (BPU) 973-648-2134

State to Plant 1,500 Trees in City of Trenton:
DEP & BPU Kick-Off Cool Cities: an Urban Forest Energy Efficiency Initiative

(03/153) TRENTON – Advancing Governor McGreevey's goal to plant 100,000 new trees across New Jersey, state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley Campbell and Board of Public Utilities (BPU) President Jeanne Fox today joined local students, the city of Trenton and the New Jersey Tree Foundation to plant the first 25 of 1,500 shade trees in Trenton, kicking off a new, statewide urban forest energy efficiency initiative – Cool Cities.

"By planting trees in New Jersey's urban areas, we can absorb more air pollution, significantly cool elevated temperatures in cities, lower energy costs and improve the overall quality of life in our urban communities," said DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell. "Simply put, urban trees make our cities cleaner, more pleasant, and more affordable places to live."

To reap the environmental, health and economic benefits of urban trees, DEP and BPU launched Cool Cities to green New Jersey's large cities through tree planting efforts that will help reduce the demand for electricity and lower energy consumption. Cool Cities is funded by BPU's Clean Energy Program. BPU has committed to $2 million in funding for the initial phase of Cool Cities, planting 3,000 trees this year.

"The Urban Forest Energy Efficiency Initiative is a smart investment in the quality of life for city residents," said Jeanne M. Fox, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. "That is why the BPU New Jersey Clean Energy Program is committing $2 million to plant 3,000 trees this year. Trees conserve energy and help to make our cities attractive places to live and work. They also reduce incoming solar radiation by approximately 90 percent and through the absorption of sunlight energy, evaporation, and a reduction in heat-trapping air pollutants – trees will help reduce the heat effect on city streets during the summer."

The New Jersey Tree Foundation, volunteers and 40 children from the Mott School in Trenton helped launch the Cool Cities Trenton project by planting approximately 25 green ash shade trees near the school. Other targeted cities are being identified and will be announced upon implementation.

"Today's Mott School event represents just one of many joint initiatives between our city and DEP," said City of Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer. "Like all our teamwork, this is a strategic and significant collaboration. Our city has made major strides on recycling, developing urban parks, and cleaning up brownfields, and we have been able to be much more effective because of the leadership of Brad Campbell and Governor McGreevey. Today we are very proud to extend that relationship, to use urban forestry in ways that will create yet another smart safeguard for our environment."

Temperatures in urban settings are often five degrees above surrounding suburbs and rural areas, which is referred to as the 'urban heat island' effect, and trees can help lower these urban temperatures by as much as six to nineteen degrees. 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.

In addition to providing shade from the sun, trees 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. Their leaves help improve air quality by absorbing noxious gases and trapping particulate matter from the air. Trees also help filter and clean water supplies, reduce water runoff, flooding, erosion and storm water management costs. Trees make towns 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.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Community Forestry Program
  http://www.njparksandforests.org/forest/community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 2003

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

Free Calendar Now Available:
Highlighting Fall & Winter Events at State Parks, Forests and Historic Sites

(03/152) TRENTON – The Fall & Winter Calendar of Events published by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Division of Parks and Forestry is now available free of charge at all state parks, forests, recreation areas and historic sites. The calendar offers hundreds of recreational and cultural events and activities from October 2003 through March 2004.

"New Jersey's state parks, forests and historic sites provide countless environmental and cultural opportunities to explore New Jersey's outdoors and historical past," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "I encourage families and individuals to visit nearby sites and take advantage of a variety of special events offered throughout the fall and winter seasons."

In addition to providing places to enjoy leisure activities such as fishing, cross-country skiing and hiking, the parks' dedicated volunteers and friends groups organize special events to help enrich a visitor's experience.

The calendar includes a wide variety of activities from haunted hayrides through the forest, to lantern tours and open house galas, fairs and festivals. The celebration of the centennial year of New Jersey's State Historic Sites continues with historical reenactments, tours and a new lecture series highlighting some of New Jersey's great poets, pioneers and presidents.

Special programs and events include:

• Country Living Fair at Batsto Village, Wharton State Forest, October 19
• Halloween Festival at the Island at Bull's Island Recreation Area, October 25
• A 19th Century Thanksgiving at Historic Allaire Village, November 16
• Annual George Washington Crossing the Delaware, Washington Crossing State Park, December 25
• "Lost in the Woods" A Children's Survival Program at Cheesequake State Park, Jan. 25
• Nature Discovery Day at Liberty State Park, March 6
• Skylands Manor Guided Tours at Ringwood State Park, March 7

To view the calendar of events online, along with the new virtual tours of New Jersey's state parks, forests and historic sites, visit the web site at www.njparksandforests.org. Free copies of the calendar 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. Media requests for a copy of the calendar can be made directly to Dana Loschiavo at 609-984-1423.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

State Joins Forces with Nonprofit and Local Governments to Preserve Horse Farm in Developed Area of Camden County

Push for November Open Space Ballot Initiative Continues

(03/151) VOORHEES TOWNSHIP – Partnering with the Trust for Public Land, Camden County and Voorhees Township, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley Campbell and Secretary of Agriculture Charles Kuperus today announced a joint effort to preserve 141-acre Stafford Farm – one of the last remaining significant open space parcels in Voorhees Township.

"Every effort must be made to prevent development from consuming properties like Stafford Farm that are the last significant parcel of open space in a densely developed area," said DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell. "Thanks to a strong cooperative effort between the nonprofit community and all levels of government, area families and future generations will be ensured public access to this open space without the threat of future development."

Stafford Farm is approximately 141 acres of open fields and woodland. Approximately 70 acres are devoted to an equine operation. An additional 30 acres of fields and 40 acres of mature forest will be protected for passive recreation. While a portion of the property will be preserved as farmland, an old stagecoach trail on the remaining 70 acres will be minimally cleared to provide a public recreational trail between the local high school and the middle school. The woods on the property have been identified by the Conserve Wildlife Foundation as a rest over spot for migratory birds.

The land is being preserved using a combination of state farmland preservation funds, Green Acres funding, Camden County and Voorhees Township open space and farmland preservation funds, and private funding from the nonprofit Trust for Public Land.

With state and local funding support, the Trust for Public Land has executed a contract with the landowners, and closing is expected to occur by the end of 2003.

"The partnership to preserve Stafford Farm is a model for cooperative preservation efforts," said Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus. "As a result, this beautiful horse farm will forever remain open and productive, and an asset to this community and our agricultural industry for generations to come."

"This is a wonderful example of how government works together for the people," said Freeholder Director Jeffrey L. Nash. "I commend the members of our county open-space committee, Voorhees Mayor Harry Platt, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the state Department of Environmental Protection and, of course, The Trust for Public Land for their considerable effort and co-operation in preserving this beautiful, high-profile property for all of Camden County's residents to enjoy."

Since Governor McGreevey took office last year, the state Green Acres program has acquired 43,492 acres of open space, and the State Agriculture Development Committee has preserved 310 farms covering 25,516 acres.

Five years ago, voters approved a constitutional dedication of $98 million annually over the next 30 years to provide a stable source of funding for open space purchases, farmland preservation and historic preservation. Public Question No. 1, a constitutional amendment, proposes to increase the bonding capacity of the Garden State Preservation Trust to $1.15 billion, an increase of $150 million from the $1 billion voters approved. The increased bonding would place no additional costs on New Jersey taxpayers. The sales tax dedicated in 1998 to pay off Garden State Preservation Trust bonds would cover these additional bonds by taking advantage of today's lower interest rates.

At least $50 million of the additional funding will be used to create and improve parks in cities and suburbs over the next three years as part of Governor McGreevey's reforms to the Green Acres program. The additional money would help meet New Jersey's growing demand for open space. A minimum of $50 million also would be spent on open space purchases and farmland preservation in the Highlands, a critical environmental resource that is the source of drinking water for more than a third of New Jersey's residents.

"Preservation of our open space and farmland resources today helps ensure livable communities and desirable landscapes for tomorrow. New Jersey voters have consistently supported measures to provide funding for the preservation of our natural resources. We expect that this November 4 will be no different," said Leigh Rae, New Jersey field office director of the Trust for Public Land.

The farm property has been in the Stafford family for more than 225 years. It became a horse farm in the 1960s and is the last reflection of Voorhees Township's agrarian past. Voorhees Township consists of five percent remaining open space.

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Related Links

• NJDEP November 4, 2003 Open Space Ballot Initiative
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/antisprawl/ballot
• NJDEP Green Acres
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres
• Garden State Preservation Trust
  http://www.nj.gov/gspt
• NJ State Agriculture Development Committee
  http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/sadc/sadc.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2003

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

GARDEN STATE PRESERVATION TRUST SIGNS OFF ON LATEST GREEN ACRES AND FARMLAND PRESERVATION PACKAGES

New Funding Proposals Reflect Governor's Open Space Priorities

(03/150) TRENTON – The Garden State Preservation Trust today approved the latest round of funding proposals for farmland preservation and Green Acres open space acquisitions and grants and loans to local governments and nonprofit organizations. The two packages total almost $174.8 million of funding for Green Acres projects and $130.7 million for farmland preservation projects.

"We have worked hard to reverse the irresponsible ways of the past, and protect our open space, drinking water and farmland from the threats posed by sprawl," said Governor James E. McGreevey. "I am pleased that the Garden State Preservation Trust is supporting this Administration's renewed focus on protecting open spaces that are located near critical drinking water sources and those located within our older suburbs and cities. Whether we're preserving a farm, protecting a field or improving a park, we're ensuring that open space remains at the top of New Jersey's priority list."

In all, the $175 million in Green Acres projects recommended in this round includes:

$64 million in State Land Acquisition projects
$63 million for local government land acquisition projects,
$31 million for local parks development, and
$16 million for acquisitions and recreational development projects by nonprofit organizations.

As open space becomes more scarce and property values continue to increase, Green Acres has seen a measured increase in requests for funding. Applications from municipalities and non-profit groups for Green Acres funding totaled more than $500 million this round. Last year, the State could provide only $1 in Green Acres funding for every $8 requested by local governments to acquire and upgrade local parks. For this reason, the current round of proposals requests legislative approval for $55 million more than the existing $120 million annual allocation provided through the Garden State Preservation Trust Act.

"Every day in New Jersey, we lose 50 acres to development," Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell said. "In the battle to preserve our dwindling open space, this funding package aggressively promotes the Governor's goals of protecting drinking water and promoting community parks."

The $130.7 million approved for farmland preservation includes:

$45.2 million for grants to counties to purchase easements
$27.9 million for direct easement purchases by the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC)
$44 million in planning incentive grants to counties and municipalities to preserve farms in designated project areas
$3 million in matching grants to nonprofits
$10.6 million for the SADC to purchase farms outright under its fee simple program

"This proposal funds new projects to preserve up to 814 farms covering 62,653 acres in 95 municipalities and 17 counties," noted Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus. "The Trust's approval of these projects is a major step forward in New Jersey's efforts to promote smart growth, strengthen agriculture and protect the quality of life in our communities."

Since Governor McGreevey took office, DEP's Green Acres program has acquired more than 43,000 acres of open space and the State Agriculture Development Committee has preserved 310 farms covering over 25,000 acres statewide. The Governor has helped to make New Jersey a leader in farmland preservation; more than 13.5 percent of New Jersey's farmland is permanently preserved – the highest percentage of any state in the nation.

A key component of the McGreevey Administration's continued efforts to save open space is Public Question No. 1 on the November 4 ballot. If approved, Public Question No. 1 would allow the Garden State Preservation Trust to issue an additional $150 million in bonds for the preservation of open space, farmland and drinking water in the Highlands, and for improvements to local parks-without costing taxpayers additional money. More information can be found at <http://www.nj.gov/dep/antisprawl/ballot/>.

The Garden State Preservation Trust was established in 1999 to oversee the preservation of open space and farmland, and the creation of recreational facilities. The Trust reviews funding proposal packages submitted by the Green Acres program, the State Agriculture Development Committee and the New Jersey Historic Trust. It then recommends them to the Legislature for passage, with the Governor retaining final approval over all packages.

The Green Acres program was created in 1961 to meet New Jersey's growing recreational and conservation needs. To date, Green Acres has protected more than 500,000 acres of open space and developed hundreds of public parks, bringing the statewide system of preserved open space to more than 1.2 million acres of open space and farmland.

The State Agriculture Development Committee administers New Jersey's Farmland Preservation Program, which was established in 1983. To date, 948 farms covering nearly 113,000 acres have been permanently preserved statewide.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Green Acres
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres
• Garden State Preservation Trust
  http://www.nj.gov/gspt
• NJ State Agriculture Development Committee
  http://www.nj.gov/agriculture/sadc/sadc.htm
• Press Packet: Green Projects Descriptions (PDF 339 Kb)
  https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/newsrel/2003/03_0150presspak.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2003

Contact: Elaine Makatura
(609) 292-2994

DEP DEPUTY COMMISSIONER PRESENTS RECYCLING AWARDS AT ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM

(03/149) Monroe Township – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Deputy Commissioner Joanna Dunn Samson recognized 15 residents, companies and government agencies for helping to increase recycling of solid waste during the past year.

At the 23rd annual New Jersey Recycling Symposium and Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Samson presented awards for a variety of outstanding recycling programs. Twelve students also received awards as part of DEP's second annual recycling poetry contest, which drew more than 300 entries from 118 schools.

"We commend individuals, businesses and government agencies at all levels for their commitment to recycle," said Deputy Commissioner Samson. "Educating our children about the importance of recycling ensures future environmental benefits. Developing good recycling habits is good for the environment and also generates economic opportunities for everyone."

The department is currently finalizing a statewide plan to increase recycling in New Jersey. It will require counties to develop and submit for approval enhanced recycling plans.

DEP co-sponsors the recycling symposium and awards luncheon with the Association of New Jersey Recyclers and the New Jersey Recycling Forum.

The 2003 award recipients are listed below:

AWARD CATEGORY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
AWARD RECIPIENT: PSEG
PSEG recycled more than 90 percent of all non-hazardous solid waste and purchased over $3 million worth of products containing recycled material. They recycled over 20,000 pounds of used fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps.

AWARD CATEGORY: MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING
AWARD RECIPIENT: Acacia Lumberton Manor, Inc.
Acacia Lumberton Manor has been recycling since the mid-1980s and recycles approximately 47 tons annually. The 181 residents prevent contamination of the recycling area by neatly stacking bundles of paper and cardboard. Bottles and cans are collected in bins.

AWARD CATEGORY: MUNICIPAL NEWSLETTER/BROCHURE
AWARD RECIPIENT: Borough of Sayreville
Sayreville's annual brochure contains valuable information regarding county and municipal recycling programs. The layout, graphics and color-scheme are clear and user-friendly. The town uses senior citizen volunteers to help distribute the brochure.

AWARD CATEGORY: MUNICIPAL PROGRAM
AWARD RECIPIENT: Village of Ridgewood
Ridgewood recycles 15 items and has almost doubled its recycling tonnage over the past 12 years. It provides recycling service for residential units, schools, churches and municipal facilities, and collects corrugated cardboard and commingled containers in the business district. It also provides a comprehensive outreach program to its residents.

AWARD CATEGORY: MUNICIPAL COORDINATOR
AWARD WINNER: MaryEllen Lyons, Borough of Hawthorne
Under Ms. Lyons' guidance, Hawthorne has expanded its curbside program to include electronics and metal and achieved a recycling rate of 63 percent in 2001. Ms. Lyons oversees operations at the town's recycling center and established new programs to support source reduction and the purchase of recycled products.

AWARD CATEGORY: COUNTY COORDINATOR
AWARD WINNER: Dennis DeMatte, Cumberland County
Mr. DeMatte's many successes include his partnership with the NJ Department of Agriculture to implement the first pesticide container and nursery pot recycling program. His management of a $300,000 Community Environmental Enhancement Grant Program assists local community groups in preserving and improving the environment.

AWARD CATEGORY: OUTREACH/MEDIA
AWARD WINNER: Atlantic County Utilities Authority
The Authority's own line of environmental products is used to educate the public about the importance of buying recycled. The public is encouraged to use all facilities within its environmental park, especially on Earth Day, when the festivities draw over 3500 people to the park. It has also developed and distributed a 12-page quarterly newsletter.

AWARD CATEGORY: SOURCE REDUCTION
AWARD WINNER: Verizon
In 2002, Verizon's New Jersey locations achieved an overall recycling rate of 80.4 percent. Their most important recycling and waste reduction initiative was to determine, by trial, which businesses prefer to receive the Yellow Pages on a CD-ROM and make it available to them.

AWARD CATEGORY: SOURCE REDUCTION
AWARD WINNER: Mannington Mills
Instead of using raw materials and spending money on virgin product, Mannington Mills developed a process that enables them to use the scrap from processing sheet-flooring product to make a new product. They are also designing an on-site material recovery center to recycle waste from other post-consumer sources into their products.

AWARD CATEGORY: STUDENT/TEACHER
AWARD WINNER: Cub Scouts of Den 9, Pack 224
Last year, this group hosted a recycling event in their town to coincide with America Recycles Day. They made and distributed posters and fliers and contacted media outlets. On the day of the event they assisted at the recycling center.

AWARD CATEGORY: STUDENT/TEACHER
AWARD WINNER: Second Grade Teachers of Middle Township, Elementary One
Classroom recycling lessons and supplemental activities were developed through a collaborative effort among the second grade teachers at Elementary One and the county recycling coordinator. The lessons and activities were so effective that teachers and administrators designated Recycling Week as part of the curriculum at the elementary school.

AWARD CATEGORY: COMMISSIONER'S AWARD
AWARD WINNER: Joseph Matteo
Mr. Matteo's commitment to the use of scrap tire chips in civil engineering applications has been instrumental in advancing this new end market. His experience helped pave the way for the use of scrap tire chips in landfill construction applications and in septic tank leachate fields.

AWARD CATEGORY: COMMISSIONER'S AWARD
AWARD WINNER: Drs. Thomas Nosker, Jennifer Lynch and Richard Renfree
Drs. Nosker, Lynch and Renfree provided an early analysis of the components of curbside recycling in New Jersey and developed the first forms of composite lumber using the types of resins found in our household recycling bins. They developed performance-based standards to evaluate the recyclability of the lumber, and their work is now leading to the identification of other innovative uses. Their work has led to the first-time use of a composite material in structural I-beams. The first structure built entirely out of this composite material recently opened as a bridge in Wharton State Forest.

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Related Link

• NJDEP Division of Solid & Hazardous Waste: Recycle NJ
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recyclenj

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2003

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

STATE DEPLOYS DECOMMISSIONED SUBWAY CARS IN ARTIFICIAL REEFS
Final Round of 50 Cars Splashed at Shark River Reef Site

(03/148) TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) dropped its fifth and final round of 50 subway cars today at the Shark River Reef Site off Monmouth County for use in the state's artificial reef program. The decommissioned subway cars are part of 250 acquired from the New York Transit Authority (NYTA).

"Our artificial reef program provides tremendous benefits to fishermen, divers, and our shore economy," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "As a pilot project, research at reef sites that include these subway cars will enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems."

Past studies of artificial reefs suggest that subway cars may be colonized by up to 200 species of fish and invertebrates. Reefs have 800 to 1,000 times more biomass than open ocean. Artificial reefs can also form important nurseries for juvenile fish.

DEP deployed the first 50 subway cars at Cape May Reef on July 3, followed by 50 cars at Deep Water Reef off Ocean City on July 16, 50 cars at the Atlantic City Reef on July 25, and 50 cars at the Garden State North Reef on September 3.

The 0.72-square mile Shark River Reef Site is approximately 15.6 miles offshore from Manasquan in Monmouth County and currently is comprised of over 761,000 cubic yards of rocks, vessels, and tire units.

Since 2001, NYTA's artificial reef program has deployed over 1,000 decommissioned "Redbird" subway cars at reefs in Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. NYTA bears all costs associated with cleaning the cars and transporting them to the reefs. The 250 cars acquired by New Jersey are the final batch of cars expected to be available for some time.

Each Redbird car is approximately 51 feet in length and nine feet in width and height. Prior to deployment, NYTA strips each car of all tanks, plastic, degradable materials, and grease to avoid contamination of the marine ecosystem.

DEP has formed an independent committee to oversee a multi-year monitoring program at the subway car sites that will study water quality, fisheries and biota, and the durability of the reefs. The committee will convene early this fall for an initial review of the subway car deployment.

Prior to the committee's final report, the state is implementing a moratorium on placement of any additional artificial reef material, with the exception of rock, concrete, and ships and barges.

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Related Links

• "State Deploys Decommissioned Subway Cars in Artificial Reefs" (NJDEP News Release)
  https://njdepwptest.net/newsrel/03_0121
• New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife-Artificial Reef Program
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/artreef.htm
• New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com
• New York City Transit
  http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP Commissioner Campbell Recognizes Cooperative Partnership with County Health Agencies to Enforce State's Environmental Laws:

Marks 25 Years of Achievement under New Jersey's County Environmental Health Act

(03/147) TRENTON — Highlighting the successful partnership with county health agencies in enforcing New Jersey's environmental laws, state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today celebrated 25 years of achievement under New Jersey's County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), and recognized Essex County Hazmat Program for its leadership in responding to emergency incidents in North Jersey.

"Efforts between the state and local agencies under the County Environmental Health Act are shining examples of effective partnerships to protect public health and the environment," said Commissioner Campbell. "The department and local health agencies have worked together to build a first-rate system that allows us to inspect facilities for environmental compliance and respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies."

Governor James E. McGreevey signed a proclamation that declared October 13 through October 17 County Environmental Health Act week to recognize the 25 years of accomplishments achieved by county health agencies working with the DEP to enforce environmental laws.

Under Governor Brendan Byrne's leadership, the County Environmental Health Act was enacted in 1978. In addition to the 20 county health agencies that participate in CEHA, there are 40 local agencies that have entered agreements with their county health partners to provide services. Under CEHA, the DEP has certified county health agencies to conduct various environmental health programs that address air pollution, solid waste, hazardous materials emergency response, noise, and water pollution. Each year, the counties conduct over 10,000 routine inspections, investigate over 10,000 complaints, and respond to 2,500 hazardous waste incidents.

In cooperation with the DEP, county health agencies also routinely monitor coastal and fresh water bathing beaches, investigate environmental concerns, and use Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning System technologies for environmental planning and mapping. Additionally, CEHA partners have volunteered to participate in more than 50 pilot or research projects that involve sampling of migrant farm drinking water wells, collecting air toxics data, inspecting regulated underground storage tanks, assisting homeowners with leaking fuel oil tanks and monitoring commercial pesticide applicators.

A leader in emergency response, Essex County CEHA Hazardous Material Emergency Response Program is a model for other hazmat programs statewide, effectively working with local fire,
police, EMTs, and area hospitals to prepare for any sort of chemical, radiological or biological incident. The Essex County Hazmat Program includes the fire departments from Nutley Township and the city of Newark.

"Until September 11, 2001, HAZMAT meant accidental fuel spills or gas leaks. But it played a vital role in how we responded to the World Trade Center attacks and the anthrax scares that occurred afterward, and, since our national tragedy, has become part of our emergency preparedness programs," the County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said. "I am glad that Essex County and Nutley HAZMAT are leaders in their field and are recognized as model agencies. They display a high level of professionalism and heroism when they respond to everyday calls for assistance and tragedies," he added.

"We applaud the efforts of Nutley Fire Department and the Newark Fire Department that are helping to ensure that Essex County and other areas in North Jersey remain well prepared for any type of environmental incident," Commissioner Campbell added. "Partners like Essex County are the frontline in New Jersey's emergency response efforts."

In September 2003, Governor McGreevey provided $3 million in state funds to county hazardous material response units through the DEP and the Department of Health and Senior Services. An additional $7 million was provided to these units as part of $25.3 million in federal grant funds. The $7 million will be spent over two years.

"We continue to strengthen this cooperative partnership by ensuring that our county agencies are properly trained and well equipped for any threat to the health and well being of our residents, whether we are faced with a natural disaster or a hazardous waste spill," Commissioner Campbell added.

A copy of the Governor's CEHA proclamation appears below.

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STATE OF NEW JERSEY
COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WEEK
PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, A clean, healthy environment is essential to preserving a high quality of life for all New Jersey citizens; and

WHEREAS, The New Jersey Legislature in 1978 recognized the regional nature of many environmental issues and regarded county health agencies as among the most efficient health units in the State; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Governor Brendan T. Byrne, State lawmakers passed the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), which established a vital link between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and county health agencies; and

WHEREAS, The CEHA statute allows the DEP to authorize county health agencies to serve as the front line for protection of the public health and the environment; and

WHEREAS, The DEP has certified county health agencies to conduct various environmental health programs that address air pollution, solid waste, hazardous materials emergency response, noise, and water pollution; and

WHEREAS, County health agencies also routinely monitor coastal and fresh water bathing beaches, undertake special environmental research projects, investigate environmental concerns, and use Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning System technologies for environmental planning and mapping; and

WHEREAS, County health agencies have volunteered to participate in several pilot or research projects that involve sampling of migrant farm drinking water wells, collecting air toxics data, inspecting regulated underground storage tanks, assisting homeowners with leaking fuel oil tanks, and monitoring commercial pesticide applicators; and

WHEREAS, In a typical year, all counties collectively respond to greater than 10,000 citizen complaints, conduct more than 10,000 inspections and collect more than 16,000 environmental samples; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, county health officials have played a vital role in enforcing State environmental laws and enhancing overall State pollution control efforts; and

WHEREAS, By working in partnership with the DEP to protect public health and the environment, the CEHA program makes a significant contribution to preserving New Jersey's quality of life for generations to come; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES E. McGREEVEY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim October 13-17, 2003 as

COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WEEK

in New Jersey, and encourage the people of our state to recognize the accomplishments of the county health agencies participating in the CEHA program.

Related Link

• NJDEP's Listing of County Health Agencies
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/county.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
(609) 984-1795

DEP Green Acres Program Adds 460 Acres to Double Trouble State Park

(03/146) TRENTON — The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Coalition for Conservation today celebrated the acquisition of 460 acres of Pinelands watershed land that will be added to Double Trouble State Park in Berkeley Township, Ocean County.

"Protecting this land in its natural state will help buffer the water quality of the Toms River," said John S. Watson, administrator of the DEP Green Acres program, which recently completed the purchase. "At the same time, this land will provide residents in the nearby densely developed area of Ocean County, and residents statewide, with excellent opportunities to get outside and enjoy New Jersey's unique Pinelands habitats."

The $1.15 million acquisition, which includes three houses and 460 acres, will be added to the DEP's Double Trouble State Park. The park previously encompassed 7,336 acres.

The land includes a stream that drains to the Toms River, several lakes, vast forested areas of cedar swamp, and a globally rare natural community of pitch pine-scrub oak barrens. The land also provides habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species, including the northern pine snake, bald eagle, Pine Barrens tree frog, two species of dragonflies and several rare insects.

The property is in a region the Pinelands Commission has designated as a special agricultural area, and active agriculture will continue on the land's 50 acres of cranberry bogs. Ned and Jeffrey Lipman sold the land to DEP so it would be permanently preserved in memory of their father, Edward V. Lipman, who purchased the tract in 1951. At that time, the cranberry bogs were already 105 years old.

Since Governor McGreevey took office last year, the state Green Acres program has acquired 43,492 acres of open space, and the State Agriculture Development Committee has preserved 310 farms covering 25,516 acres.

Voters will have an opportunity to approve an additional $150 million for open space purchases and community park improvements on Election Day, Nov. 4. Public Question No. 1, a constitutional amendment, proposes to increase the bonding capacity of the Garden State Preservation Trust to $1.15 billion, an increase of $150 million from the $1 billion voters approved in 1998.

The increased capacity would place no additional tax burden on New Jersey taxpayers. The sales tax dedicated in 1998 to pay off Garden State Preservation Trust bonds would cover these additional bonds by taking advantage of today's lower interest rates.

"Public Question No. 1 is an incredible opportunity to provide another $150 million for community parks, open space, farmland and clean water without raising taxes or costing taxpayers any additional money," said Michael Catania, chairman of the Coalition for Conservation. "The Coalition urges all New Jersey voters to take advantage of this opportunity and vote 'yes' on Public Question No. 1 on Nov. 4."

The newly formed Coalition for Conservation includes a broad base of statewide and local groups representing land conservation, parks and recreation, and farmland preservation interests.

At least $50 million would be used to create and improve parks in cities and suburbs over the next three years as part of Gov. McGreevey's reforms to the Green Acres program. Last year, Green Acres could provide only $1 in matching funds for every $8 requested by local governments. The additional money would help meet New Jersey's growing demand for open space.

A minimum of $50 million also would be spent on open space purchases and farmland preservation in the Highlands, a critical environmental resource that is the source of drinking water for more than a third of New Jersey's residents.

In 1998, voters approved a constitutional dedication of $98 million annually from sales and use tax revenue over the next 30 years to provide a stable source of funding for open space purchases, farmland preservation and historic preservation. Currently, the state may borrow up to $1 billion over the first 10 years, using the $98 million annually to pay off the debt. With today's low interest rates, $98 million annually is sufficient to cover payments on $1.15 billion in debt, allowing the state to expand its open space and farmland preservation efforts.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Green Acres
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres
• NJ Pinelands Commission
  http://www.nj.gov/pinelands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP Commissioner Campbell Makes High Point Monument Restoration Top Priority:
Historic Structure to Reopen to the Public in 2004

(03/145) TRENTON — Emphasizing the importance of preserving the state's great landmarks that contribute to the character of New Jersey's communities, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced that the $2 million interior restoration of High Point Monument will begin this winter. The monument will reopen to the public in 2004.

"The restoration of High Point Monument will ensure its continued place as a cherished New Jersey landmark that stands in tribute to American servicemen," said Commissioner Campbell. "We look forward to reopening the monument to New Jersey residents and tourists so that they can once again climb its towering height and enjoy the spectacular views."

The fourth restoration phase for the interior of the 220-foot structure will include the installation of a new spiral staircase, upgrading electrical and ventilation systems, and application of interior coatings to the walls of the monument. Restoration of the monument began in June 2000. The first three phases cost approximately $2 million and included the exterior restoration, interior scaffolding, and the electric and interior design plans.

Senator Robert E. Littell, who has been a strong advocate for this restoration project, was pleased the Commissioner appropriated the funding.

"High Point Monument symbolizes our state's commitment to the men and women of our armed forces," said Littell. "It has been tragic that due to infrastructure problems, this valuable monument has been closed to the public for so long. With this funding, interior restoration of the monument can continue. Repair work has been slow because, unfortunately, the tower was in even worse disrepair than anticipated. This money will achieve the goal of restoring the monument and allow for its use once again by the public."

In 2003, more than $3.5 million dollars in improvements have been completed at state historic sites, including exterior restorations at Twin Lights in Monmouth County, improvements to Ringwood and Skylands manors in Passaic County, the repainting of Barnegat Lighthouse in Ocean County, the renovation of the Proprietary House in Middlesex County, and the recent restoration of the general store in Allaire State Park's historic village, Monmouth County.

An additional $6 million is being invested in historic site improvements at Liberty State Park's Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, and $1.7 million for ongoing restoration efforts at the historic Rockingham House in Somerset County – one of New Jersey's key Revolutionary War landmarks.

High Point Monument is situated 1,803 feet above sea level – New Jersey's highest point of elevation. The monument is located within High Point State Park, which is listed on the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places. Approximately 250,000 people visit the park each year.

The land for High Point State Park, donated by Colonel Anthony R. and Susie Dryden Kuser, was dedicated as a state park in 1923. The landscaping was designed by the Olmsted Brothers of Boston, a prominent landscape architectural firm of that time. The brothers were the sons of the eminent Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park

The monument was built through the generosity of the Kusers in honor of American servicemen. Construction was started in 1928 and completed in 1930. Climbing the stairs of the monument, visitors have a breathtaking view of the ridges of the Pocono Mountains toward the west, the Catskill Mountains to the north and the Wallkill River Valley in the southeast.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Division of Parks & Forestry: High Point State Park
  http://www.njparksandforests.com/parks/highpoint.html