FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2003

Contact: Fred Mumford
(609) 984-1795

Corson's Inlet Oil Spill Prevention Plan Tested

(03/134) CORSON'S INLET STATE PARK — The state of New Jersey, along with federal and local officials, tested an emergency response plan today to protect back bay coastal areas near Corson's Inlet in Cape May County from a major oil spill.

"New Jersey is prepared to safeguard our precious coastal environment from the threat of oil spills in the Atlantic Ocean," said Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "These back bays need protection because they are located in one of the Atlantic Flyway's most active flight paths making them an important link in the vast network of state and federal wildlife management areas."

DEP and the State Police are working in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and local emergency management coordinators to protect this invaluable natural resource.

The oil spill prevention plan is part of an overall strategy developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the state's 13 coastal inlets. DEP deployed more than 4,000 feet of oil-blocking booms based on computerized Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping. Rice hulls were used to simulate the flow of oil. The drill will be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the booms to capture the oil considering the currents.

"The wildlife management area behind Corson's Inlet provides important resting and feeding habitat for tens of thousands of ducks, geese, wading birds, and shorebirds during spring and fall migrations," said DEP Commissioner Campbell.

Corson's Inlet is the gateway to the Cape May Marmora Wildlife Management Area that contains ecologically sensitive tidal salt meadows and marshes, interspersed with shallow coves and bays. The area also is important for its breeding populations of osprey, American oystercatcher, least tern, black skimmer and peregrine falcon; is a popular fishing ground for summer and winter flounder and a productive shellfishery.

Today's test is the sixth booming drill. The first test of the inlet emergency response plans was conducted in 1997 at the Great Egg Harbor Inlet in Longport with subsequent tests held at the Barnegat, Shark River, Cape May and Absecon inlets. Future tests are planned for inlets at Beach Haven, Brigantine, Hereford, Little Egg, Manasquan, Sea Girt and Townsend's

The state's inlet protection effort was developed after the 846-foot long Bahamian-flagged Anitra spilled 42,000 gallons of Nigerian light crude oil into the Delaware Bay during a May 1996 storm. Injuries to the state's coastal environment occurred when tar balls formed and washed ashore along the New Jersey coast from Cape May to as far north as Holgate. The largest concentration of tar balls washed up on beaches in Cape May and southern Atlantic County where migrating shore birds feed and the federally endangered piping plover nests. The Anitra spill went through both the Hereford and Townsend inlets.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com
• N.J. State Police
  http://www.njsp.org/
• U.S. Coast Guard
  http://www.uscg.mil/USCG.shtm
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  http://www.noaa.gov/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
609-984-1795

Centenary College Withdraws Request for Hackettstown Property
Sept. 30 Hearing Cancelled

(03/132) TRENTON -The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is canceling its final public hearing on a proposed sale of land in Hackettstown to Centenary College, because the college today officially withdrew its application to purchase the property.

Centenary previously had asked the DEP to consider selling up to 42 acres of the department's Hackettstown fish hatchery for use as college athletic fields. Public comment has been overwhelmingly against the sale, and the New Jersey Fish and Game Council voted unanimously last week not to support the sale.

"The college's wise decision to withdraw its application reflects appropriate consideration for the concerns of Hackettstown residents regarding traffic and access issues and acknowledges the importance of preserving this historic hatchery," said Joanna Dunn Samson, DEP deputy commissioner.

"In addition to strong public opposition, the Fish and Game Council had a number of serious environmental concerns about the proposed use, including potential affects to operations of the Hackettstown fish hatchery. It also made no sense to sell the only land the hatchery had for future expansion," said Scott Ellis, chairman of the New Jersey Fish and Game Council. "This is good news not just for the surrounding community, but also for New Jersey anglers."

The third and final public hearing on the proposed sale had been scheduled for Sept. 30. That hearing is cancelled.

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Related Link

• NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP to Address More Than 4,000 Potential Claims for Natural Resource Damages Statewide

Commissioner Campbell Orders Passaic River Restoration: Parties Responsible for Pollution Must Assess and Restore Natural Resource Injuries

(03/131) NEWARK —Working to recover compensation on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey for the lost use of natural resources caused by industrial pollution, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced a large-scale directive to address more than 4,000 potential claims for natural resource damages statewide. In addition, Commissioner Campbell today ordered 66 responsible parties to assess and restore natural resource injuries to the Passaic River caused by 18 contaminated sites within its watershed.

“New Jersey’s environment, quality of life and economy suffer every time we lose the benefit and use of natural resources to contamination,” said Governor James E. McGreevey. “It is unfair to New Jersey’s residents and environmentally conscientious businesses to tolerate any damage to natural resources caused by polluters. Those responsible simply must be held accountable.”

Under Governor McGreevey’s leadership, the DEP has demonstrated substantial success in addressing natural resource damage (NRD) claims. During the first year of the Administration, NRD recoveries exceeded the total for the six prior years combined. Commissioner Campbell’s newly signed directive outlines an accelerated process needed to pursue more than 4,000 outstanding and potential NRD claims.

“While we have aggressively pursued compensation for natural resource damages from polluters, only a small percentage of the larger universe of existing claims has been addressed,” said Commissioner Campbell. “An accelerated effort is needed to ensure that the statute of limitations for outstanding claims does not expire and result in the loss of the public’s right to compensation.”

Commissioner Campbell’s Passaic River directive calls for 66 companies to identify natural resource injuries in the Lower Passaic River watershed and determine the extent of the injuries in order to properly address needed restoration projects. In addition, the department has directed responsible parties to initiate an interim restoration of natural resources, focusing on the ecological and economic services that the river provided prior to being injured. These services include, but are not limited to, recreational and commercial fishing, wetlands, sediment functions and services, boat access points and increased costs to commerce and the maritime industry due to dredging of contaminated sediments. (A complete list of the responsible parties and sites is appears below.)

“The Lower Passaic River is a prime example of resource degradation at its worst,” said Commissioner Campbell. “New Jersey has an opportunity to recapture the ecological and recreational value of the Passaic River, but only through aggressive natural resource restoration efforts.”

The waters and sediments of the Lower Passaic River watershed are contaminated with hazardous substances including dioxin, PCBs, DDT, heavy metals and polyaromatic hydrocarbons, which persist in the environment long after the initial discharge. These contaminants also accumulate in the ecological food chain in the environment. As a result, both the DEP and the Department of Health and Senior Services have issued public consumption advisories due to mercury, dioxin and PCB contamination in fish, and have prohibited anyone to eat or harvest fish or shellfish from the Passaic River. In addition to a recreational and commercial fishing ban, the river does not support recreational swimming.

"We are committed to working with the Department of Environmental Protection to pursue natural resource damage claims on behalf of the citizens of New Jersey," said Attorney General Peter C. Harvey. "We will pursue every available legal remedy to collect damages from those responsible for environmental injury to the State and to restore valuable natural resources like the Passaic River."

The responsible parties have 45 calendar days upon the receipt of individual DEP directives to respond to the department and execute a single administrative consent order that provides assurance that the assessment and restoration actions will be performed in a timely and proper fashion.

If any responsible party named in the DEP directive fails to comply, the DEP will implement an assessment of the damages using public funds. Subsequently, the DEP may file suit against uncooperative parties to seek reimbursement and damages (including treble damages) for all costs the state assumes in implementing the assessment.

Natural resource damage is the dollar value of the total restoration that is necessary to compensate the residents of New Jersey for the injury to natural resources. Injuries can be both ecological injuries to wetlands, wildlife, ground water or surface water and human use injuries such as the closure of a waterway to fishing, a beach to swimming or an aquifer to drinking water supply. In addition, restoration may include compensation for the natural resource services lost from the beginning of the injury through the full recovery of the resource. Groundwater injuries are calculated with a formula that estimates the volume of contaminated groundwater, the value of the water and duration of the injury to arrive at a settlement amount. New Jersey’s Spill Compensation and Control Act requires any entity that has discharged hazardous substances onto the land or into the waters of the state is liable for cleanup and removal costs, as well as the cost of restoring or replacing natural resources injured by the discharge.

The Passaic River, covering parts of northeastern New Jersey and southeastern New York, drains almost 935 square miles and is the second largest river in New Jersey, stretching approximately 85 miles from the Bernardsville Mountains and emptying into the Newark Bay. The Lower Passaic River, from the Dundee Dam in Paterson to the mouth of the river at Newark Bay, drains a watershed of approximately 170 square miles. There are five major tributaries to the one-mile stretch of the Lower Passaic River; Third River, Saddle River, Second River, Frank’s Creek and Lawyer’s Creek. The sites targeted for assessment and restoration are within the 17 miles of the Lower Passaic River from the Dundee Dam in Paterson downstream to and including its confluence with Newark Bay.

A complete list of the Passaic River responsible parties and sites follows.

Passaic River Directive: Responsible Parties and Sites

1. The Ashland Chemical Company Site – 221 Foundry Street, Newark City, Essex County
   Responsible Party: Ashland Inc.

2. The Hilton Davis Site – 120 Lister Avenue, Newark City, Essex County
   Responsible Parties: Thomasset Colors, Inc.; Hilton Davis Chemical Company; Sterling Winthrop, Inc.; Freedom Chemical Company; 360 North Pastoria Environmental Corporation; Eastman Kodak Company; Drum Service of Newark, Inc.; H.D. Acquisition Corporation; Noveon Hilton Davis Inc.; SDI Divestiture Corporation; STWB Inc.; PMC Global, Inc.; Plastics Manufacturing Corporation; SmithKline Beecham Corporation; and Bayer Corporation.

3. The Benjamin Moore & Company Site – 134 Lister Ave, Newark City, Essex County
   Responsible Party: Benjamin Moore & Company;

4. The Diamond Alkali Site – 80 Lister Avenue, Newark City, Essex County
   Responsible Parties: Diamond Shamrock Chemicals Company; Diamond Alkali Company; Diamond Shamrock Corporation; Maxus Energy Corporation; Occidental Electrochemicals Corporation; Occidental Petroleum Corporation; Occidental Chemical Corporation; Chemical Land Holdings, Inc.; Tierra Solution Incorporated; Tierra Solutions, Inc.; and Oxy-Diamond Alkali Corporation.

5. The Pitt-Consol Chemical Company Site – 191 Doremus Avenue, Newark City, Essex County
   Responsible Parties: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company and the Pitt-Consol Chemical Company.

6. The Lucent Technologies Site – 100 Central Avenue, Kearny Town, Hudson County
   Responsible Parties: Lucent Technologies, Inc.; AT&T Corporation; and RTC Properties, Inc..

7. The Monsanto Company Site – Pennsylvania Avenue, Kearny Town, Hudson County
   Responsible Party Monsanto Company and Motor Carrier Services Corporation.

8. The Public Service Electric and Gas Company Essex Site – 155 Raymond Boulevard, Newark City, Essex County. Responsible Parties: Public Service Electric and Gas Company and Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.

9. The Public Service Electric and Gas Harrison Site – Frank E. Rogers Boulevard South (S 4th St), Harrison Town, Hudson County
   Responsible Parties: Public Service Electric and Gas Company and Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.The Sherwin Williams Company Site – Program Identification No. 015023

10. The Sherwin Williams Company Site – 60 Lister Avenue, Newark City, Essex County
    Responsible Party: Sherwin Williams Company.

11. American Modern Metals Corporation Site – 65 Passaic Avenue, Kearny Town, Hudson County.
    Responsible Parties: American Modern Metals Corporation; DiLorenzo Properties Company; DiLorenzo Properties, L.P.; Marshall Clark Manufacturing Corporation; Kearny Industrial Associates, L.P.; and S&A Realty Corporation.

12. The Atlantic Richfield Site – (ARCO) 1111 Delancey Street, Newark City, Essex County
    Responsible Parties: Atlantic Richfield Company and Amerada Hess Corporation;

13. The Franklin Plastics Site – 113 Passaic Avenue, Kearny Town, Hudson County
    Responsibilities Parties: Franklin Plastics Corporation; Franklin-Burlington Plastics, Inc.; and Spartech Corporation.

14. The Stanley Works Site – 140 Chapel Street, Newark City, Essex County
    Responsible Party: Stanley Works Corporation.

15. The Safety-Kleen Envirosystems Company Site (McKesson) – 600 Doremus Avenue, Newark City, Essex County
    Responsible Parties: Safety-Kleen Envirosystems Company; Bristol Myers-Squibb; Propane Power Corporation; Wilson Five Corporation; and Apollo Development and Land Corporation.

16. The Napp Technologies Site – 199 Main Street, Lodi Borough, Bergen County (Saddle River)
    Responsible Parties: Purdue Pharma Technologies, Inc. and Nappwood Land Corporation.

17. The Hexcel Site – 205 Main Street, Lodi Borough, Bergen County (Saddle River)
    Responsible Parties: Hexcel Corporation and Fine Organics Corporation.

18. The Getty Newark Terminal Site – 86 Doremus Avenue, Newark City, Essex County
    Responsible Parties: Chevron Texaco Corporation; Getty Petroleum Corporation; Getty Realty Group; Texaco Inc.; Texaco Refining and Marketing Inc.; and Power Test of New Jersey, Inc.

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Related Links

• NJDEP Policy Directive 2003-07: Natural Resource Damages
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/commissioner/policy/pdir2003-07.htm
• Passaic River Directive No. 1 (PDF 556 Kb)
  https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/newsrel/2003/passaic_dir01.pdf
• Map of the Passaic River Sites (PDF 126 Kb)
  https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/newsrel/2003/passaic_map01.pdf

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609)439-7048

Governor McGreevey Forms Task Force to Protect Highlands:
Open Space Preservation and Safeguarding Drinking Water Supplies Top Priorities

(03/130) RINGWOOD TOWNSHIP – Recognizing the Highland region's extensive natural resources, exceptional farmland and its value as a major source of drinking water for New Jersey residents, Governor James E. McGreevey established a new Highlands Task Force charged to advance conservation efforts and comprehensively review measures that encourage land acquisition, regional planning and smart growth.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the creation of the Highlands Task Force during the Highlands Coalition Annual Meeting held in Ringwood State Park, Passaic County.

"The Highlands is a critical resource that is experiencing tremendous pressure from population growth and development. Every effort must be made to aggressively preserve remaining open space and safeguard the region's precious water supplies," said Governor McGreevey. "I've charged the Task Force to identify steps needed to preserve the Highlands, while providing smart growth opportunities for local communities and maintaining our quality of life."

As outlined in a signed executive order, Governor McGreevey formally directed the Task Force to examine legislation, regulations, model local ordinances or other government action necessary to pursue the following goals:

• Protection of water quality, drinking water supplies, wetlands, critical plant and wildlife species habitat, vegetated stream corridors, and contiguous forests;

• Identification of methods to protect and preserve open space and sustainable uses of natural resources of the Highlands region;

• Identification of methods to enhance farmland preservation and support the agriculture industry in the Highlands region;

• Identification of methods to promote historic, cultural, scenic and recreational resource opportunities that preserve the natural features of the Highlands region; and

• Provide smart growth opportunities, including economic development and redevelopment, in the Highlands region through regional planning, including coordination of transportation and infrastructure investments and administrative agency activities, consistent with State Development and Redevelopment Plan (2001).

The Task Force will hold public meetings and present recommendations to the Governor regarding the above mentioned issues within six months.

"We can not afford to let unchecked sprawl jeopardize a nationally significant area that provides water for half of New Jersey residents and supports critical wildlife habitat," said DEP Commissioner Campbell. "Governor McGreevey has set an aggressive timeline for the Task Force to establish a Highlands action plan to address the mounting threats to this precious natural treasure."

Since 1984, 65,000 acres – nearly 100 square miles – of the Highlands region have been lost to development, and sprawl and the pace of development in the region has dramatically increased. The rate at which forested lands and wetlands have been lost has more than doubled since 1995.

"We applaud the Governor's continued leadership on the Highlands. He has put forward a clear charge and set in motion an inclusive and thoughtful process to ensure the long-term protection of this threatened region of water, beauty and life," said Executive Director of the Highlands Coalition Thomas A. Gilbert.

The Highlands region is an area that extends from northwestern Connecticut across the lower Hudson River Valley and northern New Jersey into east central Pennsylvania. The New Jersey portion of the Highlands region is greater than 1,000 square miles, covering portions of seven counties and 90 municipalities.

The Highlands region is an essential source of drinking water, providing clean and plentiful drinking water for one-half of the state's population, including communities beyond the Highlands region. In addition, the Highlands region contains other exceptional natural resources such as clean air, contiguous forest lands, wetlands, pristine watersheds and plant and wildlife species habitats. The region contains sites of historic significance, and provides abundant recreational opportunities. Approximately 110,000 acres of agricultural lands are in active production in the New Jersey Highlands region.

Governor McGreevey's proposal to increase open space funding for the Highlands region will be presented to New Jersey voters as a ballot question this November. In his State of the State address, the Governor pledged to dedicate an additional $50 million over the next three years for open space preservation in the Highlands, as well as implementing a limited time capital gains tax waiver for those landowners who sell their property to the state's open space program.

The 19-member Task Force will include cabinet members DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell; Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin; Department of Agriculture Secretary Charles Kuperus; Department of Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere; and the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of the Commerce and Economic Growth Commission William Watley. Additional members of the Task Force include: Lois Cuccinello, Passaic County Freeholder; Val Huddle, Bergen County Freeholder; Mayor Frank Van Horn, Knowlton; Tom Gilbert, Executive Director Highlands Coalition; Tom Gilmore, Executive Director, Audubon Society, NJ; Michele Byers, Executive Director, Conservative Foundation; David Epstein, Executive Director, Morris Land Conservancy; Joe Riggs, K. Hovanian; Tammy Horsfield, Sussex County Chamber of Commerce, and Malcolm Borg, member of the public. The Governor will name the remaining members of the Task Force shortly.

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Related Link

• NJDEP Anti-Sprawl Agenda (Smart Growth)
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/antisprawl

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
(609) 984-1795

Coastal Damage Update

(03/129) TRENTON – A Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) survey of New Jersey's coastline found Hurricane Isabel caused minor to moderate beach erosion.

"Thankfully, New Jersey's coast escaped a direct hit from Isabel," DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell said. "But high tides Thursday afternoon and early morning today did cause significant impacts to our coastline. Department engineers are closely monitoring the situation. "

Beaches with a southeast orientation generally faired the worst, with moderate erosion causing 2- to 4-foot vertical cuts in many beaches. Beaches with a more easterly orientation faired better, generally experiencing only minor erosion.

Moderate erosion was reported throughout Monmouth County, regardless of beach orientations, with northern areas hit hardest. Sections of Monmouth Beach and Long Branch lost up to 50 horizontal feet of beach, and parts of Sea Bright lost 40 horizontal feet of sand.

The recent displacement of sand from Hurricane Fabian and Tropical Storm Henri aggravated erosion in many areas. The DEP anticipates that offshore sands will migrate back in the coming months as a result of normal currents.

Commissioner Campbell noted the storm caused no structural damage along the coast, providing evidence of the effectiveness of the DEP beach-replenishment program.

Hurricane Isabel made landfall Thursday afternoon along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and moved inland over Virginia overnight. The effects from this storm continue to impact the New Jersey shore with onshore winds and heavy surf. Additional inspections will be performed as conditions warrant.

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Related Link

• NJDEP Ocean Beach Information
  http://www.njbeaches.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2003

Contact: AmyCradic
(609) 984-1795

DEP Fines Warren County Facility for Water Pollution Violations

(03/128) TRENTON – New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that Organic Agriculture, Inc. (OAI) located in Warren County was issued a $15,000 fine for illegally discharging pollutants into a tributary of the Pequest River.

"Organic Agriculture's repeated failure to address inadequate stormwater runoff controls is irresponsible and disregards the public's right to clean water resources," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "The Pequest River is prime habitat for wildlife such as trout, and the river's health and water quality are at risk when companies like Organic Agriculture make environmental compliance a low priority."

OAI owns and operates a facility located at 101 East Quarry Road in Oxford Township that stores soil blends containing sludge products known as Marketable Residual Product (MRP) or Meadow Life, which is produced and distributed by the Middlesex County Utilities Authority. OAI blends MRP with other soil and stores the blend on site prior to distribution as soil conditioner to establish and maintain agronomic and horticultural crops, for landfill cover or land reclamation projects. While the DEP considers the reuse of sludge materials for reclamation projects beneficial to the environment, OAI failed to manage its soil blends in a manner protective of the area's water resources.

Responding to local resident and township complaints, on April 3, 2003 DEP enforcement officers inspected OAI and observed dark brown runoff from the southeast corner of a large stockpile of soil blends containing MRP. The contaminated runoff was entering an intermittent stream that empties into a pasture adjacent to a tributary of the Pequest River. The DEP issued OAI a Notice of Violation (NOV) on April 4, as well as on May 1, and August 7 after two subsequent inspections coordinated with the Warren County Health Department revealed similar runoff violations.

During the inspections, DEP enforcement officers collected samples of the dark brown runoff from the stockpile of soil blends that had accumulated in the tributary stream. The samples revealed that the runoff contained metals including nickel, zinc and copper, and very high levels of ammonia. MRP is defined as a pollutant under state environmental laws.

In addition to a $15,000 fine, OAI was ordered to discontinue receiving MRP from the Middlesex County Utilities Authority. The DEP also has required that the amount of soil blends containing MRP stockpiled on the site be reduced from 45,000 cubic yards to 20,000 cubic yards by October 31, 2003.

OAI has requested an administrative hearing to contest the DEP penalty.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
(609) 984-1795

North Jersey Residents Urged to Bear-Proof Surroundings This Fall

(03/127) TRENTON – The Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, reminds North Jersey residents to bear-proof their homes and surrounding areas throughout the fall season.

"As temperatures drop, black bears become more active foraging for food and searching out den sites in preparation for the winter season," said Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "This boost in activity can bring bears closer to areas of human habitation and increase the possibility for human-bear conflicts."

It is part of a black bear's behavior to investigate food sources such as garbage cans, leftover pet food, bird feeders and barbecue grill drip trays.

"Black bears are opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever is available, so it is especially important to keep one's surroundings as temptation-free as possible," said Division Director Martin J. McHugh.

Bear-proofing should include proper storage of residential garbage in an airtight container in a secure area such as a basement or against the inside wall of a garage. Garbage containers should be washed at least once a week with a disinfectant solution to remove any odors.

Outside feeding of cats and dogs should be done during daylight hours and any uneaten food should be removed immediately after feeding. Birdfeeders should be hung during daylight hours only, suspended by a free-hanging wire at least eight feet off the ground. Barbecue grills should be cleaned to minimize food odors and stored securely.

Campbell stressed the importance of never feeding bears.

"Bears that are fed intentionally or unintentionally can become aggressive," Campbell said. "For that reason, it now is unlawful in New Jersey to feed bears. People who persist in feeding bears will be prosecuted."

Individuals should use common sense in an encounter with a bear. Remain calm and never approach the animal. Make the bear aware of your presence by talking or clapping, and always give it an escape route. Nuisance or damage problems caused by bears should be reported immediately by calling (908) 735-8793.

Since 1997, the Division has been providing residents with informational programs on New Jersey's black bears, as well as distributing millions of pieces of educational literature. To learn more, visit the Division's website at www.njfishandwildlife.com or call (908) 637-4125. Programs for schools and civic organizations are available free of charge, as are brochures and other materials on living in bear country.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
(609) 984-1795

DEP Holds Workshops on Funding Open Space Acquisitions

(03/126) TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Green Acres Program and the Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program are holding a series of workshops in the coming weeks to guide local government officials and nonprofit groups through the process of applying for state open-space funds.

During the workshops, DEP will encourage municipal and county government applicants who have a project with a water quality benefit to apply to the Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program (EIFP) for acquisition funds.

The EIFP is a partnership between the DEP and the NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust. The EIFP provides low-cost financing to local governments and water purveyors for the construction of wastewater, drinking water and stormwater management projects, including open-space purchases that benefit water quality.

Financing through EIFP provides a rate equal to one-quarter of the current market rate, resulting in a loan structure that reduces annual debt service significantly when compared to local financing options. The EIFP has no limit on the amount of money that a borrower can finance to acquire land and the funds can be used as a local match for land acquisition projects funded through Green Acres.

The workshops will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as follows:

• Sept. 15 at Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, Warren County;
• Sept. 24 at Long Beach Township Municipal Building, Ocean County;
• Oct. 2 at DeHart Community Center, Maplewood, Essex County.

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. There is a nominal fee, which covers breakfast, lunch and handouts, of $25 per person and $20 for each additional member from the same municipality or organization. To register, contact Nancee May, Green Acres workshop coordinator, at (609) 984-0570.

For more information, visit the Green Acres section of the DEP website at www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres.

The Green Acres program protects environmentally sensitive open space, water resources and other significant natural and historic resources and provides parks for New Jersey residents and visitors to enjoy. Green Acres partners with, and provides grants and low interest loans to, qualifying county and municipal government agencies and nonprofit land conservancies who work to further these same goals.

Since Green Acres was established in 1961, the program has protected more than 522,000 acres of open space and developed hundreds of recreation facilities. More than 1.2 million acres of open space and farmland have been preserved statewide.

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Related Link

• NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust
  http://www.njeit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2003

Contact: Jack Kaskey
(609) 984-1795

Endangered Species Exhibit Travels to Ocean County
DEP Names Northern Pine Snake the Endangered Species of the Month

(03/125) TRENTON – The New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Traveling Exhibit, an interactive display that showcases the history and achievements of endangered species protection in the state, opens Friday at Tuckerton Seaport in Ocean County for a seven-week stay.

The traveling exhibit is part of the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) celebration of 30 years of endangered species protection in New Jersey. Using an interactive collage of video, audio and graphics, visitors can view the beautiful and diverse landscapes of New Jersey, while learning about the critical work necessary to ensure the future of our state's wildlife heritage.

Today is the exhibit's last day at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor before it moves to the Tuckerton Seaport, 120 West Main Street in Tuckerton. Lawrence Niles, chief of the DEP's Endangered and Nongame Species Program, will speak at the exhibit's seaport debut, 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12.

The exhibit will remain at the seaport through Monday, Oct. 27.

The DEP and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey unveiled the New Jersey Endangered Wildlife Traveling Exhibit in July at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. It will travel throughout the state before settling into its permanent home at the Division's Pequest Trout Hatchery and Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, Warren County.

Future stops include Somerset County Park Commission Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge (Oct. 29 – Nov. 25); Meadowlands Environmental Education Center in Lyndhurst (Nov. 26 – Jan. 27, 2004), PSE&G Headquarters in Newark (Feb. 1 – Feb. 26) and Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark (Feb. 27 – March 31). Funding for the exhibit was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation and PSE&G.

In addition to the traveling exhibit, the DEP is highlighting a threatened or endangered species each month on its web site, www.nj.gov/dep. September's species is the northern pine snake, a threatened species whose populations are affected by habitat loss due to development, illegal collecting, and thoughtless killing of snakes by people. The New Jersey Pinelands may provide residence for some of the largest populations of this non-venomous constrictor in the Northeast.

Signed into law on Dec. 14, 1973, the New Jersey Endangered Species Conservation Act directed the DEP to protect, manage and restore the state's endangered and nongame wildlife species. Over the past 30 years, state biologists have made New Jersey a leader in bringing key species back from the brink of extinction – species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and osprey.

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Related Link

• NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
  http://www.njfishandwildlife.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2003

Contact: Amy Cradic
(609) 984-1795

High Number of Regulated Industries Situated Near Paterson Neighborhoods Triggers Concern:
DEP to Launch Compliance and Enforcement Effort

(03/124) TRENTON – Identifying a high number of regulated businesses located in close proximity to residential neighborhoods, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the launch of a two-phase compliance and enforcement effort in the city of Paterson, Passaic County, to help ensure inner-city residents equal protection under environmental laws.

"A concentrated outreach and enforcement effort in Paterson will help us achieve a broader awareness of the area's environmental challenges and potential impacts to its inner-city residents," said DEP Commissioner Campbell. "Over the next several months, we will direct resources and work to address citizen concerns, correct illegal activities, and provide training and guidance to businesses to foster long-term environmental compliance."

During the two-phase environmental compliance initiative, the DEP will meet and communicate with citizens and community groups to ensure that their concerns are considered and opportunities to improve public health and the environment are maximized. Local citizens are encouraged to contact the DEP, community groups, trade associations or the state or local chambers of commerce with environmental concerns. The DEP is working with these entities to identify problems of non-compliance and assist the widest number of regulated entities possible.

"This initiative is a call to action for all residents and neighborhood groups who can aid us in our efforts to end environmental violations impacting their quality of life," Commissioner Campbell added. "During a similar enforcement sweep in the city of Camden, we listened to the concerns of local residents and reminded the regulated community and area businesses that environmental compliance is a priority."

The initial stage of the compliance and enforcement effort begins in September 2003, focusing on community outreach and on providing assistance to the city's known and potentially regulated individuals, businesses and government operations. On Monday, September 8 at 9:00 a.m., the DEP is participating in the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce's "Bottom Line Business Breakfast Series" to discuss the Paterson compliance and enforcement effort with area businesses. The meeting is being held at La Neve's, 276 Belmont Avenue in Haledon.

The second phase will involve a large-scale inspection effort. Both efforts will be led by the DEP in partnership with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Passaic County Health Department and the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission.

Areas of focus during the enforcement effort and issues of environmental concern include: air pollution, Community Right to Know, discharge prevention, hazardous waste, land use, lead and mercury contamination, refrigerant recovery, pesticides, solid waste, underground storage tanks and water pollution.

Any businesses with violations found during the enforcement phase of the initiative will be issued Notices of Violation and penalties where appropriate. The enforcement sweep will occur over the course of at least one full week in late 2003.

For more information, residents or businesses can contact the DEP at 609-984-3285. Information about the DEP compliance and enforcement effort can be accessed at www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/paterson/paterson.html.

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Related Link

• NJDEP Compliance & Enforcement
  http://www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement