GARDEN STATE ENVIRONEWS 990228
Phil Reynolds
GARDEN STATE ENVIRONEWS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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<*> CLEAN OCEAN ADVOCATE - MARCH 1999
<*> PROPOSED TV TOWER FOR SPARTA
<*> CALENDAR - 30 DAY
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CLEAN OCEAN ADVOCATE - MARCH 1999
Date: 990228
From: Clean...@Monmouth.com
[Excerpts from Clean Ocean Action's newsletter]
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CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS
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LONG ISLAND SOUND (LIS) GETS MUCKED UP
On January 26, 1998 the Army Corps of Engineers issued permits to
Mamaroneck Harbor to dump 268,000 tons of contaminated dredge spoils
at an "undesignated site" in Long Island Sound, midway New Haven, CT
and Shoreham, NY.
As you read this newsletter, billions of winter flounder eggs are
being buried, disturbed and mutilated. The peak spawning period for
winter flounder is Feb 15th through March 15th. Dredging is usually
prohibited during this time in most coastal states, and is usually
prohibited in LIS. However, it appears yet another exception has been
made for Mamaroneck Harbor. A total of 280,000 tons of toxic mud will
be dumped at a site not designated under the Marine Protection
Research and Sanctuaries Act (the Ocean Dumping Site) as required by
law. The law assures that open water disposal sites must be
environmentally sound and will not threaten natural resources and
human health.
Public Health Threatened: The dumpsite is not proven to be
environmentally and ecologically safe. The site is right smack in the
middle of primary fish and shellfish habitat, a recreational area, and
a primary commercial lobster area.
This is just the beginning. Projects with hundreds of thousands of
tons are pending for LIS and the bad precedents that happen here will
affect marine waterways throughout the nation.
Alternatives to dumping are available but have not been addressed in
Long Island Sound. The Ocean Dumping act states that dumping in the
water is the last resort, all other alternatives must be exhausted.
The bad precedent established by the actions of these New England
agencies threatens all national waters. Senator Daniel Patrick
Monyhian has joined the fight. In a scathing letter to Army Corps of
Engineers' Chief of the Regulatory Branch, Joe Seebode, Monyhian
wrote, "I believe that (the Corps) has violated the spirit of the law
by combining the permits. The Senator has also asked for a detailed
explanation from the Corps regarding the criteria used to dump
material at a site not formally designated under the law. To commend
Senator Moynihan call (202)224-9557.
What can you do? Join Friends of Long Sound, a group dedicated to
stop dumping of contaminated sediments and identify environmentally
sound alternatives. Call John Thatcher, 973-635-5470.
PROPOSED, CONFINED AQUATIC DISPOSAL
Over 300 hundred people attended the Natural Resources Protective
Association's (NRPA) public rally on February 23rd on Staten Island to
oppose the proposed aquatic disposal of toxic dredge material into
containment islands and historic borrow pits in the Raritan and Lower
Bays. Citizens are concerned that the toxic material can not be
confined in the pits to protect the diversity of marine life there.
NRPA will be sampling the pits to show that there is life worth
protecting in these areas. NRPA is gearing up for yet another battle
in this long-waged war to protect the bay. Over 100 new members joined
the NRPA at the meeting. NRPA is also looking for citizens to keep a
log of wildlife seen in the Lower Bay. To join or, for more
information call NRPA President, Jim Scarcella at (718)987-6037.
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CLEAN-UP OF YE OLD MUD DUMP SITE
858,000 TONS OF MATERIAL TO COVER-UP TOXIC STAIN
HISTORY:
In August 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
terminated the use of the Mud Dump Site for ocean dumping. At the same
time, the EPA designated this and a limited surrounding area as the
Historic Area Remediation Site (HARS). HARS is 15.7 square nautical
miles, located about 3.5 nautical miles east of Highlands, N.J. and
7.7 nautical miles south of Rockaway, N.Y. The Mud Dump Site is a
source of toxins (such as Dioxins and PCBs) to the marine ecosystem
including fish and lobster. Sediments in and around the Mud Dump Site
would be too toxic to dispose into the Ocean today. By designating the
HARS and terminating the Mud Dump Site, the Environmental Protection
Agency mandated that the toxic stain within the HARS must be cleaned.
Remediation has begun.
WHAT DOES REMEDIATION MEAN?
Remediation means that the toxic stain from the Mud Dump Site will be
cleaned by covering it with uncontaminated sediment. Covering the
toxic sediments will reduce contamination to marine life. There is a
priority remediation area, which encompasses the most toxic sediments
(it is about 9 square nautical miles). At least 40.6 million cubic
yards of uncontaminated sediments will be placed as remediation
material over this area to a depth of 1 m (about 3 feet). That will
equate to about 11,600 barges full of material.
WHERE DOES "CLEAN" MATERIAL COME FROM?
The uncontaminated material for remediation will come from dredging
projects. Low levels of contamination might be found during the
dredging of deep sediments in our harbors. The U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will approve a
permit to send 858,000 cubic yards (about 245 barges of material) from
the Kill Van Kull Federal Channel Deepening Project to the HARS as
remediation material.
WHAT DOES "UNCONTAMINATED MATERIAL" MEAN?
Federal regulations state that material is clean, "uncontaminated,"
if chemical levels are in trace amounts and will not cause harm to
marine life. Our regional Environmental Protection Agency Office,
which is in charge of the remediation process, uses a specific
analysis to determine if material meets this regulation. Scientists
reviewed this analysis in the fall of 1998. Reviews concluded that the
EPA's analysis must be changed to be able to conclude if dredged
material is contaminated or uncontaminated.
HOW IS COA HELPING THE CLEAN-UP PROCESS?
We are ensuring that no contaminated material is dumped into the HARS
or any other ocean area. One way that we are doing this is by
continually working to ensure that EPA's analysis of proposed
remediation material is changed to meet federal regulations and to
protect marine life. COA continues to fight any marine disposal of
toxic sediments, ensuring that we never have another Toxic Stain to
"clean-up."
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NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION
HOW MUCH DEVELOPMENT IS TOO MUCH?
Community & Environmental Defense Services (CEDS), a Maryland based
consulting firm, states "to preserve the health, diversity, and public
uses of aquatic resources, watershed development should not exceed a
density of one house for every two acres. If aquatic resources support
highly sensitive species, then the development should not exceed one
house for every six acres." The firm adds that development intensity
can be far greater only if government agencies have a history of
requiring highly effective environmental protection measures AND of
ensuring that these measures are maintained in good working order.
Clearly, NJ fails in both counts.
CEDS has an excellent summary sheet that provides statistics on the
impacts of development on streams.
* converting a forest to homes on one acre lots will result in a I
12-fold increase of nutrient loads
* run-off from impervious surfaces such as roadways can increase the
temperature of the run-off with devastating results.
A summer rain running off asphalt is 83Fo. Fish such as trout like
temperatures of 68Fo and begin dying at 77Fo. CEDS provides FREE help
to citizens and groups organize to control impacts from
over-development. Contact them at 800-773-4571. Documents are
available at http://www.ceds.org.
SPRING INTO ACTION: STORM DRAIN STENCILING WEEK LAUNCHED: MAY 23-29
New Jersey has declared the month of May, Watershed Awareness Month.
COA is urging community groups to stencil storm drains with the
phrase: "Drains to waterways" along with the image of a fish. This COA
program, begun in 1990, works to educate and motivate citizens to
protect the local waterways. Storm drains serve as the pipeline for
number one source of pollution effecting water quality-non-point
source pollution. When it rains, pollution collects on impervious
surfaces and pours into storm drains, which then discharge directly
into waterways. For stenciling packet contact any of COA's offices.
"Watershed" - the area of land into which waters flow or drain. They
can be large (the Mississippi watershed receives water from half of
the land-mass of the continental United States and parts of Canada) or
small (the watershed of your backyard).
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MID COASTAL OFFICE ACTIVITIES
609-294-8040
Martha Maxwell and Rhonda Van Wingerden
Welcome to Rhonda Van Wingerden, who joined the team full time in
January. She will lead outreach and educational activities out of the
office.
EDUCATION FOR PERSONAL WATER CRAFT (PWC) AND BOATERS
A effort is underway to require an environmental education component
for PWCs (Jet Skis, Ski Doos and alike) in the licensing of boat
users. Currently the boating course focuses on safety and user
information. An educational component will be added. COA will seek
mandatory inclusion of environmental education in the law as well.
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SOUTH JERSEY OFFICE ACTIVITIES
609-729-9262
Tony Totah
UNPLUG Salem
Tony is active with "UNPLUG Salem", a coalition of 54 regional, state
and local organizations whose goal is to shut down the Salem Nuclear
Plants for safety and environmental problems. The Plants are in
non-compliance with section 316B of the Clean Water Act regarding the
cooling water intake system. In a January 13th meeting with
Congressman Lobiondo, Tony explained that the plants continue to kill
over a million fish a year and disrupt the delicate food web of the
Delaware Bay. A protest is planned for March 27th, call (609) 886-7988
for more information.
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EVENTS:
Welcome Rob Andrejewski, Events and Development Coordinator. Rob
joins the team with a degree in English from The College of William
and Mary. He brings fresh ideas and lots of enthusiasm.
SUPPORT THE CAUSE: UNDER THE SEA MARCH 21ST
Your invitation should be at your door. Don't miss seeing this one,
the beautiful design was created by Doreen Catina. This years Brunch
will offer fashions by California Sunshine and Dosil's Sports Center.
The event is co-chaired by Nicky Kelly and Joyce Shine, Long Branch.
The fabulous committee has lots of fun and surprises. Come join in the
fun - you just might see you favorite mermaid or King Neptune. Under
the Sea will be held March 21st at the Water View Pavilion in Belmar,
NJ. Tickets are $40 per person, $75 for two, or $350 for a table of
ten. This year COA is honoring the dedicated volunteers that ensure
you receive this newsletter every month. If you would like another
invitation, donate a gift for the auction, or sponsor the event,
please contact Rob Andrejewski at 732-872-0111. Deadline: March 10th
BEACH SWEEPS: APRIL 24TH
Wanted: Volunteer Sweeps Coordinator
COA is looking to expand the Sweeps to all waterways. Do you have a
favorite beach, waterway, river, or stream? Want to join the sweeps
team. Site-coordination is easy. To become a site coordinator call the
COA office nearest you.
GET READY TO FLOUNDER AROUND
April 10th - Flounder Tourney & Blessing of the Waters
Plans are underway for the 17th Bob Hunter and John Murphy Winter
Flounder Tournament. This year builds on the conservation programs
initiated last year. In addition to encouraging catch and release,
this year the event will take place in April after the primary
spawning period, and will include a minimum size for weigh-in. To
encourage non-fishers and non-winter flounder fishing fans to
participate a special drawing will take place at the Clam Hut. Call to
volunteer - 732-872-0111.
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FLOTSAM & JETSAM
THE RATABLE MYTH EXPOSED: TOOLS TO PROTECT SPACE:
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation commissioned a study by the
American Farmland Trust to determine the financial costs to taxpayers
to support developed areas. The report is entitled, "The Cost of
Community Services in Monmouth County, New Jersey".
The findings of the study show that farm and open land are good for
the local tax base. As communities face growth, development often is
promoted to pay for it. But this strategy fails to consider the
on-going costs of development due to demands for public services such
as education, public works, fire and police protection. Cost of
Community Services (COCS) model analyzes the net impact of different
land uses on local budgets. American Farmlands Trust conducted a COCS
study in five Monmouth County towns, Freehold, Middletown, Wall, Upper
Freehold and Holmdel. The study found that open spaces make a positive
fiscal impact, while residential development is a financial drain. For
a copy of this study contact the Monmouth Conservation Foundation
732-671-7000 or the American Farmland Trust http://www.farmland.org or
call 800-370-4879.
HOW TOXIC ARE WE?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has
published a report entitled "Sediment Toxicity in U.S. Coastal
Waters". It reports NOAA's research on the extent sediment toxicity in
22 coastal embayments in the U.S. from 1991-1996. It finds that about
40% of the sediments in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary are toxic and that
about 51-68% of Long Island Sound sediments are toxic. This report
clearly describes how NOAA measures for toxicity and presents national
results. Please contact us for a free copy, or contact NOAA at
(301) 713-3034 or their website: http://seaserver.nos.noaa.gov
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CLEAN OCEAN ACTION
North Jersey
POB 505
Highlands NJ 07732
Tel: 732-872-0111
Email: clean...@monmouth.com
Web: http://www.cleanoceanaction.org
Mid-Jersey
POB 1303
Tuckerton NJ 08087
Tel: 609-294-8040
South Jersey
1600 Delaware Ave.
Cape May NJ 08204
Tel: 609-884-9540
Email: aat...@aol.com
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PROPOSED TV TOWER FOR SPARTA
Date: 990228
From: Star-Ledger, 990228
By Patty Paugh, Star-Ledger Staff
A 695-foot tower proposed by a Sussex County broadcast company could
rival High Point State Park for the title of the tallest point in New
Jersey.
Mountain Broadcasting wants to build the installation atop a
1,300-foot-high ridge off Route 15 on the Sparta-Jefferson border, for
a total height of 1,995 feet. At that elevation, the top of the tower
would easily exceed the state's highest summit, which tops out at
1,803 feet.
Arguably, the tower would be immense, possibly one of the first
things seen as Route 15 motorists drive into Sparta.
But the real issue is how visible the proposed tower would actually
be. That's a question Sparta Planner David Troast wants answered as
the township zoning board considers Mountain Broadcasting's
application.
Sparta zoners have not held any meetings on the proposal to build the
tower on a 27-acre parcel, located in a rural residential zone with
height restrictions of 35 feet. A hearing is scheduled for March 10.
However, the application raised at least one red flag in the minds of
local environmental commission members who reviewed the plans.
"Aesthetically speaking, the facility is not acceptable," the
commission wrote in a letter to the zoning board.
Other Sparta residents who live in a township with a reputation for
casting a keen eye on development projects share the opinion. This
month, the 150 members of the Sparta Women's Club opposed the tower
plan, according to a member.
And as far as Jefferson Councilman Richard Yocum is concerned, a
tower that big doesn't belong in his community's back yard. "When I
first heard about it, I was not very happy," he said.
He vowed to aggressively oppose the proposal - on grounds of
aesthetics, air safety issues and health concerns - and help Sparta
residents fight it.
But Mountain Broadcasting is no stranger to opposition. Before its
UHF station WMBC-TV63 went on the air in 1993, it sought Jefferson
zoning-board approval to build a 767-foot tower atop Bowling Green
Mountain. Eventually, the company bowed to strident objections raised
by hundreds of Jefferson residents and withdrew the application.
The company instead leased a 263-foot tower owned by Sprint over the
border in Sparta. That tower adjoins the site where Mountain
Broadcasting wants to install the larger pole.
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CALENDAR - 30 DAY
Date: 990228
From: mai...@gsenet.org
[Full Calendar at http://www.gsenet.org/calendar.htm]
Mar 2 : Tue : 7:00pm-9:00pm
MUSCONETCONG WORK GROUP - LAND USE
Musconetcong Watershed Management Area #1
Flemington NJ, contact: 908-788-1490
Mar 3 : Wed : 8:00pm
LECTURE: BUTTERFLIES AND BUTTERFLY GARDENS
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
Princeton NJ, contact: 609-737-3735 sb...@nj1.aae.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 3 : Wed : 5:30pm-8:30pm
STOP THE DELAWARE RIVER DEEPENING PROJECT
Dump the Delaware Alliance
Thorofare NJ, contact: 215-369-1188
Mar 4 : Thu
THE IMPACT OF WETLANDS AND CONTAMINATED SITES ON REAL PROPERTY
TAX APPEALS
Cook College Office of Continuing Professional Education
New Brunswick NJ, contact: 732-932-9271 oc...@aesop.rutgers.edu
Mar 4 : Thu : 5:00pm-7:00pm
MUSCONETCONG WORK GROUP - WATER RESOURCES
Musconetcong Watershed Management Area #1
Mt. Olive Twp NJ, contact: 908-995-2424
Mar 4 : Thu : 7:00pm-9:00pm
GIS AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CARE PROGRAMS
Environmental Commission of Camden County
Stratford NJ, contact: 609-566-3131 pkr...@aol.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 6 : Sat
NEW JERSEY'S THIRD ANNUAL LAND TRUST RALLY
New Jersey Conservation Foundation,
Princeton NJ, contact: 908-234-1225, be...@njconservation.org
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 6 : Sat : 9:00am-3:30pm
PINELANDS SHORT COURSE
New Jersey Pinelands Commission
New Brunswick NJ, contact: 609-894-7300
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 6 : Sat : 9:00am-12:45pm
PASSAIC COUNTY COMMUNITY HAZARD PREVENTION DAY
Paterson NJ, contact: 800-562-6913 x262
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 7 : Sun : 9:30am
HIKE: RAMAPO LAKE STATE PARK
Sierra Club North Jersey Group
Oakland NJ, contact: 201-489-9321 thmo...@concentric.net
Mar 9 : Tue
REGULATORY TRAINING IN UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS
Cook College Office of Continuing Professional Education
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
New Brunswick NJ, contact: 732-932-9271 oc...@aesop.rutgers.edu
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 9 : Tue : 10:30am
SEMINAR: MANAGING URBAN ECOSYSTEMS
Hudson River Foundation & NY/NJ Harbor Estuary Program
New York NY, contact: 212-924-8290
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 9 : Tue : 7:30pm
HISTORY OF THE CRANBERRY INDUSTRY IN NJ
West Jersey Sierra Club
Cherry Hill NJ, contact: led...@erols.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 10 : Wed : 8:00pm
LECTURE: BEYOND THE HOT ZONE
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
Pennington NJ, contact: 609-737-3735 sb...@nj1.aae.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 11 : Thu : 9:00am-5:00pm
COLLOQUIUM: THE IMPACT OF TITLE VI ON ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
The New York University Environmental Law Journal
New York NY, contact: 212-998-6397 do...@turing.law.nyu.edu
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 11 : Thu
SAVEWATER '99
Water-Wise Council of New York
Harrison NY, contact: 718-817-8024
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 11 : Thu : 7:30pm
THE IMPACT OF OVER-POPULATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Sierra Club North Jersey Group
Englewood NJ, contact: 201-461-4534 bets...@aol.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 11 : Thu : 7:00pm
MUSCONETCONG WATERSHED MEETING
Oxford NJ, contact: 609-633-3812
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 14 : Sun : 10:30am
HIKE: TALLMAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Sierra Club North Jersey Group
Piermont NY, contact: 201-489-9321 thmo...@concentric.net
Mar 15-16 : Mon-Tue
THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: REGULATIONS, IDENTIFICATION
AND ASSESSMENT
Cook College Office of Continuing Professional Education
New Brunswick NJ, contact: 732-932-9271 oc...@aesop.rutgers.edu
Mar 18 : Thu : 7:30pm
THE IMPACT OF OVER-POPULATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Sierra Club North Jersey Group
Oakland NJ, contact: 201-461-4534 bets...@aol.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 20 : Sat : 11:00am
THE STRANGE WORLD OF REPTILES
Hackensack Meadowlands Environment Center and Museum
Lyndhurst NJ, contact: 201-460-8300
Mar 20 : Sat : 10:00am-3:00pm
HOOKED ON THE HUDSON
NJ Chapter of the Hudson River Fishermen's Association
Fort Lee NJ, contact: 201-837-2400 HRF...@compuserve.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 21 : Sun : 1:00pm-3:30pm
LEARN HOW TO IDENTIFY TREES AND SHRUBS IN WINTER
Sterling Forest Partnership
Tuxedo NY, contact: 914-294-3098 ster...@magiccarpet.com
Mar 21 : Sun : 9:30am
HIKE: STERLING FOREST
Sierra Club North Jersey Group
West Milford NJ, contact: 201-489-9321 thmo...@concentric.net
Mar 21 : Sun : 1:00pm
LECTURE & FIELD TRIP: HINTS OF SPRING
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
Pennington NJ, contact: 609-737-3735 sb...@nj1.aae.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 24 : Wed : 8:30am-4:00pm
CONSERVING FORESTS IN A CHANGING LANDSCAPE
Metro Forest Council
New York NY, contact: 718-965-6590
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 24 : Wed : 8:00pm
LECTURE: GRASS ROOTS AND GREEN ACRES
Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
Princeton NJ, contact: 609-737-3735 sb...@nj1.aae.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 27 : Sat : 1:00pm-3:00pm
UNPLUG SALEM PROTEST/RALLY
Coalition for Peace and Justice - Unplug Salem
NJ, contact: 609-886-7988 no...@bellatlantic.net
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 27 : Sat
ANNUAL MTG: SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Glassboro NJ, contact: http://oikos.villanova.edu/SCB/DVC99/index.html
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
Mar 28 : Sun : 10:00am
HIKE: FLAT ROCK BROOK NATURE CENTER
Sierra Club North Jersey Group
Englewood NJ, contact: 201-489-9321 thmo...@concentric.net
Mar 30 : Tue : 7:00pm-8:30pm
CAN NUCLEAR POWER HELP REDUCE GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE?
Society of Environmental Journalists
New York NY, contact: 212-715-1191 Michael...@aporter.com
[Details: http://www.gsenet.org/events.htm]
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Back issues of the Garden State EnviroNews are available at
http://www.gsenet.org/library/11gsn/11gsn.htm
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