GARDEN STATE ENVIRONEWS 040419
GSENet
GARDEN STATE ENVIRONEWS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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{*} COURT TOSSES BUILDERS' CHALLENGE TO WATER PROTECTION RULES
{*} MORE THAN 600 PACK HIGHLANDS HEARING
{*} LAWMAKERS: HIGHLANDS PLAN FLAWED
{*} HIGHLANDS MAP BOOSTS DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS
{*} LAKE HOPATCONG COMMISSION FIGHTS FOR STATE AID
{*} OFFICIALS RACE TO OPPOSE CHEMICAL WEAPONS TREATMENT PLAN
{*} DUPONT VX MONITORING PLAN CALLED PREMATURE
{*} EDITORIAL: NERVE AGENT VX
{*} SENECA LAKE AREA NOW HAS SAFE WELLS
{*} WIN/WIN WITH VAN BUSKIRK ISLAND RESTORATION
{*} DEP ANNOUNCES SOURLANDS ACQUISITIONS
{*} DEP WINS VICTORY FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
{*} HERBICIDES BY BOAT TO CONTROL AQUATIC PLANTS
{*} JERSEY CITY: DEATH OF A VIEW - APR 19
{*} FINAL VOTE ON ORADELL WETLANDS HIGHPOWER LIGHTS - APR 20
{*} PLEASE JOIN OUR EARTH DAY SOLARBRATION - APR 22
{*} RARITAN RIVER FESTIVAL - SEP 19
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Deadline is May 31, 2004!
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COURT TOSSES BUILDERS' CHALLENGE TO WATER PROTECTION RULES
Date: 16 Apr 2004
From: Scott Olson {sc...@scottolson.us}
By Steve Chambers,Star-Ledger Staff, April 16, 2004
In a victory for Gov. James E. McGreevey's water-protection policies,
the state has won a challenge to rules expanding the number of streams
receiving increased regulatory protections.
An appellate panel threw out a lawsuit by the New Jersey Builders
Association yesterday, after the group decided to abandon its case
over the designation of six streams as Category 1.
The Category 1 designation provides the highest form of protection
available.
The association declined to comment yesterday, but some lawyers
speculated that the group had decided it could mount a stronger
challenge to a separate set of new water-protection regulations.
Taken in tandem, the two sets of regulations are making it
increasingly difficult for builders in rural parts of the state,
particularly in the northern Highlands where countless streams feed
reservoirs that supply drinking water to half the state.
Environmentalists viewed yesterday's decision as a well-timed
victory, coming as the state moves forward on a much broader effort to
protect the water supply. A pending bill would sharply curtail
development in the Highlands, a seven-county region that holds the
water supply for half the state.
"It's a major victory for Gov. McGreevey's clean water and anti-
sprawl efforts," Bradley Campbell, commissioner of the state
Department of Environmental Protection, said of the court decision.
The builders' decision to withdraw from the case "reflects the fact
that these regs are strongly grounded in the law and science."
Campbell, who served as an environmental lawyer for the federal
Environmental Protection Agency, had predicted that the rules were on
firm legal footing and that DEP would prevail.
The DEP has been greatly expanding the number of pristine streams
designated as Category 1, paying particular attention to those that
feed reservoirs and other drinking water supplies.
The effort has pitted the DEP against some of the state's major
builders, threatening to kill large-scale proposals like the 911-house
Windy Acres development by Pulte Homes in Clinton and the 292-house
Milligan Farm by K. Hovnanian Companies in Union Township.
Some builders have argued that the overall strategy being employed by
McGreevey is less about science and more about fighting any and all
development.
But the appellate courts have been increasingly willing to accept
restrictions that are tied to the water supply. The DEP argues that
development in the state's last undeveloped places is introducing
"nonpoint source pollution," seeping pollutants like lawn fertilizers
and road runoff, to the water supply.
Tom Borden of the Rutgers Environmental Law Clinic in Newark, which
entered the case on behalf of various environmental groups, said the
builders didn't have a case.
"When you have a high-quality stream running through a development,
unless you can demonstrate it can be sufficiently protected, both DEP
and local government should be denying you permits."
The builders' other lawsuit, however, attacks a more radical
expansion of protection policies.
The so-called stormwater rules require developers to design systems
that allow rainwater to soak into the ground, rather than piping it
off site. The DEP hopes the rules reduce runoff pollution and retains
more water to reduce the effects of drought.
Most notably, the rules introduce a 300-foot buffer around all
Category 1 streams.
* * *
Steve Chambers covers land-use issues. He can be reached at
scha...@starledger.com or (973) 392-1674.
Copyright 2004 The Star-Ledger.
# # #
North Byram Concerned Citizens (NBCC)
http://www.NorthByram.org
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MORE THAN 600 PACK HIGHLANDS HEARING
Date: 16 Apr 2004
From: Tom Gilbert {tgil...@igc.org}
SESSION ATTRACTS FORCES FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE
By Lawrence Ragonese and Steve Chambers
Star-Ledger Staff, April 16, 2004
Forces for and against a proposed Highlands protection bill mobilized
last night for a final public hearing, sporting slogans on T- shirts,
buttons and signs and occasionally breaking into spirited debate.
A crowd of more than 600 began gathering hours early at Voorhees High
School in Hunterdon County to stake out prime territory for the
hearing before the Assembly and Senate environment committees.
The committees are expected to vote on the bill Thursday, and
builders and other opponents continued to accuse supporters of ramming
through a complex proposal with sweeping impact.
The bill (S1) would sharply curtail development in a huge
preservation area covering roughly half the northern Highlands, a
seven-county area that cuts across northwestern New Jersey and holds
the water supply for half the state.
It would create a regional council with veto power over all major
development in the sensitive watershed lands.
Commercial real estate agent Ed Croot from Long Valley debated the
merits with Ted Korth of the New Jersey Audubon Society, as they
waited outside in a chill wind for a seat.
"I'm mad as hell," shouted Croot, noting he was concerned that the
bill would limit his ability to develop industrial lots he owns in
Hardyston in Sussex County. "You are telling me you're going to
destroy jobs for Americans that I produce."
"Our natural resources are important to everyone who lives and works
in this region," Korth fired back. "We must protect them for the
benefit of all of us."
Environmentalists, outmaneuvered by a large contingent of builders
and other real estate interests at a hearing Monday in Morris County,
arrived more than two hours early last night to have their voices
heard.
"I felt strongly enough to come here, because we need to take a
longer-term view of the issue to protect New Jersey from development,"
said Jill Clougherty of Long Hill in Morris County, who arrived with
her 2-year-old son on her back and another infant in a stroller.
"I know we need jobs and places to live, but we need more than that.
We need our natural spaces, we need our water," she said. "Without
that, we have nothing."
Stuart Kramer, a builder from Long Valley who got shut out of the
hearing with hundreds of others, faulted organizers for not securing
larger halls.
"They don't want to hear from the people," he said, noting that he
viewed the bill as a "land grab."
Tom Gilbert, chairman of the Highlands Coalition and a member of the
governor's task force, accused builders "and others seeking to
maintain the status quo" of spreading misinformation about the bill.
"They are trying to play to people's fears and grossly exaggerating
the impact of the legislation on the average person," he said. "What
this will do really is benefit the public by ensuring we all have
clean water."
But Cliff Hendrickson of Belvidere, who is concerned he might not be
able to build his retirement home on seven acres he owns in White
Township, didn't want to hear those arguments.
"No one has the right to tell me what I can or can't do on my
property," he said. "It's despicable."
* * *
Copyright 2004 The Star-Ledger.
# # #
Thomas A. Gilbert, Executive Director
The Highlands Coalition
POB 118
Titusville NJ 08560
T: 609-818-1776
F: 609-737-7264
E: tgil...@igc.org
W: http://www.highlandscoalition.org/
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LAWMAKERS: HIGHLANDS PLAN FLAWED
Date: 16 Apr 2004
From: Scott Olson {sc...@scottolson.us}
By Rob Jennings, Daily Record, 04/16/04
Six Republican state lawmakers from Morris and Sussex counties
slammed legislation that would sharply curtail Highlands development
as too expensive, an affront to home rule and fatally flawed, in sharp
contrast to Gov. James E. McGreevey's support for the measure.
"No one has a clue about what the property tax implications are going
to be," said Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Mendham Township.
Merkt, along with fellow Assembly members Alex DeCroce, R-Parsippany,
Guy W. Gregg, R-Washington Township, Michael Patrick Carroll, R-Morris
Township, and Joseph Pennacchio, R-Montville, met Thursday with the
Daily Record editorial board to talk about the Highlands Water
Protection and Planning Act.
The legislators said the act would result in higher property taxes
and limit rebuilding options for homeowners in an 800,000-acre region
that covers much of Morris County.
State Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Boonton, who participated via telephone,
said emails from constituents were overwhelmingly against the
legislation. The bill is backed by the Democratic majority in the
state Legislature but also lists state Sen. Robert Martin, R-Morris
Plains, as a co-sponsor.
Martin could not be reached for comment.
Under the bill, a 15-member state regional planning council would be
empowered to block large-scale construction proposals in a "core"
Highlands region of approximately 350,000 acres. The governor would
appoint all members but must name a minimum of eight elected officials
from the Highlands region.
"You have to measure what we're going to give up versus what we are
going to get," said Merkt in arguing that municipalities are already
doing a good job in limiting development and protecting
environmentally sensitive land.
McGreevey's spokesman, Micah Rasmussen, said afterward that the
legislation is needed and defended the governor's decision to expedite
the bill's approval process only a month after the Highlands Task
Force prepared its recommendations.
Committees in the Senate and Assembly are expected to approve the
measure next week but it was unclear when a vote by the full
Legislature would be taken.
"I understand those who say we need more time, but that is exactly
the rallying cry that left us unprotected. We're out of time,"
Rasmussen said.
McGreevey has said that the Highlands Region is being developed at
the rate of 5,000 acres per year. The 1,000-square-mile region
supplies drinking water to more than 4 million state residents.
It includes 90 municipalities in Morris, Sussex, Warren, Somerset,
Hunterdon, Passaic and Bergen counties.
Gregg said that the bill would limit the rights of homeowners within
the region to rebuild, for example, if there was a fire or other
catastrophe. He speculated that a majority of people living within the
area governed by the Pinelands Commission, which strictly limits
development, would vote against the designation if they had the
chance.
"We should protect our water supply. Everyone wants to do that. But
should we have to jeopardize everyone within the Highlands to do
that?" said DeCroce.
Rasmussen said the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, which
is often compared to the Pinelands Commission, would benefit the
entire region and disputed Gregg's assessment. The Pinelands consists
of 1.1 million acres in the southern portion of the state.
"New Jersey is a better place, having gone through the experience of
preserving the Pinelands. On balance, people living in the Pinelands
will say it's been a good thing," Rasmussen said.
Officials will soon announce specifics of the core Highlands region.
A U.S. Forest Service report on the Highlands indicated that the core
area might include parts of Washington Township, Mount Olive, Boonton
Township, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Rockaway Township, the Chesters and
Roxbury.
The specifics are the source of much speculation. On Thursday, Bucco
said that he hadn't seen the map but had heard that Lake Hopatcong was
left off of it.
Rasmussen did not offer any specifics.
Carroll said the bill would give too much control to the governor,
adding that he would feel the same way even if a Republican were in
charge.
"You never give political power to your friends that you wouldn't be
happy to give to your enemies as well," Carroll said.
"This governor is absolutely going to control the future of what goes
on in our region," Merkt added.
Rasmussen said politics should not be part of the equation.
"This is a question of what are you willing to fight for. This is a
question of values. It's a question of choices," Rasmussen said.
"The values that it is going to protect are open space and drinking
water and way of life in the Highlands region," Rasmussen said.
The 15-member Highlands council would have a staff and spend 18
months preparing a regional master plan for the Highlands. The total
cost is the source of some dispute.
Rasmussen said changes would be made if necessary but did not cite
any potential funding mechanisms relating to a Highlands designation.
"This is something that we can continue to monitor and keep track of
and refine and address," Rasmussen said.
Republican opponents of the bill acknowledged receiving campaign
contributions from Realtors and builders but said that had no bearing
on their viewpoints. Gregg noted that builders and Realtors also
donate heavily to Democrats.
"I don't believe you could make the argument, based on the amount
I've received, that I've been 'bought' on the issue," Merkt said.
Gregg said the bill should be extensively debated before a vote is
held.
"If this is the vehicle, it needs a lot of work and it needs a lot of
time," Gregg said. "We are not, in any way, manner or form,
obstructionists. We better get this right, because this thing is going
to affect 1.3 million people, in perpetuity."
* * *
Rob Jennings can be reached at rjen...@gannett.com or
(973) 989-0652. Copyright 2004 Daily Record.
# # #
North Byram Concerned Citizens (NBCC)
http://www.NorthByram.org
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HIGHLANDS MAP BOOSTS DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS
Date: 17 Apr 2004
From: Scott Olson {sc...@scottolson.us}
GOVERNOR'S NEWLY UNVEILED PLAN CALLS FOR BUILDING
LIMITS ON A WIDER SWATH OF PRIVATE LAND
By Steve Chambers, Star-Ledger Staff, April 17, 2004
Gov. James E. McGreevey's proposal to save the northern Highlands
finally came out of the closet yesterday. And there was at least one
big surprise.
A map of core preservation areas, where development will be sharply
curtailed, increased slightly to 395,000 acres. But the amount of
privately owned, undeveloped land in the core jumped dramatically from
earlier estimates, to 145,000 acres.
Roughly 45 percent of the core preservation area - the most important
watershed lands in a seven-county region that supplies drinking water
to half the state - is already preserved. Another 20 percent is
developed.
McGreevey and his environmental scientists have, from the beginning,
stressed that the map was a work in progress. Their earliest
estimates, however, talked about restrictions on as many as 110,000
acres of private land or as little as 60,000 acres.
The absence of a map had become a lightning rod for criticism, with
builders, farmers and others railing about a government land grab
being conducted in secrecy. Environmentalists praised the map and said
the logic of saving the core had now become obvious.
"The map gives the average person an understanding of where these
lands are and why they are important," said Jeff Tittel of the state
Sierra Club chapter. "They see the reservoirs, the streams that feed
them, the forests."
The increase in privately owned land is likely to fuel even more
opposition, however, by builders and some landowners. The New Jersey
Builders Association was still analyzing a 25-page description of the
core's boundaries released yesterday and declined to comment. An
actual map wasn't released until nearly 6 p.m.
Tittel said one key reason for the increase is that elected officials
had asked that important environmental lands in their towns be added.
He specifically cited Lebanon and Tewksbury townships as two places
where that happened.
In a joint press release, sponsors of the bill that would enact
McGreevey's proposal said it was important to unveil the core
publicly. They stressed that changes could be suggested for 30 days
beginning Thursday, when the Assembly and Senate environment
committees are scheduled to vote. The bill would still require
approval by the full Legislature.
"Now, residents can see more clearly that we're not trying to prevent
development in the entire Highlands region, just steer unhealthy
development away from the most sensitive areas," said Assemblyman John
F. McKeon (D-Essex), a key sponsor. "I defy anyone to disagree that
the core areas we have targeted for preservation are critical to the
future of New Jersey's drinking water supply."
Much of the 145,000 acres of privately owned land in the core is on
steep slopes, wetlands or crossed by pristine streams, making it much
harder to develop even under current environmental rules.
If the pending bill (S1/A2635) passes, a regional council dominated
by locally elected officials would have veto power over all
residential development on more than one acre and all commercial
development on more than two acres. Tough environmental regulation -
banning, for example, development on steep slopes, along streams and
in forests - would begin immediately.
Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex), the other key sponsor, said numerous
amendments are being drafted in response to criticisms that have
surfaced during a series of public hearings.
One important change, he said, would exempt towns trying to do road
work or build ballfields. There also are ongoing negotiations with
farmers, who are concerned that agriculture is not specifically named
as a "preferred use" in the region. About 35,000 acres of farmland are
in the core, only about 3,800 acres of which are already preserved.
The amendments won't likely sway the most angry builders and
landowners, however. And even legislators who raised questions said
the release of the map is just the beginning.
"Even mayors who thought this was a good idea are starting to say,
'Let's slow down and get this right,'" said Assemblyman Guy Gregg (R-
Sussex). "Can this bill be fixed so everyone agrees? I don't know."
* * *
Staff Writer Lawrence Ragonese contributed to this story.
Copyright 2004 The Star-Ledger.
# # #
North Byram Concerned Citizens (NBCC)
http://www.NorthByram.org
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LAKE HOPATCONG COMMISSION FIGHTS FOR STATE AID
Date: 040416
From: http://www.njherald.com/
By Lynn Olanoff, Herald Staff Writer, April 15, 2004
The Lake Hopatcong Commission, which protects the water quality of
the state's largest lake, will have to cut costs - and could face a
shutdown - if the state doesn't renew funding by July, officials said
Wednesday.
For the third year in a row, Gov. James E. McGreevey did not include
the funding in his state budget.
"Why is the governor selective in choosing what water to protect?"
questioned Assemblyman Guy Gregg, R-Sussex, who, along with state Sen.
Robert Littell, R-Sussex, has a bill pending to permanently fund the
commission.
"I find it almost ironic we can't fund the Lake Hopatcong Commission,
we can't fund watershed aid, when his first priority is protecting
water in the Highlands," he continued.
Commission officials say they need about $1 million annually for an
adequate operating budget, and about $500,000 annually for capital
projects.
In 2002, the commission operated off the remainder of its $3 million
start-up fund from 2001, and last year, state budget negotiations
yielded a reduced $500,000 in funding.
State budget negotiation "seems to be the only potential way to get
funds," said County Engineer Eric Grove, who is Sussex County's
representative on the commission, as well as the chairman of its
budget committee. "It's kind of frustrating and challenging being on
this roller coaster effect, not knowing if we have funding. Imagine
what it's like to work for the commission."
The commission was created in 2001 with the duty of maintaining the
quality of Lake Hopatcong and its surroundings. An 11-member board, of
both local and state officials, runs the commission and its nine staff
members. Seven field staff were furloughed for six weeks last year to
cut costs, when the commission's executive director also was laid off
for the same reason. One of the main chores of the commission is
harvesting the weeds from the lake.
Local and state officials said Wednesday that it is likely the
commission will receive state funding by July, but they are frustrated
by the continuous battle with state administration officials.
Gregg said he is hopeful the commission will receive funding, despite
the Democratic majority in the state Legislature.
"These are things one should assume aren't negotiable in the budget -
you just fund it," Gregg said Wednesday.
An administration official said Wednesday that the state supports
funding the commission.
"We're working with the Legislature to identify and come up with
funding sources," said Elaine Makatura, spokeswoman for the state
Department of Environmental Protection. "(DEP) Commissioner (Bradley)
Campbell recognizes the importance of funding for the Lake Hopatcong
Commission."
Hopatcong Mayor Richard Hodson, also a commission member, said
Wednesday he believes the commission will receive some funding this
year, but members will meet Monday to discuss future options.
"Do we go into some kind of pre-shutdown role to maintain funding
until June?" he said. "We just don't know where we are, but I think we
anticipate continuing in one way or another."
The Sussex County freeholders unanimously passed a resolution
Wednesday urging the state to permanently fund the commission.
"We're essentially being ignored by the state," said Freeholder Susan
Zellman.
* * *
(c) 2000, 1999, Quincy Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved.
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OFFICIALS RACE TO OPPOSE CHEMICAL WEAPONS TREATMENT PLAN
Date: 040418
From: http://www.nj.com/newsflash/jersey/
Associated Press, 4/17/04
Wilmington, Del. - Delaware and New Jersey officials raced to
complete a second round of objections to a plan for shipping chemical
weapon disposal waste to a DuPont plant on the Delaware River.
The move on Friday came after an Army manager said an opposition
statement sent by both governors last week failed to qualify as a
formal public comment.
"To me, that's hairsplitting. I want to tell you that the intent of
those of us who participated in drafting that letter was to drive a
stake in the heart of a vampire," said John A. Hughes, secretary of
Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
Col. Jesse L. Barber, who is managing the Army's disposal project,
said he was unable to count the recent letter from Gov. Ruth Ann
Minner and Gov. James E. McGreevey among comments due to the agency by
Monday because the state's chief executives addressed their concerns
to the secretary of the Army rather than the project record in
Indiana.
He said that the concerns of Minner and McGreevey will be addressed.
However, he said his agency believes DuPont already has the clearances
needed to treat the waste.
Defense officials now are mainly assessing impacts and accepting
comments on the plan to transport the wastewater from an Army depot in
Indiana, he said.
"If anyone thinks the governors' letter to the secretary would be
considered a submission against the FONSI (transportation plan) that's
a bit of a stretch," Barber said.
FONSI is the Army's proposed finding of no significant impact.
"What I see in this is that the Army's playing games and trying to
find technicalities and loopholes to avoid making the decision that
clearly needs to be made," said Maya K. van Rossum, director of the
Delaware Riverkeeper Network, a multistate environmental organization.
Van Rossum, who is an attorney, said her organization planned to
demand a full environmental impact study on the river despite the
Army's claim that it was unnecessary.
New Jersey's top environmental officer said earlier this month that
his state was weighing the need for the same study.
The Army wants to begin neutralizing a 1,269-ton stockpile of VX
nerve agent this summer, potentially shipping 4 million gallons of
caustic waste to Deepwater over two to four years.
An international treaty obliges the United States to destroy its
chemical weapon stores.
- - -
On the Net:
http://www.dupont.com
* * *
(c) 2004 NJ.com. All Rights Reserved.
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DUPONT VX MONITORING PLAN CALLED PREMATURE
Date: 18 Apr 2004
From: "Peter Montague" {Pe...@rachel.org}
COMPANY SAYS THIRD PARTY COULD MONITOR RIVER POLLUTION
By Jeff Montgomery
Wilmington (DE) News Journal Staff reporter, Apr. 16, 2004
Delaware and New Jersey regulators on Thursday termed "premature" a
DuPont Co. proposal for an independent third party to monitor
pollution from a chemical weapons waste disposal project at a New
Jersey plant near the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
DuPont endorsed the outside review in an open letter advertisement
responding to citizen concerns about treatment of caustic wastewater
from an Army VX nerve agent disposal project in Newport, Ind.
The Army wants to give DuPont a contract to treat up to 4 million
gallons of the material at its Chambers Works wastewater plant.
Payment terms have not been disclosed.
DuPont said it would await the results of a Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention evaluation before accepting a contract. But the
company and Army also recommended the Philadelphia-based Academy of
Natural Sciences conduct a study of the effect on the Delaware River
once treatment begins.
"It's contrary to our position that we don't want the project to go
forward as proposed," said Kevin C. Donnelly, water resources director
for Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental
Control, said when asked about the third-party recommendation.
"It's premature to talk about monitoring after the fact," said Sam
Wolfe, deputy commissioner for regulation at the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection. "What we need is to assess the
environmental impact before DuPont starts accepting" the material for
treatment.
Last week, the governors of both states called on the Army to treat
the wastes near the Indiana stockpile instead of shipping the material
1,000 miles to DuPont. Both cited risks from new discharges into the
river, inadequate environmental studies and evidence that DuPont's
process would do little to remove two obscure compounds from the
waste.
DuPont spokesman Anthony Farina said the company considered the CDC
study an important response to public concerns about the project.
"We're certainly confident in our science and the assessments we've
completed," Farina said.
Newport stores about 4 percent of the nation's stockpile of VX, one
of the world's deadliest chemical weapons. The Army late last month
sent a small amount of the Newport VX to Maryland for a final analysis
prior to the start of a neutralization project now expected to begin
in late summer.
Col. Jesse L. Barber, alternative technologies and approaches manager
for the Army Chemical Materials Agency, said he hoped to discuss the
study as early as today with the Academy of Natural Sciences. But he
also said the military is prepared to build four 400,000-gallon tanks
at Newport for long-term storage of neutralized VX if the DuPont plan
falls through.
The military is working to destroy the nation's stockpile of chemical
weapons to comply with an international treaty.
* * *
Reach Jeff Montgomery at 678-4277 or jmont...@delawareonline.com.
Copyright 2004, The News Journal
# # #
Rachel's Environment & Health News
Environmental Research Foundation
POB 160
New Brunswick NJ 08903-0160
T: 732-828-9995
F: 732-791-4603
E: e...@rachel.org
W: http://www.rachel.org
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EDITORIAL: NERVE AGENT VX
Date: 18 Apr 2004
From: "Peter Montague" {Pe...@rachel.org}
DISPOSING OF A COLD WAR-ERA PROBLEM
Editorial, Philadelphia Inquirer, Apr. 17, 2004
The United States once churned out one of the world's deadliest nerve
agents by the ton. A Cold War was on, and, to some, chemical weapons
seemed a legitimate form of defense.
But now those stockpiles of lethal VX must be destroyed - and not
only because America has agreed to under the international chemical
weapons convention. Post 9/11, there shouldn't be a speck of VX or any
other chemical weapons around for terrorists to grab.
The U.S. Army has been working for years to develop a safe and
efficient VX disposal plan. But a current proposal to destroy 1,200
tons of VX and ship the byproduct to South Jersey for further
treatment still has too many unanswered questions. Chief among them:
Is this 100 percent safe for people and the environment?
Those questions must be settled if the Army has any hope of swaying
increasingly skeptical government officials in New Jersey and
Delaware.
Even so, it will be a very tough sell.
The current proposal would have the VX chemically destroyed at the
military site where it is stored - the Newport Chemical Depot in
Newport, Ind. Left behind would be about two million gallons of a
watery residue called hydrolysate. The caustic but nonlethal
hydrolysate would then be trucked about 630 miles to DuPont's Secure
Environmental Treatment facility in Deepwater, NJ, near the Delaware
Memorial Bridge.
It would take trucks two years to complete the shipments.
After the hydrolysate went through further treatment at DuPont, a
liquid the Army says is harmless would then be dumped into the
Delaware River. Mother Nature would do the final treatment - diluting
the liquid still more as it headed out to the ocean.
New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey and Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and
their respective environmental departments recently have raised red
flags about the plan. Some of their objections, stated in a letter
sent to the Army this month, are overblown - such as incorrectly
saying that two chemicals left in the treated hydrolysate would pose
"significant risk."
But other objections have merit, including the worry that an increase
in phosphorous caused by discharge of the treated hydrolysate could
harm aquatic life in this precious regional waterway. Pennsylvania
environmental officials, by the way, have been bewilderingly silent
here.
What is needed next are two new and exhaustive disposal plan reviews.
One, already planned by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, must establish there is not a genuine risk to the millions
of humans who recreate in, and draw their drinking water from, the
Delaware. The Army needs to assign an independent science body -
before disposal - to assess whether this plan would threaten fish and
other aquatic life.
The Army has done itself no favors by initially underplaying public
disclosure of the disposal plan and raising suspicions of secrecy.
Finally, though, adequate public hearings have been held. The public
comment period on the DuPont plan ends on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Army has made a smart decision. It will begin the
initial VX destruction at Newport. The hydrolysate residue will then
be stored in tanks there until a final disposal scheme is decided.
Given rising local opposition to the plan, the Army should develop an
alternative course, perhaps exploring the construction of a treatment
facility at the Newport site.
But McGreevey, Minner and other heads of states would do well to
remember this: It's in the national interest that these stocks of VX
are destroyed. If all states say "Not in My Back Yard," it won't get
done.
* * *
2004 Philadelphia Inquirer
# # #
Rachel's Environment & Health News
Environmental Research Foundation
POB 160
New Brunswick NJ 08903-0160
T: 732-828-9995
F: 732-791-4603
E: e...@rachel.org
W: http://www.rachel.org
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SENECA LAKE AREA NOW HAS SAFE WELLS
Date: 15 Apr 2004
From: Scott Olson {sc...@scottolson.us}
DRINKING WATER WAS TAINTED BY URANIUM
By Jim Lockwood, Star-Ledger Staff, April 15, 2004
Residents of Seneca Lake in Sparta and Byram can drink their
household tap water again, as supply wells containing high levels of
potentially harmful uranium have been replaced with safe wells,
officials announced yesterday.
The advisory against drinking tap water lasted 36 days. As
compensation for the inconvenience, the 600 affected homeowners now
will receive a $20 break in their water bills, in the form of a credit
in a quarterly service fee, Sparta Township Manager Henry Underhill
said.
"Some may not feel it ($20) is not enough, but we feel it's a
reasonable accommodation," Underhill said.
The high uranium levels were found after new EPA rules went into
effect in December requiring water systems fed by wells serving 25 or
more people to be tested for uranium by 2007.
Seneca Lake's system was the first in the state to find too much
uranium in seven feeder wells. The 600 homeowners were notified in
early March about the problem and advised not to drink tap water,
though it could still have been used safely for bathing, laundry and
brushing teeth.
In the meantime, many affected residents were getting drinking water
from a 6,200-gallon tanker truck the town had stationed at the local
fire department.
Uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive element and chemical, can
cause cancer or kidney toxicity if too much is ingested over a long
time, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
At a March 24 public forum on the uranium problem, state and town
officials told a crowd that the health risks from drinking the water
were minimal.
After more than a decade of review, the EPA set a maximum contaminant
level for uranium at 30 micrograms per liter. A person drinking 2
liters of water a day with 30 micrograms of uranium for 70 years would
have a one-in-10,000 chance of getting cancer.
Uranium exists in bedrock granite that wells tap in a rock formation
known as the Reading Prong, a billion-year-old formation that is the
oldest in the state, stretching across western Passaic and Morris
counties and parts of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon counties.
Seneca Lake's water supply is now being fed by connections to other
nearby wells that do not have high uranium levels, Underhill said.
"All seven wells that had been the supply to the Seneca Lake region
and which were impacted by uranium have been taken off line," Sparta's
Water Utility said in a statement.
The fix may end up being temporary, as the town will review whether
the seven wells with high uranium levels can be treated to reduce the
levels, Underhill said. If that is possible and cost-effective, the
seven wells may end up being used again, he said.
Another option may involve pilot studies on treatment conducted by
Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken and Picatinny Arsenal in
Rockaway, both of which have experience with uranium treatment, he
said.
Sparta also has long been planning to create another source of
drinking water for the town by tapping the Germany Flats aquifer on
White Lake Road. The town recently received state approval to proceed
with this project and hopes to have a new water-production facility
constructed within a year, Underhill said.
* * *
Jim Lockwood can be reached at jloc...@starledger.com or
(973) 383-0516.
Copyright 2004 The Star-Ledger.
# # #
North Byram Concerned Citizens (NBCC)
http://www.NorthByram.org
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WIN/WIN WITH VAN BUSKIRK ISLAND RESTORATION
Date: 16 Apr 2004
From: MAGP...@aol.com
BERGEN COUNTY HAS A WIN/WIN WITH VAN BUSKIRK ISLAND RESTORATION
April 16, 2004
Hackensack - On Wednesday, April 14, the Bergen County Freeholders
heard a strong proposal from Historic Architect David Gibson and
Landscape Architect Thomas Balsley to begin stabilization of the
Historic Hackensack Water Works and create Van Buskirk Park on Van
Buskirk Island in Oradell. Former County Executive Pat Schuber's
previous proposal to demolish the National Landmark Eligible site and
create a "Roman ruin," an amphitheater, a demolition debris mound and
a new embayment had been resoundingly rejected in June, 2003, by NJ
DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell. Commissioner Campbell adopted a
resolution that calls for stabilization of the important historic site
and a full preservation proposal that assures the integration of
preservation and interpretation of the buildings with the development
of the park. In August, 2003, County Executive McNerney accepted that
resolution and agreed to proceed with stabilization and a preservation
proposal. Dr. Angela Cristini, biologist head of the Educational
Technology Graduate program at Ramapo College who directs the
Meadowlands Environmental Education Center, stated that "every
environmentalist in the state should embrace preserving the Historic
Hackensack Water Works and Bergen County's approach. This is an
unprecedented opportunity for educating the public about pure, safe
water issues. It is quite simply an extension of the extremely
important efforts to preserve the Highlands and the Hackensack River
system."
The Historic Hackensack Water Company was one of the first
environmentally aware groups in New Jersey. As early as the 1890's,
the Hackensack Water Company was buying up watershed land to protect
the water supply and lobbying towns to prevent development in areas
that would impact that water supply. Waterborn disease was a major
issue in New Jersey and throughout the nation until 1902. The
invention of the Rapid Sand Filtration Method pioneered at the
Hackensack Water Works freed citizens from constant outbreaks of
cholera and typhoid. This site is the last remaining, intact site of
its kind in the nation and stands as a monument to pure water supply,
watershed protection and clean water issues. Nothing could be more
appropriate than an historic site on the Hackensack River paired with
an environmental park and utilized to educate about the history of
clean water and the dangers to a pure, safe water supply from
pollution of all types.
Commissioner Bradley Campbell said that the Historic Water Works is
listed on the New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places and
is eligible for National Historic Landmark designation. Its national
significance stems from its role in the development of water
purification through the rapid sand filtration method and a carbon
filtration system enabling delivery of untainted water to cities and
towns across the country. The machinery within the buildings, intact
and spanning a period over one hundred years, documents key
developments of the Industrial Revolution, particularly the evolution
from steam to electricity.
According to a report by the Hart Crowser Environmental Engineering
Firm, Schuber's previous proposal raised considerable environmental
concerns and did not constitute a sound ecological solution to the
floodplain area. Schuber's proposal had not sufficiently considered
all the ramifications of the proposed modifications relative to
hydraulics, hydrology, water quality, flood control, recreational use
and park maintenance. Specifically, the embayment Schuber had proposed
posed a danger of further damaging the flow of the already flow-
altered Hackensack River. It also would have increased the existing
floatable debris and mosquito breeding problems and would have had a
potential damaging effect on water quality. Further, the demolition
debris mound Schuber proposed would act to reduce flood storage and
increase flooding problems at the site and in New Milford. His
proposal to use demolition material to construct a backdrop "knoll"
amounted to the construction of a solid waste facility on the island.
Schuber's proposal actually reduced the available open space on the
island due to the creation of a cement amphitheater and the demolition
debris knoll.
The current proposal before the Bergen County Freeholders is a
win/win for Van Buskirk Island and the Historic Hackensack Water
Works. It provides a thoughtful approach to the ecology and
environment of the island while at the same time preserving the
National Historic site for all of the citizens of Bergen County. It is
a sound and fitting approach to this environmentally and historically
important site.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DEP ANNOUNCES SOURLANDS ACQUISITIONS
Date: 15 Apr 2004
From: "Jennifer Tomko" {Jennife...@dep.state.nj.us}
NEW JERSEY LAND PRESERVATION INITIATIVE MOVES FORWARD
April 15, 2004
West Amwell - In response to Governor McGreevey's call for the
preservation of open space, Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced the
preservation of eight significant properties in the Sourland Mountain
region. The DEP Green Acres program preserved the properties, which
are located in East Amwell Township, Hopewell Township and West Amwell
Township.
"The Sourland Mountain region is a precious New Jersey resource
facing tremendous growth pressure," said Governor McGreevey. "By
preserving these properties, the state of New Jersey is protecting
biodiversity and drinking water resources and ensuring a promising
future for an area threatened by rapid development."
The Sourland Mountain region is a 94 square mile area in Hunterdon,
Mercer and Somerset Counties noted for its water resources and mature,
intact forests and wetlands. It contains portions of Lambertville,
East Amwell Township, Hillsborough Township, Hopewell Borough,
Hopewell Township, Montgomery Township and West Amwell Township.
"By preserving these properties in East Amwell, Hopewell and West
Amwell, the State of New Jersey will protect valuable water resources,
conserve lush forests and wetlands and provide habitat for vulnerable
endangered species so that future generations of these species might
thrive," Campbell added.
Standing with local, state government and community leaders at
Fiddler's Creek Farm, Campbell announced the acquisition of the 197-
acre turkey farm located in West Amwell. The preservation of Fiddler's
Creek Farm creates a continuous expanse of preserved land connecting
the Delaware River Greenway and the Sourland Mountain Greenway.
Fiddler's Creek Farm consists of forested stream corridor, hayfields
and pasture and commands a 360-degree view of the surrounding
countryside, the Delaware River and Bowman's Tower in Pennsylvania. A
branch of Moores Creek, which supports 18 species of fish, flows
through the property, connecting it to other preserved properties
including the Howell Living History Farm and Baldpate Mountain.
Delaware & Raritan Greenway, the Green Acres Program Hunterdon County
and West Amwell Township were partners in the preservation of
Fiddler's Creek Farm.
The Delaware & Raritan Greenway was instrumental in protecting
Fiddler's Creek Farm and three additional Sourlands properties
announced today.
"The preservation of the eight properties announced today by
Commissioner Campbell represents a giant step forward in the
protection of the Sourlands region," Delaware & Raritan Greenway
Executive Director Linda J. Mead. "The Sourlands are a critical
natural resource for central New Jersey. The source of the headwaters
for the streams that provide the drinking water for over 1 million
people and the deep forest breeding habitat essential to the survival
of many species of neo-tropical birds are all located in the
Sourlands. D&R Greenway is proud to be a partner with the DEP Green
Acres Program in the ongoing initiative to preserve the Sourlands and
complete the Sourlands Greenway."
In addition to Fiddler's Creek Farm, Commissioner Campbell announced
the preservation of the following properties, all of which will adjoin
other preserved lands to create a greenway of open space in the
Sourland Mountain region. Each of the properties plays an integral
role in maintaining the quality of the local watershed, and their
protection will further Governor McGreevey's goal of safeguarding New
Jersey's drinking water resources.
- DEP purchased three wooded West Amwell properties totaling 288
acres and a 55-acre Hopewell Township tract that will be important
components of the Crossroads of the American Revolution greenway.
In 2003, Governor McGreevey commemorated the 225th anniversary of
the Battle of Monmouth by appropriating $10 million for the
Crossroads of American Revolution initiative to preserve
Revolutionary War-era historical sites such as battlegrounds,
barracks, revolutionary leaders' homes and encampment sites. When
completed, the open space preserved under the Crossroads of the
American Revolution project will extend west toward historic
Lambertville, north toward the Sourland Mountains and south to the
Washington Crossing State Park.
- DEP preserved a 58-acre East Amwell Township property that consists
of woodlands, vernal pools and cleared farm fields. This property
will be linked to the 1000-acre Northern Stony Brook Preserve.
Delaware & Raritan Greenway contributed to the preservation of this
property.
- DEP acquired a 31-acre East Amwell Twp property, which consists of
wooded areas and wetlands, purchased in partnership with D &R
Greenway, which adjoins the Lindbergh Estate and the D&R Greenway's
Bromley Preserve. Delaware & Raritan Greenway assisted in the
preservation of this property.
- DEP protected a 15-acre, wooded West Amwell Township property that
adjoins the United Water Property preserved in 2003 and other
preserved lands in the Sourlands and is a critical link for
connecting lands. Delaware & Raritan Greenway also helped to
preserve this property.
The Sourlands region contains 25,000 acres of contiguous forest,
7,500 acres of wetlands and 18,186 acres of agricultural land (as of
1995) in active production. Groundwater recharge and various streams
in the Sourlands supply the Delaware & Raritan Canal, which provides
water to about one million New Jersey residents.
The Sourlands region's forests and wetlands provide habitat to
threatened and endangered animal species including the barred owl,
bobcat, Cooper's hawk, grasshopper sparrow, savannah sparrow, upland
sandpiper and wood turtle. In addition, the Sourlands serves as a
stopover area for migratory birds that travel between South and
Central America and the Arctic as well as forest birds migrating
between Washington, D.C., and Boston. The area also supports a large
population of deep-woods birds such as scarlet tanagers and barred
owls.
Preserving open space in the Sourland Mountain region is among the
Green Acres Program's top priorities. Since Governor McGreevey took
office, the Green Acres Program has protected a total of 2,075 acres
in the Sourlands region. Under its State Land Acquisition Program,
Green Acres preserved 1,418 acres at a cost of $9.23 million. Green
Acres also has several active projects and is negotiating with
multiple landowners to purchase nearly 500 additional acres through
the State Land Acquisition Program at a projected cost of $2.8
million.
The Green Acres Program also made expenditures of $2.27 million to
local partners to protect 656.7 acres in the Sourlands and approved an
additional $7.45 million for local land acquisition in the Sourland
Mountain region under the McGreevey Administration.
Since Governor McGreevey took office, the Green Acres Program has
acquired 51,428 acres of open space -32,923 acres for state projects,
10,232 acres for local projects and 8,273 acres for nonprofit groups.
To date, the Green Acres Program has protected more than 533,434 acres
of open space and provided funding to develop hundreds of parks
statewide. The statewide system of preserved open space and farmland
totals more than 1.24 million acres.
For more information about the Green Acres Program, visit the website
at http://www.nj.gov/dep/greenacres.
* * *
Contact: Erin Phalon, (609)984-1795
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DEP WINS VICTORY FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Date: 16 Apr 2004
From: "Debra Hoover" {Debra....@dep.state.nj.us}
REMAINING PORTION OF BLACK CREEK SITE
LISTED TO NEW JERSEY REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES
April 16, 2004
Trenton - Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner
Bradley M. Campbell today applauded a court ruling in favor of DEP's
position that all 40-acres of the Black Creek Native American Site
must be protected and its history preserved.
"I'm grateful that the court has vindicated our efforts to save a
precious resource from destruction," said Campbell. "New Jersey could
have lost thousands of years of Native American history. We always
support local community efforts to develop recreational spaces but it
need not come at the expense of other local treasures like the Black
Creek Native American site. I am also pleased that the court
recognized our efforts to accommodate the interests of the township
prior to listing the site.
The Black Creek Native American Site, in Vernon Township, Sussex
County is a 40-acre parcel of land with significant archaeological and
historic value.
"Ten thousand years of human history are now saved, not just for
Native Americans, but all citizens who respect history and for their
sons and daughters," said the Tribe's attorney, Greg Werkheiser of the
law firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice. "The Tribe is most
grateful for this decision. We thank the Commissioner of the DEP for
his courage, and the hundreds of supporters who have stood by the
Tribe during this long battle for their humble dedication. Your
friendship will not be forgotten."
Previously, four acres of the south field portion of the site were
not included when the DEP originally listed the site in January 2002.
The remaining four acres were remanded back to the State Review Board
for further deliberation.
However, in April 2002, just moments before Vernon Township called an
emergency meeting to hire a contractor to bulldoze the area to create
recreational playing fields, Commissioner Campbell listed the
remaining four acres of the Black Creek Site to the NJ Register of
Historic Places. This was later appealed by the Township of Vernon.
Thousands of artifacts dating from approximately 8500 BC to 1700 AD
have been uncovered at the Black Creek Site which is one of the last
areas to exhibit settlement in northern New Jersey by the Lenni
Lenape. The artifacts uncovered are indicative of 10,000 years of
human habitation on the site.
Besides the Black Creek Site, only four of approximately 1,626 sites
listed in the NJ Register are Native American sites. The NJ Department
of Transportation discovered the site in the early 1990's as part of a
bridge replacement project on Maple Grange Road.
Today's ruling was issued by the Superior Court of New Jersey's
Appellate Division.
* * *
Contact: Elaine Makatura, (609) 292-2994
NJ Department of Environmental Protection
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HERBICIDES BY BOAT TO CONTROL AQUATIC PLANTS
Date: 16 Apr 2004
From: "Marcia Blackwell" {mar...@celion.com}
County: Monmouth
Printed In: Home News Tribune, East Brunswick
Printed On: 2004/04/16
Public Notice:
_____
OTHER HEADINGS
Application of the following herbicides may be made by boat to control
aquatic plants at:
* The Ridge at Back Brook Pds, Sun Ridge Pd (Hunterdon Co.);
* Southwind Farm Pds, Village Grande at Bear Creek Pds (Mercer Co.);
* The Bedens Brook Club Pds, Fiddlers Elbow GC Pds, Fox Hollow GC Pds
(Somerset Co.);
* Canterbury at Piscataway Pds, Clearbrook Community Pds, Plainfeld
CC Pds, Ponds at Clearbrook Lk, Princeton Walk Pd (Middlesex Co.);
* Four Seasons-Upper Freehold Pds, Rumson CC Pds, Weamaconk Lk,
Windmill Club Lk, (Monmouth Co.);
* Garwood Brook Stream Corridor, Shackamaxon Lk (Union Co.);
April 20, 2004 to May 20, 2004: Reward (diquat), Rodeo (glyphosate),
Sonar (fluridone), Aquathol-K (endothall), Nautique (copper), Cutrine-
Plus (copper), Captain (copper) or Copper Sulfate.
A copy of the label for the aquatic pesticide(s) that will be used is
available upon request. Prior notification of date of application will
be provided by applicator/business by request.
Lorraine Mizak, Great Blue Inc. (95986A), 980 Old Foundry Rd, Newton,
NJ 07860, 973-300-0800. For emergencies contact NJPIES 800-222-1222.
For routine health inquiries & for info about signs & symptoms of
pesticide exposure contact NPTN, 800-858-7378. For pesticide
regulation information, pesticide complaints & health referrals
contact NJDEP PCP at 609-984-6666.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
JERSEY CITY: DEATH OF A VIEW - APR 19
Date: 18 Apr 2004
From: FBW {f...@betterwaterfront.org}
From 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 19, a 300-foot long black shroud
will stretch across the top of the Palisades on Paterson Plank Road
near Congress Street in Jersey City. The spectacular panoramic views
to Hoboken, the Hudson River and New York City Skyline will be blacked
out. This temporary barrier will provide a glimpse into the future
envisioned by Hoboken Mayor David Roberts and his City Council who
have been paving the way for another massive development project. This
luxury residential building, proposed at the base of the Palisades at
800 Jackson Street, measures 300 feet long and up to 152 feet high.
(See images {http://www.betterwaterfront.com/docs/d00532004.shtml}.)
Since the Palisades cliffs rise about 100 feet at this location, the
building would loom from three to five stories above the top of the
cliffs!
Join the Hudson County Alliance, Riverview Neighborhood Association,
Quality of Life Coalition, People for Open Government, Residents for
Responsible Development and the Fund for a Better Waterfront in
mourning the potential loss of this great regional asset, the
Palisades cliffs and the wonderful view that has been enjoyed by all.
These Jersey City and Hoboken groups have joined residents throughout
the area to fight back. Prior to the April 7 Hoboken City Council
meeting, 100 people picketed City Hall with signs that read "Save the
Palisades" and "High-Rise Roberts." Read the latest news in Jersey
Journal {http://nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-
0/108219306671730.xml}.
The final vote by the Hoboken City Council on amendments that would
facilitate the approval of 800 Jackson Street project is scheduled for
Wednesday night, April 21 at 7 p.m. The Council will also cast its
final vote on a proposal to erect a 275-foot high hotel on Hoboken's
waterfront (50 feet higher than Hoboken's tallest buildings, 1 and 2
Marine View Plaza). Read John Gregorio's letter, Make hotel tower fit
Hoboken - it can be done
{http://nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/letters-
2/108219303471730.xml} in Saturday's Jersey Journal for additional
information. There will be public hearings on both of these proposed
ordinances that amend redevelopment areas in Hoboken. The two measures
will, in effect, spot zone to benefit developer Dean Geibel at 800
Jackson Street and Applied Companies at Block B at Hoboken' s South
Waterfront.
The newly drafted Hoboken Master Plan maps the 800 Jackson Street
site as public open space. See article: Master Plan or master sham?
{http://www.betterwaterfront.com/news/00772004.shtml}
* * *
Fund for a Better Waterfront
201-217-0500
r...@betterwaterfront.org
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FINAL VOTE ON ORADELL WETLANDS HIGHPOWER LIGHTS - APR 20
Date: 17 Apr 2004
From: MommieE...@aol.com
The 24.2 acres of Weltand Watershed and it's many creatures both
flora and fauna will have their fate decided this Tuesday by the
Oradell Mayor and Council.
The plans to erect eight towers of 80 foot lights and two towers of
60 foot lights will be voted upon, and most likely passed if people DO
NOT take action and vocalize to the mayor and council that this cannot
go on again. There is too little environment left to risk illuminating
24.2 wetland acres into perpetual daylight, and thus losing what life
has come back to the Ridgewood Avenue Forest.
We need to let Oradell know that we CARE about our open space, our
preservation of the environment and the need to respect the very
little natural areas we have left in this State.
Please come out on Tuesday, April 20th at 7:30pm and show your
support for the preservation of the Wetland Watershed and speak out
AGAINST the gigantic high power lights and the pollution, damage and
harm they can and already have caused the forest and their creatures.
Oradell Borough Hall
355 Kinderkamack Road
Oradell, NJ 07649
We are depending on you. Please help to stop further damage to the
wetland watershed in Oradell. The Council has the paperwork complete
and ready to sign for these massive lights, please help stop them!
* * *
EEM...@aol.com
Emily and Zach Martin
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PLEASE JOIN OUR EARTH DAY SOLARBRATION - APR 22
Date: 14 Apr 2004
From: "Federico, Carmela M." {fede...@ADM.NJIT.EDU}
Whole Foods Market, BP Solar, SunEdison,
the NJ Board of Public Utilities and A-Net Energy
Cordially invite you to attend our Earth Day celebration and
dedication of our BP Solar Business Solution 120 kilowatt, 140,000
sq.ft. Solar Array atop the Whole Foods Market in Edgewater, NJ.
Featuring:
Mark Wilkins, Store Manager, Whole Foods Market
Jeanne M. Fox, President, NJ Board of Public Utilities
Mary Shields, Regional President, BP Solar North America
Christina Minardi, Regional Vice President, Whole Foods Market
11:00am, Thursday, April 22
Whole Foods Market
905 River Rd
Edgewater NJ 07020
201-941-4000
Share the warmth and the power!
Food, fun and alternative energy!
Please RSVP to gea...@aol.com by April 20th.
5% of sales at Whole Foods Market April 22nd will benefit Earth Pledge
# # #
Carmela M. Federico, Program Manager,
New Jersey Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (NJHEPS)
cfed...@njheps.org
973-596-2938 (v)
973-642-7170 (f)
http://www.njheps.org
York Center, NJIT
138 Warren Street
Newark NJ 07102
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
RARITAN RIVER FESTIVAL - SEP 19
Date: 16 Apr 2004
From: "Sam Missimer" {smis...@veneziaassociates.com}
CELEBRATION AND 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUPERFUND TO
BE MARKED AT ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT IN CENTRAL JERSEY
New Brunswick - Using the upcoming celebration of Earth Day,
representatives of the The Raritan River Festival are unveiling big
plans for their 25th Anniversary to be held on Sunday, September 19th,
2004 in Boyd Park in New Brunswick and in Donaldson Park in Highland
Park.
The Raritan River Festival is New Jersey's oldest annual
Environmental Celebration. For this anniversary year, the theme will
be "Saving Superfund", the endangered Federal program for cleaning up
health-threatening toxic sites.
The Festival will feature numerous educational events, art exhibits,
musical performances, family fun activities and The Great Rubber Duck
Race, to benefit Children's Cancer Research.
Special Guest will be Governor Jim Florio, who sponsored the original
Superfund Legislation while serving in the United States Congress.
There will be music all day, including a concert by the legendary NRBQ
- called "the best band in America" by Elvis Costello, and "the best
band in the Universe" by Bonnie Raitt. The festivities will conclude
with a gala fireworks display over the river.
Sam Missimer, Venezia and Associates Director of Sustainable Design
and Festival Co-Chair says: "Rivers are life, and life is a river.
This festival celebrates our shared responsibility to the environment,
and lets us come together to play, learn and celebrate."
* * *
Sam Missimer
Director of Technology and Sustainable Design
LEEDtm Accredited Professional
Venezia and Associates
104 Bayard St
New Brunswick NJ 08901
T: 732-249-6242 x303
F: 732-247-1825
E: smis...@veneziaassociates.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Many thanks to our Volunteers:
Tricia Aspinwall, Michele Cooklin, Jerry Cullins, Peter
Montague, Paul Neuman, Scott Olson, Mary Paist, Penny
Pollock-Barnes, Phil Reynolds, Pat Rolston, and to all
you folks out there who contribute in so many ways.
If you have a couple hours a week, and would like to
help out, please email us at: mai...@gsenet.org
George-Therese Dickenson - Editor - dick...@gsenet.org
Ivan Kossak - Executive Director - kos...@gsenet.org
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Back issues of the Garden State EnviroNews are available at
http://www.gsenet.org/library/11gsn/11gsn.php
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Garden State EnviroNet, Inc.
19 Boonton Ave, Boonton NJ 07005
Tel: 973-394-1313 - Fax: 973-394-9513
mai...@gsenet.org - http://www.gsenet.org/
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