Nicole Simmons, 732-872-0111, policy@cleanoceanaction.org

NJDEP to Provide $15M for Lake Dredging and Stream Cleaning

     On May 12, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced that it would provide $15 million in low-interest loans to finance lake dredging and restoration projects and stream cleaning and de-snagging projects.  The money will come from the voter-approved “Dam, Lake, Stream, Flood Control, Water Resources and Wastewater Treatment Project Bond Act of 2003.”  The loans will be available through a competitive application process.  Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2005.  For details or an application, visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/ec.

Dredging Plan & Meetings for Shark River

     The Mayors of Neptune Township, Belmar, Avon, Wall, and Neptune City have formed the Shark River Environmental Committee to create an environmental plan for the Shark River estuary, including a sustainable dredging program.  As of press time, the Mayors invited interested environmental groups to attend a meeting on May 24, and the public to attend a meeting on May 26 to discuss the dredging plan.  COA plans to attend these meetings to gather information on this initiative.  Stay tuned for details.

Shark River Awaits Higher Protection - “Category One”

     On December 20, 2004, NJDEP proposed to upgrade the Surface Water Quality Standard of the Shark River Brook and its tributaries, which supplies drinking water, to Category One (C1).  The C1 designation would set up 300-foot buffers on either side of the Shark River Brook and its tributaries, as well as prohibit any measurable change in water quality.  The comment period, which originally ended on February 18, was extended until March 20.  On March 22, the Shark River Clean-up Coalition, COA, and NJ Environmental Federation held a press conference asking NJDEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell to approve the C1 designation by Earth Day.

     Unfortunately, the designation process has stalled in the Governor’s office.  NJDEP has processed and reviewed the comments submitted by the public and the designation awaits Acting Governor Richard Codey’s approval.  There is overwhelming support for the designation, including all the municipalities in the watershed and the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders.  Citizens are urged to call Acting Governor Codey at 609-292-6000 and ask him to sign off on C1 for the Shark River today.

Wreck Pond Outfall Pipe Study Now Available

     COA recently received a copy of the Stevens Institute of Technology’s report entitled, “Impacts of the proposed extension of the Wreck Pond outfall on nearshore water quality and littoral drift of sand.”  COA will review the report and make recommendations to NJDEP’s Office of Land Use, which is assessing the pipeline extension application.  For a copy of this report, please contact Jennifer Samson, Principal Scientist for COA, at 732-872-0111 or by e-mail at science@cleanoceanaction.org.