GOVERNOR SUPPORTS “COZ” INITIATIVE
Announcement of Coast Initiative 2005 for New Jersey

     Clean Ocean Action (COA) has worked hard for several years with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and its Commissioner, Bradley Campbell, on the NJ Coastal and Ocean Initiatives.  There were several specific actions necessary to improve and protect marine water quality.  On April 21, Acting Governor Richard Codey announced the “Coast Initiative 2005.”  COA applauds Codey’s plan to “strengthen protection of our valuable coastal resources.”

     In releasing the Initiative, Codey said, “The Jersey Shore is one of our greatest natural resources and most important economic engines.  Promoting the shore is important, but it is even more important that we have a clean shore to promote.”

     The Acting Governor outlined an important, broad, and timely list of initiatives and actions that will improve and protect the marine environment.  Codey has focused on the plight of the ocean and come to its aid.  In particular, the Governor supports the “Clean Ocean Zone” initiative (visit www.cleanoceanzone.org).

     COA highlights the following initiatives (visit http://nj.gov/dep/cmp/njcoast_2005.pdf for the complete initiative):

• NJDEP will strengthen standards for ocean dischargers to avoid impacts to water quality.  NJDEP will require implementation of measures that will prevent catastrophic sewage spills through maintenance and upgrading of aging infrastructure.
• Following public input and adequate data collection, NJDEP will begin restoration of Wreck Pond (the major source of beach closings in the Spring Lake/Sea Girt area) no later than September 2005.
• NJ will work with anglers, environmentalists, and the New Jersey congressional delegation to establish a “Clean Ocean Zone” to protect water quality in the New York/New Jersey Bight by eliminating and preventing pollution.  
• Governor Codey’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Offshore Wind Development will ensure a public process when finalizing recommendations to the Governor on whether offshore wind energy is appropriate for NJ.
• NJ will strengthen coastal zone restrictions regarding offshore oil and gas development and will petition the federal government to accept these new restrictions under federal law.
• NJDEP will acquire, clean, and sink three additional ships in 2005 to enhance New Jersey’s premier system of artificial reefs.
• NJDEP and the Office of Maritime Resources within the NJ Department of Transportation will assist communities in developing regional dredged material management plans.
• NJDEP will update the state’s Dredging Manual to incorporate lessons learned since development of the manual in 1997 to ensure that navigational dredging needs continue to be met using environmentally sound methods and to improve sediment quality data.
• NJDEP will act to restore water quality impairments affecting shellfishing areas.

     Last year, the public was given the opportunity to provide comments to the State of NJ and NJDEP regarding critical ocean and coastal issues.  COA presented a list of priorities to improve ocean water quality (available by request and posted on COA’s website).  To contact Governor Codey, call  609-292-6000 or write to: PO Box 001, State House, Trenton, 08625-0001.