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Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3787
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 21, 2006 - 11:17 am: | 
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From NJPIRG:
"Hi,
On Tuesday, we held a Trenton press conference, joined by fellow environmentalists and a large inflatable bass fish, to announce the filing of petitions to the Department of Environmental Protection to increase protections for pristine Shore-bound waterways. [See story below]
As summer approaches, hazardous run-off pollution from development will increase - and threaten our Shore waterways and bays. That's why we're asking the DEP to take the first step by protecting five critical rivers - and restrict development around their banks.
On Earth Day it is important that our state's top political leaders, including Gov. Jon Corzine, commit to back up their environmental ethos with environmental action.
Please take a moment to ask DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson to stop development directly along the banks of these waterways. Then, ask your friends and family to help by forwarding this email to them.
To take action, click on the following link or paste it into your browser:
http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=1542&id4=ES
Background
Every summer, millions flock to the Jersey Shore to enjoy the surf and the sand. However, as development goes unchecked along the rivers and streams that flow to the Shore, the quality of our coastal waters is declining.
Unhealthy coastal waters mean fewer days at the beach. In recent years, the number of beach closings has spiked. In 2004, there were nearly six times as many ocean beach closings as there were in 1996.
Shore-bound waterways are increasingly contaminated with runoff from development. This pollution degrades the waters of the ocean and bays where we swim, surf, paddle and fish.
NJPIRG is working with the Rutgers Environmental Law Clinic to file legal petitions urging the Department of Environmental Protection to grant Category One protections to pristine Shore-bound waterways.
Click here to read the news story on the event from the Asbury Park Press: http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/NEWS/604190337
These petitions make a scientific case for increased protection on the grounds high water quality, exceptional habitat for threatened and endangered species, recreational value, and other outstanding characteristics.
Over the coming weeks, NJPIRG will file petitions on behalf of five Shore-bound waterways: Toms River, Great Egg Harbor River, Salem River, Oldmans Creek and Cedar Creek.
To comply with the petitions, DEP should upgrade New Jersey's Shore-bound waterways to a Category One protection. Category One is one of the highest levels of protection afforded under a part of the Clean Water Act called "anti-degradation." Anti-degradation ensures that the water quality will not be measurably degraded or polluted.
This will ensure the creation of buffer zones around pristine waterways, stop the expansion of new or existing sewer lines and restrict industrial pollution.
Check out our photo blog to Gov. Jon Corzine to urge him to protect the Shore, which is filled of great shots - and plenty of good reasons - to reduce run-off pollution flowing to the Shore.
Thanks to all of you who have submitted pictures for our 'Save the Shore' photo blog. We've already received more than 100 submissions - not surprising given the special place the Shore holds in the hearts of New Jerseyans!
Please take a moment to ask DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson to stop development directly along the banks of these waterways. Then, ask your friends and family to help by forwarding this email to them.
To take action, click on the following link or paste it into your browser:
http://pirg.org/alerts/route.asp?id=1542&id4=ES
Sincerely,
Dena Mottola
NJPIRG Executive Director
DenaM@njpirg.org
http://www.NJPIRG.org
P.S. Thanks again for your support. Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family and friends."
...So I did.
-s. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3792
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 21, 2006 - 6:47 pm: |
|
BUMP. |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3798
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 10:36 am: |
|
bump bump. |
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