New Jersey Environmental Lobby Newsletter July-September 2006

With the advancement of new technologies, increased environmental awareness, and progression of society, one would think that the recycling rates in the state of NJ would be increasing.

However, that is not the case. In fact, according to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/recycling/stats.htm) the overall recycling rate in New Jersey has been steadily decreasing since the late 1990's. From 1997 to 2003, the rates have dropped a full 9%. The most recent data shows the recycling rate at 51.8%, the lowest since before 1995.

So why the decrease? Some of the answer may lie in New Jersey legislation. These dropping percentages can be traced back tot he expiration of a recycling tax on December 31, 1996. The recycling tax was $1.50 per ton of garbage dumped at landfills or brought to transfer stations. The money was then distributed to local governments or recycling promotion programs. Municipalities received grants based on the number of tons of trash recycled. (http://www.gsenet.org/library/11gsn/2000/gs00613b.3.html)

Unfortunately, the last grants were distributed in 1998. A probable effect of this can be seen in Hunterdon County, where the recycling rate has dropped a dramatic 27.9% from 1997 to 2003. Although Hunterdon has the lowest poverty rate, the highest median income and high percentage of high-school graduates, it had the state's lowest average recycling rate from 1995-2003. The county no longer recycles magazines, junk mail, loose/shredded paper, batteries or cardboard.

Statewide, lower disposal costs, lack of state funding for recycling education and promotion, and lack of enforcement have probably contributed to the plunge in recycling rates.

Enforcement should happen on three levels - state, county and municipal. According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection web site (http://www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/enforcem.htm), the NJ Solid Waste Program primarily focuses on the regulation of solid waste and recycling facilities as well as transporters of solid waste. The DEP has also started to conduct inspections of commercial entities to determine their compliance with local recycling ordinances.

In 2005, the DEP worked with local agencies to conduct "Compliance and Enforcement Sweeps of Recyclable Material Generators" in Hudson and Atlantic county in order to find the level of compliance with the state's recycling requirements, specifically in businesses and schools. Even though those targeted for inspection were notified, the DEP found that many places were still not recycing.

Counties have recycling plans that specify the materials that must be recycled by the residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. They can inspect residential, commercial and institutional sources of waste and/or inspect incoming loads of waste at disposal sights for recyclable materials.

Municipalities create the recycling ordinance that residents must follow. The municipalities specify which materials must be recycled from residential, commercial and institutional (schools, hospitals, etc.) sectors. These laws must also comply with the county recycling plans. Also, the municipalities can enforce the recycling of materials not listed on the county recycling plan. These recycling ordinances can be enforced through the local or county health department (County Environmental Health Act) or by municipal staff empowered by the municipality for this purpose.

Despite the drop, some counties are making serious efforts in order to increase or sustain their recycling. Burlington County instated an Office of Recycling dedicated to enforcement, educaiton, collecting and processing recyclable materials, and implementing recycling projects. The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) has boosted Atlantic County's recycling through cooperation with large businesses, school districts, and citizens of Atlantic County. Bergen County has taken an initiative with its tire collection program, thereby reducing standing water in tires and decreasing mosquito breeding.

Gloucester County, which holds the record high recycling rate of 76.9% in 1998, has installed a "Clean Communities Program" where nonprofits receive mini-grants for cleaning up certain areas. Gloucester also implemented Recycling Enforcement Officers responsible for inspecting compliance at all multi-family dwellings , institutions, and businesses. In addition, the county has a Tire Amnesty Program, eight "Household Special Waste (HSW)" collection events per year, a school cartridge recycling program and a computer recycling program.

What can be done about this? Individuals need to take the initiative. Recycle at home. If you are out and can't find recycling bins, bring cans, bottles, paper, etc. home with you if there isnt a recycling bin around. Set the example for others to follow. If you know of a school or business that does not recycle, talk to administrators or owners about putting recycling bins out for their students or customers. Remind them recycling is the law! Lax enforcement now doesn't mean that there won't be serious consequences in the future.

Have you been wondering how you can help fight global warming and polluted air? Switching to a new electricity generator can be a major step in correcting both of these problems. Buying power from renewable, nonpolluting energy sources helps clean the air we breathe and fights global warming. But, you say, you don't where to begin. Well, help is here. The NJ Environmental Lobby and the Environmental Education Fund are the sponsors of a useful tool for the conscientious consumer. It's called the Power Scorecard. It is a free web site maintained and operated by Pace Law School Energy Project. The Power Scorecard, sponsored by a coalition of environmental groups, grades electricity products according to the severity of their environmental impacts. The Power Scorecard provides a rating in eight environmental areas and gives a single easy to understand rating of performance for each product.

Most people don't realize that electric power plants are the number one source of pollution in the United States. Power plant emissions are taking their toll. Life spans are shortened, work days are lost, and respiratory disorders are increasing. Added to these impacts are more weather disasters and an eroding coastline. In New Jersey, we are paying a high price in respiratory disease, storms, floods and beach loss.

S1712
S1712 is sponsored by Senator Buono and Smith. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations on certain environmental crimes. Currently if a person knowingly causes widespread injury or damage as a result of the discharge of a hazardous waste or a toxic pollutant (NJSA 2c:17-2(a)(2)), or violates various environmental laws, a criminal prosecution must commence within 10 years of the discovery of the offense. Currently, the statute of limitations applies to violations of the solid waste management act, the comprehensive regulated medical waste management act, the air pollution control act, asbestos laws, and the water pollution control act. This impediment to environmental enforcement might allow polluters to avoid penalties. The bill would eliminate the statute of limitations, and NJEL avidly supports it. As of this printing, S1712 has passed in the NJ Senate and is awaiting action in the NJ Assembly. Let your assemblyperson know that you want this law on the books.

CAFRA
The NJ Department of Environmental Protection recently readopted the CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act) regulations. CAFRA applies to certain coastal areas. The law divides the coast into zones and allows regulation of residential, commercial and industrial development. Generally, the closer the area is to the coastline, the more likely it is to be regulated. One of the proposed changes was the granting of general permits for developments of fewer than four homes. This would have undermined CAFRA and almost certainly led to further degradation of our coastal areas. NJEL signed on to comments prepared by American Littoral Society, which opposed the weakening of the regulations. Fortunately, the efforts of environmental groups were successful, and the proposed general permit provision was not adopted.

This summer NJEL and EEF were fortunate to have the services of another outstanding intern. Julie Stutzbach, a 2006 graduate of Pitman High School (Gloucester County) assisted both organizations with their respective projects. During high school, Julie was an officer at the high school's chapter of Amnesty International, and was a member of Quixote Quest, a volunteer organization for teens. Julie arranged for NJEL and EEF to be represented at JAMNESTY, a fundraising rock concert produced by the Amnesty chapter. Our presence resulted in some new members for NJEL.

Julie researched a number of subjects for EEF. Her prime was a recycling status report which will be furnished to the NJEL and EEF Boards to help both bodies formulate an action plan for reversing the decline of recycling rates in New Jersey. Highlights of Julie's findings appear elsewhere in this newsletter. This project complimented Julie's own activities to initiate paper recycling in her high school. Although recycling was policy in the school, Julie and other Environmental Club members observed that in disposing of solid waste, the janitorial staff was not following the policy. Julie brought this to the attention of the administration and found that overcoming established work procedures was not easy! To facilitate changes, Julie coordinated efforts between the high school and the municipality to place sufficient paper recycling receptacles (a high school requires a lot of them!) in the high school and recruited a teacher and an underclassman to continue the project next year. In response to member requests, Julie also researched landscaping and lawn care services in New Jersey. Information that she compiled about environmentally responsible services will be posted on our web site. Julie also appeared before the Pitman Environmental Commission to explain the Green Town USA program. Julie was not averse to performing routine clerical tasks, and willingly typed letters, proofread, and assisted with our file purging/reorganization.

The newsletter you are reading was Julie's finale, and a terrific accomplishment. Julie designed the new format and produced this addition using Microsoft Publisher software that was provided by a generous donor. Unfortunately for us, by the time you read this, we will have said good-bye to Julie. She is heading to Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, where she will study Environmental Chemistry and run for the cross country and track teams. We see an exciting, successful future ahead for this outstanding young woman!

Turn It Off, Idling Proved Harmful to Our Health and Environment - by Julie Stutzbach and Joana Clark

According to Natural Resources Canada, "Each day idling engines releases eight million kg of greenhouse gases into our air."

This startling statistic comes as a shock to many drivers. "That surprises me", said Kenny D'Amato, who drives a Chevy Venture. "I always wondered whether frequent starting up was worse than just letting the car run for a minute." Statistics show that if you are to be idling for more than 10 seconds, it is actually advisable to turn off your car. Shutting off and restarting your car actually uses less fuel than sitting with the engine running.

Idling has a multitude of harmful effects on the environment on a local and global level. Emissions from a cold, idling engine contain extremely high levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons. These pollutants contribute to global warming and degrade air quality on a local level. Air conditioning increases these pollutants by 13%. "Oh dear", said Justin Ivas, who drives a large van. "The only time I leave my car on is when I'm using the AC."

Furthermore, idling has harmful effects on the car itself. Excessive idling can damage the engine, and idling after a cold start leaves fuel residue and condensed water in engine and exhaust components causing contamination of engine oil.

Moreover, idling has been linked to numerous health problems. Fine particulate matter in exhaust can be associated with asthma, bronchitis and other chronic respiratory problems. Soot from diesel exhaust accumulates in our lungs over time affecting oxygen transfer. Nitrous oxides can combine with water to form acids that damage lung tissue. Children and the elderly are most affected by these harmful pollutants.

You can take action in order to reduce your contribution to this problem. If you will be parked for more than ten seconds, turn off your engine. Walk or ride a bike if you are traveling a shorter distance. Start a campaign to stop buses from idling at schools. Diesel emissions like those from buses and trucks can create even more problems. If you have a diesel engine, get an engine block warmer for cold weather. Also, you can help by reducing your car warm-up time to 30 seconds. Spread the word, and talk to your friends and family about the dangers of idling. Do your part so we can all breathe easy.

NJEL's Legislative Director, Mike Pisauro, continues to collaborate with other environmental organizations throughout the state. Our sign-on to the American Littoral Society, comments about CAFRA general permitting, described in the Legislative Update, is an example of the impact that joint action can have.

Mike recently attended a Senate Environmental Committee Hearing held in Dover Township along with other members of the Coastal Ocean Coalition. Beach replenishment and the state of marine fisheries were key topics. NJEL does not agree with recreational groups that advocate relaxation of catch limits. At the hearing, Mike called for an effort to address all the related land use and non-point pollution issues that impact the health of the marine ecosystem. Attempts to address single issues in a piecemeal approach avoid the difficult decisions that must be made.

NJEL also supported the campaign initiated by Sierra Club to place a state parks funding proposal on the November ballot. The ballot question will ask voters to approve a reallocation of a portion of the corporate business tax to preserve and improve state parks. Because of lack of funding, state parks and other preserved areas are in great need of rehabilitation and maintenance. The ballot question does not propose any increase in the CBT, but only a reallocation of unused funds in the underground storage tank program.

REMEMBER!

Vote In Favor Of Reallocation Of A Portion Of Corporate Business Tax Funds In Order To Preserve And Protect State Parks!







	President: Anne Poole Legislative Director: Michael Pisauro


	Volume 35 No. 3

	July - September 2006

	**Moving Backwards, NJ Recycling Declines - by Julie Stutzbach According to the NJDEP, the overall recycling rate in NJ has been steadily decreasing since the late 1990's. Read More ... Power Scorecard Helps NJ Consumers Choose - by Marie Curtis Operated by Pace Law School Energy Project, Power Scorecard's free web site guides consumers to evaluate clean electricity options. Read More ... Legislative Update - *by Michael L. Pisauro, Jr.* S1712 sponsored by Sens. Buono and Smith passes NJ Senate, awaits House vote. CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act) regulations readopted by NJDEP. Read More ... NJEL / EEF Welcomes New Intern - Julie Stutzbach joins the NJEL and EEF staff does outstanding work on recycling status in NJ, Greentown USA project and new membership. Read More ... Turn It Off, Idling Proved Harmful to Our Health and Environment - *by Julie Stutzbach and Joana Clark* Idling has a multitude of harmful effects on the environment on a local and global level. Emissions contain high levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and hydrocarbons. Read More ... Collaborations - NJEL's Legislative Director, Mike Pisauro, continues to collaborate with other environmental organizations throughout NJ Read More ... Moving Backwards, NJ Recycling Declines - by Julie Stutzbach With the advancement of new technologies, increased environmental awareness, and progression of society, one would think that the recycling rates in the state of NJ would be increasing. However, that is not the case. In fact, according to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/recycling/stats.htm) the overall recycling rate in New Jersey has been steadily decreasing since the late 1990's. From 1997 to 2003, the rates have dropped a full 9%. The most recent data shows the recycling rate at 51.8%, the lowest since before 1995. So why the decrease? Some of the answer may lie in New Jersey legislation. These dropping percentages can be traced back tot he expiration of a recycling tax on December 31, 1996. The recycling tax was $1.50 per ton of garbage dumped at landfills or brought to transfer stations. The money was then distributed to local governments or recycling promotion programs. Municipalities received grants based on the number of tons of trash recycled. (http://www.gsenet.org/library/11gsn/2000/gs00613b.3.html) Unfortunately, the last grants were distributed in 1998. A probable effect of this can be seen in Hunterdon County, where the recycling rate has dropped a dramatic 27.9% from 1997 to 2003. Although Hunterdon has the lowest poverty rate, the highest median income and high percentage of high-school graduates, it had the state's lowest average recycling rate from 1995-2003. The county no longer recycles magazines, junk mail, loose/shredded paper, batteries or cardboard. Statewide, lower disposal costs, lack of state funding for recycling education and promotion, and lack of enforcement have probably contributed to the plunge in recycling rates. Enforcement should happen on three levels - state, county and municipal. According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection web site (http://www.nj.gov/dep/dshw/recycling/enforcem.htm), the NJ Solid Waste Program primarily focuses on the regulation of solid waste and recycling facilities as well as transporters of solid waste. The DEP has also started to conduct inspections of commercial entities to determine their compliance with local recycling ordinances. In 2005, the DEP worked with local agencies to conduct "Compliance and Enforcement Sweeps of Recyclable Material Generators" in Hudson and Atlantic county in order to find the level of compliance with the state's recycling requirements, specifically in businesses and schools. Even though those targeted for inspection were notified, the DEP found that many places were still not recycing. Counties have recycling plans that specify the materials that must be recycled by the residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. They can inspect residential, commercial and institutional sources of waste and/or inspect incoming loads of waste at disposal sights for recyclable materials. Municipalities create the recycling ordinance that residents must follow. The municipalities specify which materials must be recycled from residential, commercial and institutional (schools, hospitals, etc.) sectors. These laws must also comply with the county recycling plans. Also, the municipalities can enforce the recycling of materials not listed on the county recycling plan. These recycling ordinances can be enforced through the local or county health department (County Environmental Health Act) or by municipal staff empowered by the municipality for this purpose. Despite the drop, some counties are making serious efforts in order to increase or sustain their recycling. Burlington County instated an Office of Recycling dedicated to enforcement, educaiton, collecting and processing recyclable materials, and implementing recycling projects. The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) has boosted Atlantic County's recycling through cooperation with large businesses, school districts, and citizens of Atlantic County. Bergen County has taken an initiative with its tire collection program, thereby reducing standing water in tires and decreasing mosquito breeding. Gloucester County, which holds the record high recycling rate of 76.9% in 1998, has installed a "Clean Communities Program" where nonprofits receive mini-grants for cleaning up certain areas. Gloucester also implemented Recycling Enforcement Officers responsible for inspecting compliance at all multi-family dwellings , institutions, and businesses. In addition, the county has a Tire Amnesty Program, eight "Household Special Waste (HSW)" collection events per year, a school cartridge recycling program and a computer recycling program. What can be done about this? Individuals need to take the initiative. Recycle at home. If you are out and can't find recycling bins, bring cans, bottles, paper, etc. home with you if there isnt a recycling bin around. Set the example for others to follow. If you know of a school or business that does not recycle, talk to administrators or owners about putting recycling bins out for their students or customers. Remind them recycling is the law! Lax enforcement now doesn't mean that there won't be serious consequences in the future. One person can make a significant difference when he gets others involved. Power Scorecard Helps NJ Consumers Choose - by Marie Curtis Have you been wondering how you can help fight global warming and polluted air? Switching to a new electricity generator can be a major step in correcting both of these problems. Buying power from renewable, nonpolluting energy sources helps clean the air we breathe and fights global warming. But, you say, you don't where to begin. Well, help is here. The NJ Environmental Lobby and the Environmental Education Fund are the sponsors of a useful tool for the conscientious consumer. It's called the Power Scorecard. It is a free web site maintained and operated by Pace Law School Energy Project. The Power Scorecard, sponsored by a coalition of environmental groups, grades electricity products according to the severity of their environmental impacts. The Power Scorecard provides a rating in eight environmental areas and gives a single easy to understand rating of performance for each product. *Most people don't realize that electric power plants are the number one source of pollution in the United States.* Power plant emissions are taking their toll. Life spans are shortened, work days are lost, and respiratory disorders are increasing. Added to these impacts are more weather disasters and an eroding coastline. In New Jersey, we are paying a high price in respiratory disease, storms, floods and beach loss. To evaluate your clean electricity options, visit www.powerscorecard.org. Legislative Update - by Michael L. Pisauro, Jr. S1712 S1712 is sponsored by Senator Buono and Smith. This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations on certain environmental crimes. Currently if a person knowingly causes widespread injury or damage as a result of the discharge of a hazardous waste or a toxic pollutant (NJSA 2c:17-2(a)(2)), or violates various environmental laws, a criminal prosecution must commence within 10 years of the discovery of the offense. Currently, the statute of limitations applies to violations of the solid waste management act, the comprehensive regulated medical waste management act, the air pollution control act, asbestos laws, and the water pollution control act. This impediment to environmental enforcement might allow polluters to avoid penalties. The bill would eliminate the statute of limitations, and NJEL avidly supports it. As of this printing, S1712 has passed in the NJ Senate and is awaiting action in the NJ Assembly. Let your assemblyperson know that you want this law on the books. CAFRA The NJ Department of Environmental Protection recently readopted the CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act) regulations. CAFRA applies to certain coastal areas. The law divides the coast into zones and allows regulation of residential, commercial and industrial development. Generally, the closer the area is to the coastline, the more likely it is to be regulated. One of the proposed changes was the granting of general permits for developments of fewer than four homes. This would have undermined CAFRA and almost certainly led to further degradation of our coastal areas. NJEL signed on to comments prepared by American Littoral Society, which opposed the weakening of the regulations. Fortunately, the efforts of environmental groups were successful, and the proposed general permit provision was not adopted. NJEL / EEF Welcomes New Intern - This summer NJEL and EEF were fortunate to have the services of another outstanding intern. Julie Stutzbach, a 2006 graduate of Pitman High School (Gloucester County) assisted both organizations with their respective projects. During high school, Julie was an officer at the high school's chapter of Amnesty International, and was a member of Quixote Quest, a volunteer organization for teens. Julie arranged for NJEL and EEF to be represented at JAMNESTY, a fundraising rock concert produced by the Amnesty chapter. Our presence resulted in some new members for NJEL. Julie researched a number of subjects for EEF. Her prime was a recycling status report which will be furnished to the NJEL and EEF Boards to help both bodies formulate an action plan for reversing the decline of recycling rates in New Jersey. Highlights of Julie's findings appear elsewhere in this newsletter. This project complimented Julie's own activities to initiate paper recycling in her high school. Although recycling was policy in the school, Julie and other Environmental Club members observed that in disposing of solid waste, the janitorial staff was not following the policy. Julie brought this to the attention of the administration and found that overcoming established work procedures was not easy! To facilitate changes, Julie coordinated efforts between the high school and the municipality to place sufficient paper recycling receptacles (a high school requires a lot of them!) in the high school and recruited a teacher and an underclassman to continue the project next year. In response to member requests, Julie also researched landscaping and lawn care services in New Jersey. Information that she compiled about environmentally responsible services will be posted on our web site. Julie also appeared before the Pitman Environmental Commission to explain the Green Town USA program. Julie was not averse to performing routine clerical tasks, and willingly typed letters, proofread, and assisted with our file purging/reorganization. The newsletter you are reading was Julie's finale, and a terrific accomplishment. Julie designed the new format and produced this addition using Microsoft Publisher software that was provided by a generous donor. Unfortunately for us, by the time you read this, we will have said good-bye to Julie. She is heading to Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin, where she will study Environmental Chemistry and run for the cross country and track teams. We see an exciting, successful future ahead for this outstanding young woman! Turn It Off, Idling Proved Harmful to Our Health and Environment - by Julie Stutzbach and Joana Clark According to Natural Resources Canada, "Each day idling engines releases eight million kg of greenhouse gases into our air." This startling statistic comes as a shock to many drivers. "That surprises me", said Kenny D'Amato, who drives a Chevy Venture. "I always wondered whether frequent starting up was worse than just letting the car run for a minute." Statistics show that if you are to be idling for more than 10 seconds, it is actually advisable to turn off your car. Shutting off and restarting your car actually uses less fuel than sitting with the engine running. Idling has a multitude of harmful effects on the environment on a local and global level. Emissions from a cold, idling engine contain extremely high levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and hydrocarbons. These pollutants contribute to global warming and degrade air quality on a local level. Air conditioning increases these pollutants by 13%. "Oh dear", said Justin Ivas, who drives a large van. "The only time I leave my car on is when I'm using the AC." Furthermore, idling has harmful effects on the car itself. Excessive idling can damage the engine, and idling after a cold start leaves fuel residue and condensed water in engine and exhaust components causing contamination of engine oil. Moreover, idling has been linked to numerous health problems. Fine particulate matter in exhaust can be associated with asthma, bronchitis and other chronic respiratory problems. Soot from diesel exhaust accumulates in our lungs over time affecting oxygen transfer. Nitrous oxides can combine with water to form acids that damage lung tissue. Children and the elderly are most affected by these harmful pollutants. You can take action in order to reduce your contribution to this problem. If you will be parked for more than ten seconds, turn off your engine. Walk or ride a bike if you are traveling a shorter distance. Start a campaign to stop buses from idling at schools. Diesel emissions like those from buses and trucks can create even more problems. If you have a diesel engine, get an engine block warmer for cold weather. Also, you can help by reducing your car warm-up time to 30 seconds. Spread the word, and talk to your friends and family about the dangers of idling. Do your part so we can all breathe easy. Collaborations - NJEL's Legislative Director, Mike Pisauro, continues to collaborate with other environmental organizations throughout the state. Our sign-on to the American Littoral Society, comments about CAFRA general permitting, described in the Legislative Update, is an example of the impact that joint action can have. Mike recently attended a Senate Environmental Committee Hearing held in Dover Township along with other members of the Coastal Ocean Coalition. Beach replenishment and the state of marine fisheries were key topics. NJEL does not agree with recreational groups that advocate relaxation of catch limits. At the hearing, Mike called for an effort to address all the related land use and non-point pollution issues that impact the health of the marine ecosystem. Attempts to address single issues in a piecemeal approach avoid the difficult decisions that must be made. NJEL also supported the campaign initiated by Sierra Club to place a state parks funding proposal on the November ballot. The ballot question will ask voters to approve a reallocation of a portion of the corporate business tax to preserve and improve state parks. Because of lack of funding, state parks and other preserved areas are in great need of rehabilitation and maintenance. The ballot question does not propose any increase in the CBT, but only a reallocation of unused funds in the underground storage tank program. *REMEMBER!* Vote In Favor Of Reallocation Of A Portion Of Corporate Business Tax Funds In Order To Preserve And Protect State Parks! BACK TO TOP