During Environment Week, Administration protects drinking water, open space, fights sprawl

(BRICK)—Taking another step forward in his efforts to protect New Jersey’s drinking water and stop sprawl, Governor James E. McGreevey today announced that he is formally proposing strengthened water protections for portions of 13 stream segments in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. 

“I am proud that, for the first time ever, we placed the toughest safeguard possible on 40 percent of New Jersey’s drinking water.  But our work is not done,” said McGreevey. “We must save our drinking water from the threats of McMansions, shopping malls and overdevelopment.  By proposing these waterways for C1 protection, we are saying ‘no’ to development and pollution, and saying ‘yes’ to safe drinking water and open space.”

McGreevey proposed that the streams and river segments receive “Category One” (C1) designation, the highest form of water quality protection afforded by the state. This designation would prevent any measurable deterioration in existing water quality, limiting development impacts and discharges to the streams. The waterways announced today provide drinking water to the Manasquan Reservoir and the Brick Reservoir.  

Surrounded by local schoolchildren along the Metedeconk River near the Brick Reservoir, McGreevey was joined at today’s event by Brick Mayor Joseph Scarpelli, Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Joanna Dunn Samson, members of the Coalition for Conservation, environmental advocates and community activists.

"As the Metedeconk River is the primary source of drinking water for our community, it is imperative that every effort is made to protect it," said Mayor Scarpelli.  "I applaud Governor McGreevey for his efforts to protect the Metedeconk and his commitment to New Jersey's natural resources."

“Protecting our drinking water for communities is of paramount importance for New Jersey,” said Deputy Commissioner Samson. “Under Governor McGreevey’s leadership, DEP is committed to providing comprehensive protection to waterways statewide through C1 protections and other smart growth initiatives.”

Today’s announcement follows yesterday’s announcement of proposed C1 designations for waterbodies in Hunterdon and Bergen Counties. In total, the Governor has proposed C1 classifications for 35 waterbodies statewide in this round, following his earlier round of 15 C1 designations. Those 15 reclassifications were adopted last Earth Day, designating nine reservoirs and six stream segments that provide drinking water to more than 3.5 million residents – over 40 percent of New Jersey’s population.

The C1 proposals announced today will appear in the November 3, 2003 New Jersey Register and are subject to a 60-day public comment period.

In his State of the State address, Governor McGreevey outlined ways to improve the overall quality of life in New Jersey, such as fighting sprawl, preserving open space and protecting our drinking water.  The Governor has made New Jersey a leader in farmland preservation with over 112,000 acres permanently preserved, and has moved aggressively on his promise to improve 200 local parks. 

A key component of this effort to protect drinking water and stop sprawl is Public Question No. 1 on the November 4 ballot. If approved, Public Question No. 1 would allow the Garden State Preservation Trust to issue an additional $150 million in bonds for the preservation of open space and drinking water in the Highlands, and for improvements to local parks—without costing additional money.  More information can be found at http://www.nj.gov/dep/antisprawl/ballot/

Below is the list of streams and rivers, portions of which are proposed for C1 protection in Monmouth and Ocean Counties:

Bear Swamp Brook

Squankum Brook

Manasquan River (within Allaire State Park) 

Manasquan Reservoir Tributaries

Mill Run

Marsh Bog Brook

Metedeconk River South Branch

North Branch Metedeconk River

Mingamahone Brook 

Muddy Fork Brook

Squankum Brook

Timber Swamp Brook

Titmouse Brook