(07/46) TRENTON - Four New Jersey municipalities and three public agencies have won special Clean Water New Jersey awards for their outstanding contributions to improving the state’s water quality, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson announced today.

“These seven winners have demonstrated exceptional commitment and an innovative approach to making New Jersey’s waterways cleaner and healthier,” Commissioner Jackson said. “Each of them has set a sterling example of the work we must continue to do to protect our lakes, stream, rivers and ocean waters from polluted stormwater runoff.”

The Clean Water Awards are part of the DEP’s comprehensive effort to prevent contaminated stormwater runoff from compromising the quality of New Jersey’s water resources. Currently, stormwater runoff accounts for nearly 60 percent of the state’s water pollution.

Through the federally mandated New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program, the DEP regulates stormwater discharges into the state’s waterways from 677 municipalities, counties, state, interstate and federal agencies, and some 3,000 private entities.

Commissioner Jackson will present the awards to the municipal winners tomorrow during the annual New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City. The winning Public Complex and Highway Agencies will receive their awards during separate ceremonies.

Following is a list of the award winners:

Municipal Winners:

• Stafford Township (Ocean County) - Post-Construction in New Development and Redevelopment
• Clinton (Hunterdon County) - Local Public Education
• Chatham Borough (Morris County) - Maintenance Yard/Public Works Operations (including Solids and Floatable Controls)
• Hamilton Township (Atlantic County) - Illicit Connection and Outfall Pipe Mapping Program

Public Complex/Highway Agency Winners:

• Burlington County (Highway Agency) - Illicit Connection and Outfall Pipe Mapping Program
• Morris County (Highway Agency) - Maintenance Yard/Public Works Operations (including Solids and Floatable Controls)
• Rutgers University (Public Complex) - Local Public Education

The DEP in 2005 launched the Clean Water New Jersey public-education campaign to help residents understand the link between their daily activities - such as car washing, lawn fertilizing and dog walking - and their impact on water quality. Featuring the slogan “Clean Water: It’s Up to You New Jersey,” the campaign includes television, radio and print advertisements, posters, brochures, Web sites and public events.

For more detailed information on the Clean Water New Jersey program, stormwater pollution, ways to prevent it and a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.cleanwaternj.org.