DEP
Commissioner Campbell Recognizes Cooperative Partnership
with County Health Agencies to Enforce State's Environmental
Laws:
Marks 25 Years of
Achievement under New Jersey's County Environmental Health
Act
(03/147) TRENTON -- Highlighting
the successful partnership with county health agencies in
enforcing New Jersey's environmental laws, state Department
of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell
today celebrated 25 years of achievement under New Jersey's
County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), and recognized Essex
County Hazmat Program for its leadership in responding to
emergency incidents in North Jersey.
"Efforts between the state and local
agencies under the County Environmental Health Act are shining
examples of effective partnerships to protect public health
and the environment," said Commissioner Campbell. "The
department and local health agencies have worked together
to build a first-rate system that allows us to inspect facilities
for environmental compliance and respond quickly and efficiently
to emergencies."
Governor James E. McGreevey signed a proclamation
that declared October 13 through October 17 County Environmental
Health Act week to recognize the 25 years of accomplishments
achieved by county health agencies working with the DEP
to enforce environmental laws.
Under Governor Brendan Byrne's leadership,
the County Environmental Health Act was enacted in 1978.
In addition to the 20 county health agencies that participate
in CEHA, there are 40 local agencies that have entered agreements
with their county health partners to provide services. Under
CEHA, the DEP has certified county health agencies to conduct
various environmental health programs that address air pollution,
solid waste, hazardous materials emergency response, noise,
and water pollution. Each year, the counties conduct over
10,000 routine inspections, investigate over 10,000 complaints,
and respond to 2,500 hazardous waste incidents.
In cooperation with the DEP, county health
agencies also routinely monitor coastal and fresh water
bathing beaches, investigate environmental concerns, and
use Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning
System technologies for environmental planning and mapping.
Additionally, CEHA partners have volunteered to participate
in more than 50 pilot or research projects that involve
sampling of migrant farm drinking water wells, collecting
air toxics data, inspecting regulated underground storage
tanks, assisting homeowners with leaking fuel oil tanks
and monitoring commercial pesticide applicators.
A leader in emergency response, Essex County
CEHA Hazardous Material Emergency Response Program is a
model for other hazmat programs statewide, effectively working
with local fire,
police, EMTs, and area hospitals to prepare for any sort
of chemical, radiological or biological incident. The Essex
County Hazmat Program includes the fire departments from
Nutley Township and the city of Newark.
"Until September 11, 2001, HAZMAT
meant accidental fuel spills or gas leaks. But it played
a vital role in how we responded to the World Trade Center
attacks and the anthrax scares that occurred afterward,
and, since our national tragedy, has become part of our
emergency preparedness programs," the County Executive
Joseph DiVincenzo said. "I am glad that Essex County
and Nutley HAZMAT are leaders in their field and are recognized
as model agencies. They display a high level of professionalism
and heroism when they respond to everyday calls for assistance
and tragedies," he added.
"We applaud the efforts of Nutley
Fire Department and the Newark Fire Department that are
helping to ensure that Essex County and other areas in North
Jersey remain well prepared for any type of environmental
incident," Commissioner Campbell added. "Partners
like Essex County are the frontline in New Jersey's emergency
response efforts."
In September 2003, Governor McGreevey provided
$3 million in state funds to county hazardous material response
units through the DEP and the Department of Health and Senior
Services. An additional $7 million was provided to these
units as part of $25.3 million in federal grant funds. The
$7 million will be spent over two years.
"We continue to strengthen this cooperative
partnership by ensuring that our county agencies are properly
trained and well equipped for any threat to the health and
well being of our residents, whether we are faced with a
natural disaster or a hazardous waste spill," Commissioner
Campbell added.
A copy of the Governor's CEHA proclamation
appears below.
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