Updates on Preventing Dirty, Deadly Pollution from NJ

As our readers may be aware, Governor Murphy continues to face deserved diverse backlash following his approval of a new, non-essential dirty methane gas power plant, the 4th for the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey. This decision has sparked significant controversy and criticism. Read our initial post here.

Waterspirit urges you to send a faith focused letter to the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) decision makers, urging them to vote no. Check out this website directly from the Ironbound Community Corporation: bit.ly/NOMOREPVSC

This approval and the recent subsequent No Funds for Fossil Fuels rally for fossil fuel divestment outside the Department of Treasury in Trenton are interconnected. The controversy over the deadly 4th dirty gas plant in the Ironbound section of already overburdened Newark, New Jersey sparked public dissatisfaction and galvanized efforts to push for a broader shift away from fossil fuel. The divestment focused rally took place during the NJ State Investment Council meeting, which only takes place virtually. This heightened visibility garnered press coverage, public interest and put additional pressure on decision-makers to reconsider the state’s investments strategies as they relate to stated climate related goals. “NJ Faces increasing pressure to end investments in fossil fuels.”

Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer was quoted from testimony delivered to the State Investment Council: “‘The climate crisis poses an existential threat to our planet and its inhabitants,’ Davis said. ‘It’s also a matter of equity and justice,’ Davis said. ‘Climate crisis disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, exacerbating social and economic inequalities.’”

These opportunities for public outcry represented a direct response to Governor Murphy’s decision, aiming to realign state policies and investments with environmental justice and sustainability goals. They served as a clear message to policymakers that the public demands a shift away from fossil fuel and toward sustainable, ethical investment practices for state pensions.

Advocating for divestment from fossil fuel and investing in renewable energy, the rally sought to address the failings highlighted by the extremely controversial dirty methane gas plant approval. The movement for environmental justice in New Jersey reflects a growing demand for consistent environmental policies and underscores the importance of supporting investment strategies with long-term climate objectives.

JOIN US and get involved. Check Waterspirit’s Calendar and Calls to Action page for regular activities and opportunities for community building!

Sacred Waters, Sacred Duty: Addressing Lead Contamination in Keyport

Water is revered across spiritual traditions as a life-giving and sacred force; water holds a central place in our eco-spiritual ethos. It is through this sacred lens that we view a recent contamination issue in Keyport. Rocks found in the area, tainted with lead, are a stark indicator of the pollution threatening our cherished water sources. This contamination jeopardizes the health of local ecosystems and the well-being of communities that depend on these waters for sustenance and spiritual nourishment.

In June, lead-contaminated lumps discovered by Greg Ramaud, CEO of NY/NJ Baykeeper, along Keyport raised concerns about potential sources of the pollution, including an adjacent landfill and illegal dumping, rather than a known Superfund site further away. Thankfully, Greg identified the hazardous material and provided test results to authorities. Per PBS reporting, we learned federal and state agencies are investigating, with further testing planned. As Greg has shared, the presence of lead, a highly toxic substance, has alarmed local officials and environmental groups, leading to calls for urgent action from U.S. Representative Frank Pallone and heightened scrutiny of the situation. To date, per Greg and recent reporting, there is still no signage. The affected area remains open to the public, with no warnings or signs posted to alert visitors of the contamination. Congressman Pallone recapped in his newsletter this week: “Today (7/17) I teamed up with NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette to roll out an action plan to address lead contamination at Keyport's beach. This robust plan includes immediate removal of the contaminated material, rigorous toxicity testing, a thorough investigation into the lead's origin, and continuous monitoring to ensure no further exposure. With NJDEP's action plan and EPA's backing, I'm confident we will clean up the lead waste discovered by Baykeeper Greg Remaud and protect Keyport's residents. I'm fully committed to seeing this effort through to the end.”

Lead contamination poses severe risks to both human and ecological health. Lead, a harmful heavy metal, can leach into water sources, endangering aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain. This pollution disrupts natural habitats and also impacts the health of residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. The discovery of lead contamination in Keyport reinforces our collective responsibility to protect the sacred waters we hold dear. NJ Spotlight continues to report the latest.

Waterspirit is in close communication with NY/NJ Baykeeper and will continue to bring you the latest. You each have a role to play. We ask that you help us by raising awareness, supporting the efforts of organizations like NY/NJ Baykeeper and Waterspirit, participate in local coastal clean-up initiatives, partake in environmental justice work, and finally, incorporate practices that honor sacred water in your daily life.

For more information, or for ways to get involved with Waterspirit, sign up for our weekly mailer (under “Get Involved” below), consider volunteering, and register for one of our upcoming events!

We Still Have Time to Urge NJ Leaders: Stop Dumping On Newark

Governor Murphy and his Department of Environmental Protection announced in a press conference on Thursday, July 18, 2024, the approval of the highly contested Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC) dirty gas project.

After over 3 years of ongoing advocacy for clean, renewable energy sourcing and communicating as allies with residents at PSVC meetings, our collective conscience is challenged by stark contradictions of governance.

Patch reports “Controversial Power Plant in Newark Can Move Ahead, Official Says” updated at 8PM last night.

In response, community leaders remarked the following:

Senator Teresa Ruiz said: “The NJDEP’s approval of the PVSC power plant in the Ironbound neighborhood is an indefensible and hypocritical decision that blatantly violates New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law.” She pointed to the dichotomy remarking “decision makers (who) remain comfortably detached from the consequences of their shocking and reprehensible actions.”

Assemblywoman Pintor Marin called this decision “deplorable.”

Deputy Director of Organizing and Advocacy at the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), Maria Lopez-Nuñez said: “Adding another power plant to our already burdened neighborhood is a racist decision that disregards community health and environmental justice.”

This approval of a 4th dirty gas plant that has never met the aspiring goals of a back-up power source is in stark contrast to calls for environmental justice once uttered by NJ’s Governor Murphy. The decision adds environmental injustice, which is never “negligible”, even as NJDEP Commissioner LaTourette used the word referring to the impending impact.

As concerned NJ residents who understand the importance of protecting sacred water—the source and sustainer of all life—we must demand transparency and integrity in our state’s governance. Democracy, like water, is fluid. We cannot allow decisions that impact our communities’ health and well being to proceed without scrutiny and public accountability.

It is our duty to hold our leaders accountable, ensuring decisions made reflect our shared vision of a just, stable and livable future. Consider taking action by sending this letter and joining Waterspirit as a volunteer.

TUESDAY at 7AM: Please tune into WBAI radio (99.5 FM) for more on this looming polluting project. #StopDumpingOnNewark

THURSDAY at 12PM Plan to be at the next PVSC Board Meeting on Zoom. This is PVSC’s monthly board meeting where they may be holding a vote to move forward with the project. HOLD THIS TIME and we will share the link if you are interested in attending. Register here and/or Let us know so we can help you prepare your remarks. Make your voice heard!

Amplify these posts on your individual and organizations social media:

 

NJDEP Reports the Navesink is Safe-Not a Risk For Swimmers or Shellfish

Earlier today the Asbury Park Press reporter Olivia Liu shared “Navesink sewage spill not a risk for swimmers or shellfish NJDEP says.”

This comprehensive update includes the latest from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection citing from Caryn Shinske, spokeswoman for the NJDEP:

1)      “Several tide changes have occurred since the spill, and any remaining contamination will already have been flushed, ” said Shinske.

2)      “These beaches and/or shellfish beds are not located in close proximity to where the spill occurred last week and/ therefore, are not considered to be at risk.” Shinske said.

Shinske said the spill was minimal and there was an update shared midday today by Brian Donohue of RedBankGreen “RED BANK: BOATERS RETURN AS SEWAGE WORRIES EBB.” See our original post on this topic “ Advocating for Clean Water & Responsibility: Critical Updates From Red Bank, NJ” here. See the message to customers from American Water below.

Thank you for your continued diligence in checking for these important updates. Knowledge is power!

From American Water to their customers:

“Hello! This is an important notification from New Jersey American Water. New Jersey American Water has LIFTED the mandatory outdoor water use restrictions for your area that were put in place on Sunday, July 14 because of an emergency repair at our water treatment plant.  The voluntary conservation notice previously issued on June 20, 2024, for customers in Monmouth and Ocean Counties to reduce water usage due to the consistent hot, dry weather is still in effect.  If you are a landlord and water service is in your name, please inform your tenants so they are aware of this impact to their water service. For more information on ways to conserve water or to see a map of the affected area please go to NewJerseyamwater.com and click on 'Alerts'.  We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time. Esto es un aviso importante sobre su servicio de agua y/o alcantarilla. Para asistencia en Español, por favor llame New Jersey American Water al 1-800-272-1325.“

Advocating for Clean Water and Responsibility: Critical Updates from Red Bank, NJ

Residents and Community Members of Red Bank and surrounding Monmouth County:

It is with great concern that we address the recent incident at the Red Bank construction site, where a significant sewage leak has occurred due to a broken sewer line at the intersection of Maple Ave and Oakland Street. The Borough advises to avoid the NJ Transit Parking Lot #1 at Monmouth St. and Burrowes St.

Per local TapInto reporting in English and Spanish, the water main was clamped and repaired at 11:50PM last night by the Borough’s emergency Mechanical contractor, stopping any further discharge. We commend the efforts to repair the water main and mitigate the impacts on our shared ecosystem. However, the full resolution of this issue remains uncertain. We urge all residents and visitors to adhere to the advisory issued by local authorities. Please stay out of the water until the results of the water quality test return on 7/16 from NJDEP.

A construction crew was testing soil for future development and, according to local news outlet RedBankGreen, had been warned about the pipe. While we await the official statement/report from NJ Department of Environmental Protection, there is reporting that protocol was not followed. NJDEP will conduct water testing on 7/15 with results due 7/16.

This unfortunate even has resulted in the discharge of wastewater into our stormwater system, posing a threat to the health of our beloved Navesink River.

As advocates for proper stormwater management and guardians of our local ecosystems, we understand the gravity of this situation. The estimated rate of approximately 100 gallons of wastewater per minute entering our waterways demanded swift and decisive action.

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS:

Avoid River Activities: We strongly advise against engaging in any river sports or recreational activities until further notice.

Shellfish and Finfish Consumption: Please refrain from consuming shellfish or finfish from the affected river, given they may be contaminated by the spill.

Please stay out of the water until the results of NJDEP’s water quality test return on 7/16. Waterspirit will provide an update when the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issues a related statement.

Let's Be Nice To The Ocean

As the international community prepares every possible play on the word “nice”, Costa Rica and France prepare to host the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France in June 2025. This conference will assess progress toward fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Life Below Water” (SDG14). At today’s one-day preparatory meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York, delegates acknowledged the threats that the ocean continues to face while praising the progress that has been made since the last UN Ocean Conference in 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal. However, deep sea mining was given far too little attention by the proceedings overall. [Read more]