Voices for Justice: Community Activism and Environmental Vigilance in Newark and Keyport

People-powered activism has once again demonstrated its vital role in environmental justice, as recent calls into Essex County Executive’s office led to a powerful statement opposing the construction of a fourth dirty methane gas plant in Newark's Ironbound section. This community-driven push highlights the collective power of grassroots efforts in protecting the environment in and around New Jersey.

The importance of such activism is further underscored by recent findings in Keyport, New Jersey, where resident-led monitoring uncovered alarming levels of arsenic and lead, remnants of decades-old toxic operations. Read Waterspirit’s update here. This serves as a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of industrial pollution and the critical need for ongoing devotion to sacred water and Earth.

Last Friday, six activists were arrested at the world headquarters of Formosa Plastics in Livingston, NJ, as part of a direct action aimed at preventing further plastics pollution. The demonstration saw participation from dozens of people across Louisiana, Texas, New York, and New Jersey, with many involved for decades in the fight against Formosa Plastics' environmental damage. Activists from NY and NJ joined in solidarity, highlighting Formosa Plastics’ impact on health and environments in Louisiana, Texas, and Central Vietnam. This action underscores the broader fight against pollution in “sacrifice zones” like Newark’s Ironbound and other environmental justice communities. It further emphasizes the need for continued activism and public engagement. Support by sending a letter to President Biden here.

There is a deep spiritual connection between community well-being and environmental health, reinforcing that each voice contributes to a larger narrative of justice and sustainability. Community storytelling and advocacy are not just about raising awareness but about reclaiming and protecting our shared home for future generations! Every call to action is a step towards a more just, stable and healthy world.

Join us for upcoming events and Calls to Action page for opportunities to make your voice heard!

Beach Cleanup Canceled due to severe weather

Out of an abundance of caution, and with respect to our wonderful volunteers, Waterspirit has decided to cancel our evening beach cleanup scheduled for tonight 8/9/24. We put your safety first. Thank you for your continued support.

A photo of a person cleaning the beach is covered by a large sign that reads "Event Cancelled."

If this storm, with the risks of flooding and possible tornados is adding anxiety to your day, you may have eco-anxiety. Join Waterspirit on 9/4 for an introduction to our 10-step Eco-Anxiety Peer to Peer support group. Visit our Kindful page here for more information.

Keyport Beach Update: Arsenic Levels High & NJDEP Is Acting Swiftly

In a recent update on the environmental situation in Keyport, NJ, Carly Baldwin of Patch reported “Arsenic Levels High In Slag Chunks on Keyport Beach: The Slag chunks in Keyport were tested, and came back showing low levels of lead, high for arsenic.”

The land is speaking to us through its hidden history. Although testing revealed low lead levels in the slag chunks unearthed on the beach, (reminder from LeadFreeNJ: there is no safe level of lead exposure), the presence of high arsenic levels has prompted the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to act swiftly. The state has now posted warnings to prevent public contact with these materials. This beach, once the site of Aeromarine's airplane manufacturing, is showing us the long-lasting impact of past industrial practices. The shifting sands have unearthed these remnants, reminding us of the deep interconnection between our actions and the natural world, and the importance of vigilance in preserving our environment.

While uncertainty is still clear, stay tuned here for further updates and connect with Waterspirit’s upcoming events; let’s keep our waters clean and healthy for all to enjoy today and into the future!

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!