Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my name is Diane Schulze. I am here on behalf of the New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate. Our office was created by Governor Christine Todd Whitman to represent and protect the interests of utility consumers in New Jersey. The Ratepayer Advocate represents and protects the interests of residential customers, small retail customers, small and large industrial customers, schools, libraries, and other institutions in our communities.

The Ratepayer Advocate has been given notice pursuant to the Small Water and Sewer Companies Takeover Act, N.J.S.A. 58:11-59 et. seq., that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (‘BPU") have initiated legal proceedings against Diamond Hill Estates Sewer Company, Inc., and Diamond Hill Estates Water Company, Inc., ( collectively "Diamond Hill") which may result in the transfer of their assets and franchises to another public or private water/wastewater supplier. The DEP and the BPU has found cause to initiate this proceeding against Diamond Hill based on ongoing violations of the Water Pollution Control Act, N.J.S.A 58:10A-1 et. seq and the Safe Drinking Water Act, N.J.S.A. 58:12A-1et. seq.

The Ratepayer Advocate will be involved in reviewing all paperwork filed in these proceedings, since the probable costs of compliance and acquisition may impact all water and wastewater consumers of Diamond Hill and all water and wastewater rates. Our goal in this proceeding is to advance the interests of all water and wastewater customers in Diamond Hill’s service territory, and advocate for the preservation of quality service and affordable rates.

Pursuant to the Takeover Act, the DEP and BPU may issue a joint order transferring the franchises and assets of Diamond Hill to a suitable and capable, proximate public or private water or sewer company, municipal utilities authority, municipality or other suitable public or private entity.

The purpose of this open public hearing is for the DEP to present a technical report on the deficiencies in both the Diamond Hill sewer and water systems and identify available corrective options. Other interested persons have been invited here tonight to provide comments, views and information regarding the deficiencies at the facilities. In addition, customers may relate their experiences with Diamond Hill and offer comments about any service problems they may be experiencing. It is important that you express your views, because they will become part of the record on which the Hearing Officer will make a recommendation to the DEP and BPU regarding the proposed takeover. The Ratepayer Advocate also needs to hear your views in order to represent your interests in this legal proceeding. We strongly encourage your participation.

This public hearing is being transcribed and your comments will become part of the record. The Hearing Officer will instruct you to give your name and address before you speak. I would like to reiterate the importance of your input so that the Ratepayer Advocate can have a clear record of your concerns and interests.

On behalf of the Ratepayer Advocate, I thank you for attending this public hearing.

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