DEP'S SHINN PRESENTS UNION COUNTY WITH TIRE ROUND
UP CHECK TO FIGHT WEST NILE VIRUS; PRAISES RECYCLING INITIATIVES
Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Shinn today visited
Union County where he praised officials and residents for several successful
recycling initiatives and presented a $58,920 check for a newly funded
program-a round-up of scrap tires.
The check is part of a $2.4 million statewide grant program to help counties
clean-up scrap tires which serve as excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Acting Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco said, "Working together, state
and local government can effectively address the serious problem of mosquito
breeding grounds such as the millions of discarded tires that are currently
lying dormant around the state. I applaud the work done by the Department
of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health and Senior Services
in fighting the spread of the West Nile virus, and am committed to supporting
this worthwhile program."
"One of our strongest defenses in combating the West Nile virus is prevention.
The reckless discarding of scrap tires on the state's roadsides, parks,
vacant lots and open spaces compound this problem. Just one tire can serve
as a breeding ground for thousands of mosquitoes," said Shinn.
Shinn presented the check to the Honorable Alexander Mirabella, chairperson
of the Union County Board of Freeholders at the County Administration
Building in Elizabeth.
Union County is the second to receive a tire-recycling grant for scrap
tire collection and recycling. The funding is based on the Clean Communities
Formula for road miles since abandoned tires are a form of litter. Union
County has 165 road miles which entitles it to 2.45% of the funding.
Additionally, Shinn lauded Union County officials and residents for several
recycling initiatives. He cited Union's household electronics program
which includes televisions, computers, cathode ray tubes and modems as
well as its fluorescent light bulb program as highly successful recycling
programs. He said that Union County will also be reserving four days for
citizens to bring electronic components to four locations.
"The success of these projects plus the new tire round up program shows
that Union's residents and officials have stepped up to the plate in implementing
a responsible environmental management program. They are using these initiatives
to properly dispose of hazardous substances and are helping to create
a healthier, cleaner, safer environment for us all," Shinn said.
According to Shinn, the county's tire recycling grant represents just
one aspect of the state's tire cleanup program. DEP, he added, is working
with other state agencies on a program to clean up the two dozen so-called
"orphan tire dumps" around the state that have existed for 30 years.
The state unveiled its 2001 West Nile Virus plan last month. The comprehensive
plan will include enhanced mosquito control activities and increased human,
animal and mosquito surveillance and testing so those working to control
the virus will be able to more effectively determine its intensity, geographic
spread and impact. The plan also includes a public education campaign
to take personal protective measures during mosquito season.
To support the expanded effort, $2.5 million has been proposed in the
FY2002 budget to heighten the state's ability to track and control the
virus. The state has also applied for a $2 million grant from the federal
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
###
Related
Links
|