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NJ DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NEWS RELEASE
RELEASE: 6/28/01
01/82
CONTACT: Loretta O'Donnell or Amy Collings
(609) 984-1795 or 609-292-2994

DEP GRANTS $643,000 FOR 7 PROJECTS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN ATLANTIC COASTAL WATERSHED

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bob Shinn today awarded $643,330 in grants for seven projects to improve water quality in the coastal watershed counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean and Monmouth.

At a ceremony in Dover Township at Riverfront Landing Park on the Toms River, Shinn said, "While coastal waters along the beaches and bays are much cleaner due to cooperative efforts to reduce pollution from wastewater treatment plants and other "point" sources, we are now targeting the many nonpoint sources, such as runoff from roads and agriculture, litter and pet waste, fertilizers and pesticides, that require public participation and local partnerships to effectively manage and improve water quality in our streams, ponds and lakes."

The projects receiving grants to address nonpoint source pollution include actions to revegetate along waterways, reduce stormwater runoff and pollution from boats and assess wetlands for restoration. All of the projects are designed to address specific water body impairments in the Atlantic Coastal Region and recognized action items identified by watershed partners. The projects also include public outreach activities on ways to reduce pollution. Funding for the grants is authorized by the federal Clean Water Act.

The seven projects receiving grants are listed below.

Dover Township will receive $190,000 to develop and implement a multi-phased plan designed to coordinate nonpoint source pollution strategies throughout the Long Swamp Creek watershed that drains into the Toms River and eventually into Barnegat Bay. Part of the grant will also be used to create an educational program about the watershed.

The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey will receive $65,601 to reduce nonpoint source pollution from the state's marinas through the implementation of best management practices for both marina operations and boat owners. Examples of these practices will be demonstrated at an existing marina in Barnegat Bay to show the public and other marinas more environmentally friendly ways to maintain boat hulls, repair engines and control oil spills, among other activities.

Fairleigh Dickinson University will receive a grant of $156,249 to undertake an effort to establish seagrass beds at eight locations in Barnegat Bay to help control shoreline erosion, stabilize bottom sediments, provide additional habitat for marine life and uptake excessive nutrients for clearer water.

Bradley Beach Borough (Monmouth) was granted $40,000, on behalf of the Sylvan Lake Commission, to create containment areas that will reduce sediment and debris entering Sylvan Lake in runoff from Route 71 and surrounding communities. This action will help the commission provide a freshwater fishery and also will help to eliminate beach closings in Bradley Beach and Avon-by-the-Sea.

The Middletown Township Environmental Commission (Monmouth) secured $34,000 to assess the wetlands at the mouth of McClees Creek and determine if a restoration project is needed. The creek flows into the Navesink River.

The City of Linwood (Atlantic) will receive $100,000 to restore Mary Jane Pond and retrofit the storm water drainage system to remove sediment. Restoration will include some dredging and bank stabilization, as well as tree and shrub plantings along the banks for further rehabilitation.

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions will receive $57, 480 to conduct a riparian restoration project at the headwaters of the Dennis Creek Branch (Cape May). Historically, this area has been used for agricultural purposes and the headwater area stream buffers had been removed. The project also will serve to educate the public about the importance of stream restoration.

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