| DEP Releases New Internet
Mapping Tool to Enhance Public Access to Information (02/86)
TRENTON - The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today
the release of its i-Map NJ program, which allows the public to access real-time
data from DEP databases and overlay the information on Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) maps of New Jersey. The i-Map system is a
web-based interactive application integrating information on almost 50,000 sites
and facilities in DEP's New Jersey Environmental Management System (NJEMS) database.
This information includes data on regulated facilities, permit compliance, wastewater
discharges, and air emissions. DEP's GIS maps include land use areas, locations
of contaminated sites, and locations of natural resources. "The
i-Map NJ program reaffirms DEP's significant commitment to providing timely, accurate,
and relevant information about New Jersey's environment to the public," said
DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. "We want the public to be aware of
and to participate in environmental planning to help them make scientifically
sound decisions. Using this mapping data will accomplish that end." This
week's rollout represents the first phase of release for the program, which will
be improved and amended as additional DEP databases are linked into the NJEMS
system. The system currently allows users the flexibility of combining over 30
data layers to produce individualized maps and simple tables for any location
in the state. The advantage of the new i-Map NJ program is that it allows the
public to access continually updated information, rather than static reports that
provide only a snapshot in time. In the second phase, scheduled
for public release in the spring of 2003, DEP will integrate an easy-to-use report
writing tool allowing more sophisticated user inquiries and manipulation of the
data. The second phase will also provide access to real-time digital contaminant
data for soil, air and water from contaminated sites undergoing remediation. "We
believe the release of this information to the public at a single, user-friendly
website will assist local planners, developers, environmental organizations and
homeowners in their decision-making," said Commissioner Campbell. "Already
the integration of this data has improved the way DEP conducts its business by
providing integrated planning tools among programs." The
department has created a number of online tutorials and will also provide public
demonstrations and "teach-ins" throughout the fall for constituency
groups and interested members of the public. The new mapping
program is only the latest in a series of measures by DEP to increase the availability
of information to the public. The department recently released compliance and
enforcement reports on its Open Public Records Act website. These reports allow
Internet users to find out about emissions, violations, enforcement actions, inspection
results and complaints for any regulated facility in New Jersey. This information
will be integrated into the second phase of the i-Map program. See attached
listing of layers. | 
