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Number of Regulated Industries Situated Near Paterson Neighborhoods
Triggers Concern:
DEP to Launch Compliance and Enforcement Effort
(03/124) TRENTON - Identifying a
high number of regulated businesses located in close proximity
to residential neighborhoods, New Jersey Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today
announced the launch of a two-phase compliance and enforcement
effort in the city of Paterson, Passaic County, to help
ensure inner-city residents equal protection under environmental
laws.
"A concentrated outreach and enforcement
effort in Paterson will help us achieve a broader awareness
of the area's environmental challenges and potential impacts
to its inner-city residents," said DEP Commissioner
Campbell. "Over the next several months, we will direct
resources and work to address citizen concerns, correct
illegal activities, and provide training and guidance to
businesses to foster long-term environmental compliance."
During the two-phase environmental compliance
initiative, the DEP will meet and communicate with citizens
and community groups to ensure that their concerns are considered
and opportunities to improve public health and the environment
are maximized. Local citizens are encouraged to contact
the DEP, community groups, trade associations or the state
or local chambers of commerce with environmental concerns.
The DEP is working with these entities to identify problems
of non-compliance and assist the widest number of regulated
entities possible.
"This initiative is a call to action
for all residents and neighborhood groups who can aid us
in our efforts to end environmental violations impacting
their quality of life," Commissioner Campbell added.
"During a similar enforcement sweep in the city of
Camden, we listened to the concerns of local residents and
reminded the regulated community and area businesses that
environmental compliance is a priority."
The initial stage of the compliance and
enforcement effort begins in September 2003, focusing on
community outreach and on providing assistance to the city's
known and potentially regulated individuals, businesses
and government operations. On Monday, September 8 at 9:00
a.m., the DEP is participating in the Greater Paterson Chamber
of Commerce's "Bottom Line Business Breakfast Series"
to discuss the Paterson compliance and enforcement effort
with area businesses. The meeting is being held at La Neve's,
276 Belmont Avenue in Haledon.
The second phase will involve a large-scale
inspection effort. Both efforts will be led by the DEP in
partnership with the federal Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), the Passaic County Health Department and the Passaic
Valley Sewerage Commission.
Areas of focus during the enforcement effort
and issues of environmental concern include: air pollution,
Community Right to Know, discharge prevention, hazardous
waste, land use, lead and mercury contamination, refrigerant
recovery, pesticides, solid waste, underground storage tanks
and water pollution.
Any businesses with violations found during
the enforcement phase of the initiative will be issued Notices
of Violation and penalties where appropriate. The enforcement
sweep will occur over the course of at least one full week
in late 2003.
For more information, residents or businesses
can contact the DEP at 609-984-3285. Information about the
DEP compliance and enforcement effort can be accessed at
www.nj.gov/dep/enforcement/paterson/paterson.html.
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