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EPA Tentatively Approves NJ's Plan To Stop Boats From Discharging in Navesink River

Release Date: 05/05/1999
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(#99076) NEW YORK, N.Y. -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tentatively approved the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) plan to prohibit boats from discharging treated or untreated sewage into the Navesink River in Monmouth County. EPA and NJDEP have tentatively determined that there are a sufficient number of pump-out facilities located in the area to receive the sewage from vessels. Sewage discharges from boats have been identified as a source of contamination affecting water quality in the rivers. EPA will take public comments on its proposal.

"The designation of the Navesink as a 'No Discharge Area' will help improve water quality and protect marine life, including shell fish beds," said Jeanne M. Fox, EPA Region 2 Administrator. "It's particularly important to protect the Navesink because it empties into the ocean near some of New Jersey's most popular beaches. The healthier the rivers, the healthier the near-shore ocean waters."

"This is great news for New Jersey and the Navesink, one of the state's prime locations for clam harvesting. The approval is a tribute to the successful partnerships that have resulted in cleaner water and the reopening of shellfish waters for unrestricted harvesting in recent years," said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Shinn. "We are working with local organizations to prepare additional waterways for 'No Discharge Area' proposals this summer, as part of our statewide watershed program to reduce all sources of pollution."

The NJDEP petitioned the EPA to establish this "No Discharge Area" last spring. Under national marine sanitation standards, vessels operating in the Navesink River are currently prohibited from discharging untreated sewage, but are allowed to discharge treated sewage from approved marine sanitation devices. Once the "No Discharge Areas" are approved, both treated and untreated vessel sewage will be prohibited. EPA will issue a final determination after review of any comments it receives. EPA will accept public comments for thirty days after its proposal appears in the Federal Register, expected sometime this week.

Comments or requests for information or copies of the applicant's petition should be addressed to Walter E. Andrews, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region II, Water Programs Branch, 290 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, New York, 10007-1866.

For more information contact:
Mary Mears, Press Office
EPA Region 2
290 Broadway
NY, NY 10007-1866
Voice: 212-637-3669 FAX: 212-637-5046 E-Mail: mears.mary@epamail.epa.gov