On Wednesday, February 9, the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority (NBMUA) unveiled the largest Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) control system to be used in the state of New Jersey to date. CSO control systems act as filters and prevent solids and floatables from being deposited in our rivers. Through the netting technology installed by the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority, debris that would eventually destroy aquatic life and litter the banks and shorelines with objectionable waste, is captured before it is released into the environment.

"The North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority is doing a tremendous job in protecting our waterways. The North Bergen CSO Control System not only protects the environment, but also demonstrates that a partnership between state and township officials does work," said Senator/Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco.

To build the CSO control system, the NBMUA used funds received through a low-interest loan by the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust (NJEIT). By using these funds, and not navigating through conventional local financing institutions, the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority saved the township over 1.5 million dollars.

"Careful planning and the low-interest financing available through the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program are the fundamental tools for solving the continuing problem of combined sewer overflows. The North Bergen authority has set a fine example of using these tools effectively," said Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection Robert C. Shinn, Jr.

The event was held at the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority, 6200 Tonnelle Avenue, North Bergen, NJ. Among those in attendance were Mayor/ Senator Nicholas J. Sacco, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection Robert C. Shinn, Jr., Hudson County Executive Robert C. Janiszweski, Executive Director of the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust Dirk C. Hofman, Director of the Division of Water Quality at the Department of Environmental Protection Dennis Hart, and the Director of the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority Robert C. Fischer.