On June 1, the New Jersey Strategic Goals Program held its northern launch meeting at the Holiday Inn, Newark. This meeting, hosted by Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners, was the most successful to date, as 29 new electroplaters and metal finishers signed up for this voluntary program. The program encourages environmental compliance by providing incentives and removing regulatory barriers. To date, 45 industries are enrolled in the New Jersey SGP, along with 5 publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). As a result, New Jersey is now second in the nation (behind California) with respect to the number of Strategic Goals Program participants. The southern area New Jersey SGP launch will be held on September 28th at the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority at 12:30 p.m.

Also in June, Expo 2000 - International Environmental Technology was held in Atlantic City. During this technical exchange convention, DEP Commissioner Shinn, along with EPA Region 2 Administrator Jeanne Fox, Ellen Gulbinsky of the Association of Environmental Authorities, and Bob Sica of New Brunswick Plating and the Masters Association of Metal Finishers, formally endorsed the New Jersey SGP Framework Document. This endorsement further exemplifies the participant's commitment to work together and strive to achieve the "Cleaner, Cheaper, and Smarter" goals of the SGP.

Lastly, to help boost the SGP in New Jersey, the DEP has established a web site specifically for its Strategic Goals Program. The web site will enable companies and individuals to get more information on New Jersey's program, including the Program Framework Document, program participants, calendar of events, and information of the SGP Stakeholder Review Panel. You can even sign up on line and submit comments and suggestions! Check it out at: www.state.nj.us/dep/dwq/nj_sgp.htm.