This
executive order revised by EO #100 and
terminated
by EO #102 Whitman
WHEREAS, the
State of New Jersey, like many other states across the Northeast,
has suffered from unusually hot, dry weather conditions since July
1998; and
WHEREAS, during
the past twelve-month period, measured precipitation throughout
the State has been at its lowest level in thirty years, and is among
the lowest levels on record; and
WHEREAS, an
extended period of above-average temperatures has significantly
increased the demand for water and exacerbated the drain on available
water supplies; and
WHEREAS, sources
of water supply, both surface and ground, including private wells,
have been seriously depleted; and
WHEREAS, water
courses throughout the State have sustained unprecedented daily
low stream flows; and
WHEREAS, cooperative,
voluntary efforts to curtail non-essential consumption of water,
in addition to mandatory water use restrictions imposed by certain
municipalities, counties and water purveyors, have not succeeded
in maintaining adequate levels of existing water supplies; and
WHEREAS, the
consumption of water throughout the State must be reduced in order
to preserve an adequate and dependable supply of water for the region;
and
WHEREAS, the
Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection has found
that there exists a water shortage resulting from the natural cause
of a prolonged drought which endangers the public health, safety,
and welfare of the residents and industry of the State; and
WHEREAS, without
more normalized precipitation, the full cooperation of every person
throughout the State, including every resident, visitor, business,
State agency and political subdivision, is urgently needed in order
to avert more severe restrictions on water usage, which restrictions
may potentially lead to disruptions in the local or Statewide economy;
and
WHEREAS, it
is essential that steps be taken immediately to ensure the maximum
conservation of all water resources and to provide for the equitable
distribution of the existing water supply; and
WHEREAS, the
Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Water Emergency Task
Force and the Drought Coordinator have the authority, pursuant to
N.J.S.A. 58:1A-1 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 7:19-1 et seq., to adopt such
rules, regulations, orders and directives as deemed necessary to
help alleviate the severity of a water emergency.
NOW, THEREFORE,
I, Christine Todd Whitman, Governor of the State of New Jersey by
virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the
statutes of this State and in accordance with the findings of Robert
C. Shinn, Jr., Commissioner of Environmental Protection, made pursuant
to the Water Emergency Rules set forth at N.J.A.C. 7:19-1 et seq.,
do hereby declare a state of water emergency for the entire State
of New Jersey, and do hereby DECLARE, ORDER and DIRECT as follows:
1. I declare
that a state of water emergency exists throughout New Jersey,
as described by reason of the facts and circumstances set forth
above.
2. I invoke
such emergency powers as are conferred upon me by the Water Supply
Management Act, N.J.S.A. 58:1A-1 et seq., and the Disaster Control
Act, N.J.S.A. App. A:9-30 et seq., and all amendments and supplements
thereto.
3. The Commissioner
of Environmental Protection, the Water Emergency Task Force and
the Drought Coordinator are directed pursuant to N.J.S.A. 58:1A-1
et seq. and N.J.A.C. 7:19-1 et seq., and other relevant laws,
to take whatever steps are necessary and proper to alleviate the
water emergency and to effectuate this Order.
4. It shall
be the duty of every person in the State, which includes every
business, State agency and political subdivision in the emergency
area, to fully cooperate in all matters concerning this water
emergency.
5. All persons
are urged to use water wisely, and to comply fully with voluntary
or mandatory restrictions either advised or imposed by the Department
of Environmental Protection, applicable municipalities or water
purveyors servicing their areas.
6. Any person
who shall violate any of the provisions of this Order or shall
impede or interfere with any action ordered or taken pursuant
to this Order shall be subject to the penalties provided by law
under N.J.S.A. 58:1A-1 et seq., N.J.S.A. App.A:9-49 et seq., and
N.J.A.C. 7:19-1 et seq.
7. This
Order shall remain in effect until terminated by action of the
Governor.
8. This
Order shall take effect immediately.
GIVEN,
under my hand and seal
this Fifth day of August in the Year
of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine
Hundred and Ninety-Nine and of the
Independence of the United States,
the Two Hundred and Twenty-Fourth.
Christine
Todd Whitman
Governor
Attest:
Richard S.
Mroz
Chief Counsel to the Governor
|