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SRP Publications Annual Reports 1998

Dear New Jersey Resident,

98 SRP ANNUAL REPORT

 

Progress in brownfields redevelopment occurred last year in many cities and towns across the state as numerous industrial and commercial properties were cleaned up and transformed for productive reuse. In the first year of implementing the Brownfield and Contaminated Site Remediation Act signed into law in January 1998, the number of voluntary cleanups conducted by private parties increased 29 percent and included many innovative brownfield projects. The Department's involvement in some of these endeavors is highlighted in a special eight-page update included as part of this year's Site Remediation Program Annual Report. Dedicating resources to stimulate environmental investigation and cleanup at these tainted sites will help local economies grow and protect public health. It is a very exciting time for many local governments as they mesh local planning decisions with the powerful tools available to facilitate brownfield projects.

The Department reinforced in 1998 the importance of upgrading underground storage tank systems through a series of new inspection and enforcement measures. Because of the serious threat to ground water supplies, all owners and operators must adhere to state and federal requirements to implement leak detection and other measures designed to prevent contamination problems with underground storage tank systems. Continued enforcement of these critical regulations will remain a priority in 1999.

Planning for the April 1999 Environmental Exposition in Atlantic City also has been a satisfying experience. This event focuses on the state's growing use of environmental technologies to help us solve pollution problems and share this information with other states, the business community and the public. Check the Site Remediation Program's web page for the latest discussion on topics such as electronic data exchange, technology verification and innovative environmental technologies.

As we move towards the next century, completing ongoing remedial activities and spurring new investigations and cleanups remain a priority for the Department. As evidenced by the data in the cleanup progress section of this report, we are meeting this challenge with the help of numerous community leaders, local and county officials, private developers, the regulated community and the state Legislature. I look forward to working with you in the coming year to continue our efforts to protect New Jersey's environment and to encourage economic growth.

 Sincerely,
 

Robert C. Shinn, Jr.
Commissioner

 


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