Inside: • ANJEC grants awarded • Pandemic guidance for ECs ...

ANJEC REPORT – Summer 2020 1SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

SUMMER 2020SUMMER 2020Local Environment MattersLocal Environment Matters

Inside:

• ANJEC grants awarded

• Pandemic guidance for ECs

• Farewell to anenvironmental legend

Inside:

• ANJEC grants awarded

• Pandemic guidance for ECs

• Farewell to anenvironmental legend

2 ANJEC REPORT – Summer 2020

Director’s Report


Since our last edition of the ANJECReport, so very much has changed for all ofus. First and foremost, I hope each of youand your families are staying safe andhealthy. With about 13,000 New Jerseyresidents, and more than three times asmany of our New York neighbors, lost toCOVID-19 since mid March, I extend mysincerest sympathy to all of you who havelost a loved one.

The stress and anxiety of the past fewmonths have been unparalleled in ourlifetimes, and at ANJEC, we are workinghard to adapt to serve you and yourcommunities. We know that the crises ofclimate change, plastic pollution, equitableaccess to open space and other environ-mental priorities will outlast this pandemic,and we therefore must continue the fightfor clean water, air, and open space.

ANJEC and environmental commissionshave a deep history of focusing on the longgame and the big picture. That perspectivewas cultivated by ANJEC’s foundingExecutive Director, Candace McKeeAshmun. Sadly, Candy, as she is known tous, took her leave of this Earth that she soloved in late May. I understand that shepassed peacefully at home in her sleep. Inearly March, before we went into pandemiclockdown, we celebrated her 96th birthdaywith her, complete with sparkling candleson a chocolate cake, and wine. She would,however, want me to say that as a leapyear baby, it was really only her 24thbirthday.

I can’t possibly begin to summarize theenormity of Candy’s impact on New Jersey.

In his tribute to her, Governor Murphyrightfully called her a “national treasure.”The centerfold of this issue is dedicated toCandy and her lifetime of achievements.Personally, I am most grateful to haveknown Candy for the past 15 years. Iremember her as someone who alwaysstood firmly for the environment, regardlessof the obstacles. She inspired and held ourleaders to higher standards.

In 2020, 100 years since women finallywon the right to vote, I think it is veryfitting for us to remember that CandaceMcKee Ashmun empowered generations ofwomen. She was a mentor, influencer,inspiration and confidant for so many NJwomen who are leaders in the environmen-tal field, including, but most certainly notlimited to: Michele Byers, ExecutiveDirector of New Jersey ConservationFoundation; Cindy Ehrenclou, ExecutiveDirector of Raritan Headwaters Association;Jaclyn Rhoads, Assistant Director of thePinelands Preservation Alliance; JuliaSomers, Executive Director of New JerseyHighlands Coalition; and of course, me.

I am especially thankful for Candy andthe work of her colleagues in passionatepursuit of conservation when I visit thePinelands. I didn’t know anything about thenow-designated UNESCO world biospherearea when I went to Richard Stockton StateCollege in the 90’s, but I was quicklymesmerized by it. I am eternally gratefulthat generations before me fought toprotect it. Candy was the longest servingmember of the Pinelands Commission andits last original member, serving since 1979.

ANJEC REPORT – Summer 2020 3SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPERSUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Jennifer M. CoffeyExecutive Director

2 Director’s Report

4 New Jersey’s eco awakening

7 ANJEC awards 2020Open Space Grants

8 EC operations during thepandemic

9 ANJEC’s EnvironmentalAchievement Awards

10 When life hands you apandemic, make a virtualgreen fair…

11 New Jersey regulates twomore “forever compounds”

13 New protections for 600miles of NJ rivers andstreams

14 NJ outlines plan to spendRGGI funds on climatechange initiatives

15 ANJEC’S 47th AnnualEnvironmental Congress

16 Delaware River named 2020River of the Year

18 A Legacy for New Jersey:Candace McKee Ashmun1924-2020

20 Decolonizing foodproduction in NJ

22 Your vote counts

23 Coronavirus: In NJ, don’t befrightened into usingsingle-use plastic bags

24 Why you should fill out yourcensus form

25 Acting Locally

28 Rain gardens at work

In this issue:

On the cover: Scarlet Tanager

ANJEC REPORT – Summer 2020 3

Executive Director ............................. Jennifer M. CoffeyEditor ................................................. Julie Lange Groth

The Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissionsis a private, non-profit educational organization serving environ-mental commission and open space committee members, con-cerned individuals, non-profits, and local officials. ANJEC’sprograms aim to promote the public interest in natural resourcepreservation, sustainable development and reclamation andsupport environmental commissions and open space commit-teesworking with citizens and other non-profit organizations.

The REPORT welcomes articles and photographs but is notresponsible for loss or damage. Opinions expressed by guestauthors do not necessarily reflect ANJEC policy. Articles may bereprinted with permission and credit. Please addresscorrespondence to ANJEC REPORT, PO Box 157, Mendham, NJ07945; tel: 973-539-7547; fax: 973-539-7713.E-mail [email protected]. Web site: www.anjec.org.

565 MUNICIPALITIES ............... ONE ENVIRONMENT

Vol. 40 / No. 3 SUMMER 2020

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Local Environment Matters

Photo by Charlie Finneran

As we went to press, the PinelandsCommission was still lacking enoughconfirmed commissioners to achieve aquorum. For the second consecutive year,Governor Murphy has nominated fivecandidates to serve, but the SenateJudiciary Committee has yet to take up thematter of confirmation. Those nomineesare: Robert Jackson, Theresa Lettman,Jessica Rittler Sanchez, and me as newmembers, and Ed Lloyd for another term.

When I asked Candy what I needed toknow or what advice she could share withme, she said “Read the Plan (The PinelandsComprehensive Management Plan). Knowthe Plan. All decisions need to be rooted inthe Plan.” I consider myself lucky to havean assignment from Candy and to have hervoice in my head guiding me. I don’tintend to let her or the next generationsdown.

Click on an article to jump to that page


By N. Dini Checko, ANJEC Resource Center, andIsabella Castiglioni, ANJEC Landscape Makeover Project

H

New Jersey’seco awakening

ere in New Jersey, we’vebeen staying home since March toslow the spread of COVID-19. Itfeels like the pandemic has shakenour society at its foundation, and itcan be difficult to keep track of allthe changes taking place. On thesurface, COVID-19 may not seemlike a typical environmental issue.The pandemic is unprecedented,but the issues that it inflames inour society are not. For decades,environmentalists have been advocating astronger connection with nature. Thispandemic reveals what we know all toowell: Human health is inextricable fromenvironmental health. From increaseddemand for local food to the realizationthat better air quality is within our reach,the public seems to be experiencing aneco-awakening.

We humans love our food and drink; it’sthe social touchstone of our lives. However,many of us have become quite complacentand disconnected from the sources of ourfood because of the convenience andabundance of prepackaged goods. Over thepast few months, we’ve been going back tothe basics because the food shoppingexperience has become inconvenient andchallenging. As customers have beenwaiting in long lines at grocery stores thatare understocked and charging higherprices, with reduced meat supplies due toclosed processing plants, people arereassessing their connection to food. Thisconcern has translated into a shift towards

eating locally produced food and a reduc-tion in meat consumption.1

Just in time for Jersey’s summer farmbounty, there’s been more interest inbuying from local farms. Brianna Baker,reporting fellow for The New JerseySustainability Reporting Project, coveredthe story about the Metuchen FarmersMarket in her article, “As a Central JerseyFarmers Market Goes Virtual, It Finds aNew Kind of Community.” Pre-orderingonline with curbside pickup has attractednew customers, who are using digitalplatforms that enable farmers to trackinventory. One fan is Metuchen Mayor,Jonathan Busch, who recently tweeted:“Just returned from picking up some earthbooty from the perfectly synchronized, no-contact, and volunteer-run [MetuchenFarmers Market]."

As more people have been stuck athome, riding out the pandemic, and withmore time on their hands, home gardeningis getting more popular. And with increasedconcerns about germs and who may have

Home gardening has become morepopular during the pandemic.


touched their food on its way into theirhomes, many people feel more comfortablegrowing their own food. Warren Township’sthird-generation, family-owned MalangaFarm Market and Greenhouses has beenmuch busier this spring compared withprevious years, according to Manager DanPanella. “There has been an increase inhome gardening. With more time, peopleare experimenting with planting herbs andvegetables.”

Working and shopping fromhome cuts air pollution

An added benefit of the State’s stay-at-home order is the reduction in the numberof vehicle miles traveled, which is animportant strategy for decreasing climate-heating greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).A large portion of the working populationis either laid off or working from home, andtravel for work or leisure has been greatlycurtailed, so there’s less traffic on the roadsand far fewer flights at the airports.

In New Jersey, the transportation sectoris responsible for a whopping 42 percent ofthe State’s total GHGs. According toMonica Mazurek, air quality expert at theRutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructureand Transportation, NJ’s air is the cleanestit’s been since travel was temporarilyrestricted after 9/11. In cities such asElizabeth that typically have heavy vehicletraffic, particulate matter pollution hassignificantly decreased between March2019 and 2020. There’s also been adramatic decrease in another GHG pollut-ant, nitrogen dioxide, a key ingredient ofsmog. Not only are humans appreciatingcleaner air and less noise, so are the wildand marine life. Social media is full of awe-inspiring, joyful stories and videos of peoplespotting wildlife for the first time in theirbackyards and city centers.

Keeping the momentum goingNow is the time to plan for the ways to

maintain a positive trajectory for theenvironment. Unfortunately, climatescientists estimate that once we are clearof the pandemic, GHG emissions will likely

return to normal. Current findings show thatthis temporary decrease in GHG emissionswill not have a measurable effect on reduc-ing overall climate change.2

If economic recovery plans do not takeclimate change into account, our goals for alivable future on earth are jeopardized.

So far, the largest environmental deregula-tion of the Trump administration is thereduction of the corporate average fueleconomy (CAFE) and CO2 emissionsstandards for passenger cars and light trucks,model years 2021-2026. But there arepromising signs on the horizon.• New Jersey’s new electric vehicle (EV) law,

passed in January, sets forth policies toreduce emissions by mandating items suchas the strongest electric vehicle (EV)rebate in the country (up to $5000 fornew EVs) and providing financial assistancefor building a statewide, high-speed EVcharging network.

• In January, New Jersey became the firststate to require that builders take intoaccount the impact of climate change,including rising sea levels, in order to wingovernment approval for projects.

• State officials announced in June thatNew Jersey will become the first state toincorporate climate change into thecurriculum of kindergartners through highschool seniors.

Positive change is happening at the locallevel too. For example, to keep enjoyingcleaner air and less noise, Montclair Town-ship passed a resolution to urge landscapersand residents to limit the use of gas-poweredleaf blowers during the COVID-19 healthcrisis. Citing the reason that people are

1 Esther Ciammachilli. “The Pandemic Has PeopleRethinking Their Relationship With Food,Especially Meat". NPR. www.npr.org/local/305/2020/05/04/850066429/the-pandemic-has-people-rethinking-their-relationship-with-food-especially-meat

2 Le Quéré, C., Jackson, R.B., Jones, M.W. et al.“Temporary reduction in daily global CO2emissions during the COVID-19 forced confine-ment". Nat. Clim. Chang. (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-020-0797-x

www.npr.org/local/305/2020/05/04/850066429/the-pandemic-has-people-rethinking-their-relationship-with-food-especially-meat

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-020-0797-x


working and studying from home,Montclair is using this opportunity toeducate residents and landscapers. Gasdriven lawn equipment, especially leafblowers, create a mix of toxic fumes,particulate matter and noise pollution thatadds to local smog and GHG emissions.

On the other handWe must be wary of treating COVID-19

as a “win” for the environment. Thousandsof people are diagnosed each day in theUnited States with COVID-19, and accord-ing to the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention, marginalized populations,especially those who are Black, Indigenousand People of Color, carry a disproportion-ate burden of disease. Marginalized peopleare more likely to deal with conditions likedense housing, poor air quality, fooddeserts, and a lack of green space. Thisdisparity can be broadly categorized as“environmental racism,” and though notdue to intentional acts of hatred, theabsence of these vital resources can have adramatic effect on people’s health. Diseaseslike asthma, diabetes, and now COVID-19are left to wreak havoc.

There is a divide in our society betweenwho has access to nature, and who doesnot. If we do not fight for marginalizedpeople to benefit from a healthy environ-ment, then what kind of future are webuilding? This disparity can be broadly

categorized as environmental racism. Theabsence of access to vital resources canhave a dramatic affect on people's health.

One way for environmental commissionsto combat this issue is by investing incommunity gardens. In urban spacesthroughout NJ and the United States,community gardens provide healthful,locally-grown food as well as communitygreen space in food deserts.

From switching to electric leaf blowersand home gardening to driving less, there’san uprising of collective sustainable actions.Rather than have this be just a passingmoment in time, let’s ride the tailwind ofchange to create lasting impacts that keepus connected to our humanity and tonature. The cleaner, greener world thatenvironmentalists are too often told is onlya dream is, in fact, right at our fingertips.

More info• New Jersey Sustainability Reporting Hub

– https://srhub.org/?mc_cid=08fa2d6e29&mc_eid=cd0609e4dc

• NJ Future: NJ Stay-at-Home Order isreducing GHG emissions –www.njfuture.org/2020/04/15/nj-stay-at-home-order-is-reducing-ghg-emissions

• NJ.com: N.J.’s air is the cleanest it’s beensince 9/11 due to Coronavirus shutdown

• www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/04/njs-air-is-the-cleanest-its-been-since-911-due-to-coronavirus-shutdown.html

With thestay-at-home order,reducedtraffic hasled tocleaner air.

https://srhub.org/?mc_cid=08fa2d6e29&mc_eid=cd0609e4dc


F

ANJEC awards 2020Open Space Grants

or the seventh year, ANJEC is pleasedto announce the continuation of theANJEC Open Space Stewardship Grants.

During these challenging times, it’sheartening to see that environmentalcommissions (ECs) are still moving forwardand planning projects that can be safelyimplemented and that the community willappreciate and enjoy for years to come. Inthese pandemic times, getting outside toenjoy nature is more vital than ever to thephysical and mental health of NJ residents.The projects awarded for 2020 were variedand show how unique and energetic our NJenvironmental commission members are!Projects include: trail maintenance, invasivespecies mapping and removal, nativeplantings on trails, educational trail signage,a pollinator palooza, a nature gatheringspace, a meadow and trail for a school,butterfly garden signs, a pollinator garden, abeehive project and more. ANJEC looksforward to sharing photos and ideas withother communities in the months to come.

This year, the followingcommunities were selected forgrants:Atlantic Highlands (Monmouth)Berkeley Heights (Union)Byram (Sussex)Delanco (Burlington)Delaware (Hunterdon)Evesham (Burlington)Franklin Lakes (Bergen)Frelinghuysen (Warren)Holmdel (Monmouth)Jersey City (Hudson)Metuchen (Middlesex)Middletown (Monmouth)New Milford (Bergen)Ramsey (Bergen)West Orange (Essex)

By Elizabeth Ritter, ANJEC Deputy Director

No cash match is required for thegrants, which range from $400 to $1500.Projects require an in-kind labor contribu-tion from the commission or other volun-teers totaling at least 80 hours. Projectsoften bring in many times that amount insupport from community groups andindividuals, who help with physical labor oreven donate professional skills. The fundedprojects are often part of larger initiativesthat may include funding from additionalsources. Receiving a grant can sometimesencourage the community to plan evenmore activities to protect the environment.

ANJEC remains committed to theseworthwhile projects and all the enthusiasmand community goodwill they generate.The primary objective of the Open SpaceStewardship Grant Program is to increaseresidents’ awareness and appreciation oflocal open space, ultimately increasingpublic support for open space stewardship.Another objective of the program is to raisethe profile of environmental commissions

Last year the Stillwater Environmental Commissionused their ANJEC grant to create educational

signage welcoming visitors to Trout Brook.


EC operations duringthe pandemic

WBy Julie Lange Groth, ANJEC Report Editor

e don’t know how long theCOVID-19 global pandemic will last, but wedo know that environmental challengessuch as climate change, plastic pollution,and disappearing habitats will outlast thecurrent health crisis.

This is no time to take your foot off thegas! It is critical that environmentalcommissions (ECs) continue to work andadvocate locally to keep our 50-plus-yearhistory of progress in environmentalprotection alive in New Jersey. By main-taining our momentum, we can ensure thatafter the pandemic dust settles, we can stillcelebrate the protection and restoration ofclean water, clear air and open spaces thatwe all cherish.

New guidance availableANJEC has developed guidance to help

environmental commissions operateeffectively during this new, abnormal periodof social distancing. It’s a living documentthat will evolve as circumstances change,covering a range of issues, from conductingonline meetings to staying connected with

your community. The document is availableon the ANJEC website at www.anjec.org.Here are some highlights.

Virtual meetings –what are the rules?

All over the State, municipalities haveswitched to conducting business virtually.But what about public meetings? Gover-nor Murphy issued Executive Order 103 onMarch 9, 2020, declaring a State ofEmergency due to COVID-19, and issuedExecutive Order 107 on March 21, 2020,to control the Coronavirus outbreak. TheNew Jersey Legislature subsequentlyadopted A3850/S2294, signed into law byGovernor Murphy, permitting virtual orteleconferenced municipal meetings duringa State of Emergency.

The New Jersey Department of Commu-nity Affairs has published guidance toclarify the new virtual meetings law. At thetime of this publication, that guidance canbe found at: https://nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/pdf/GovConnectNotice-NewRemotePublicMeetingsGuidance.pdf.

in their communities. ECs do untoldamounts of important work in their towns,but often operate under the radar.

The program requires grantees to includecommunity outreach and promotion oftheir projects through activities such aspress coverage, social media and websitepostings, event attendance, signage,brochures and other efforts to bringattention to their efforts. It is essential fora commission to continually affirm its value

as a community resource, so the town willtrust and support the group’s efforts andprograms.

ANJEC is always looking for additionalsources of revenue to support grants forenvironmental commissions. If yourorganization would like to hold a fundraiserto support the grant program, or youwould like to make a donation, contactANJEC at 973-539-7547, [email protected].


This guidance refers to meetings that needto comply with the Open Public MeetingsAct (OPMA).

ANJEC recommends that all ECs complywith OPMA, especially if your EC has abudget, which makes it a steward oftaxpayer funds. That means you have toinform the public about your meetings andinvite public participation. EC meetingschedules are most often published at thebeginning of the year for the entirety ofthat calendar year. Just like meetings of thegoverning body and land use boards, ECmeetings must be noticed in themunicipality’s newspaper of record andshould also be listed on the town’s or EC’swebsite. Consider also advertising yourmeeting on social media to encouragepublic attendance.

Relationships matter more nowSocial distancing and stay-at-home

requirements may make it more difficult tointeract with your mayor and members ofyour governing body, who now have awhole new set of priorities to manage inaddition to all of their usual obligations.Now is the time to be proactive in commu-nicating with town officials. Keep theminformed about your meetings, activities,and priorities. Don’t wait until you have aproblem to reach out to them. Find waysto remind them of the value you continueto bring to the community.

While the pandemic forces you to be lessphysically visible in the community, yourrelationship with the public also needs

continued attention. Since in-person events are limited, usethat energy to find new ways toengage with the public andmake your presence and yourwork known. For example, thisis a good time to amp up yourcommission’s social mediapresence. Many ECs do anexcellent job of reaching out totheir communities on Facebookto promote their efforts andeducate residents.

Even though you can’t hostevents in the usual way, you can stillmeaningfully engage with residents. SomeECs are doing hands-free giveaways of treesaplings or organizing online watch partiesof environmental programming viaFacebook. The Hope Twp. EC had a greatresponse when they held their popularGreen Festival online this year. (See articleon page 10.)

We’re here to helpWhile our physical office remains closed,

ANJEC is still here to help. For any type ofassistance – from information to tools,training and resources – just email us [email protected].

ANJEC’s 2020Environmental

Achievement AwardsTo be presented at the

47th AnnualEnvironmental Congress

October 1

Deadline:Entries must be received by

September 11, 2020

Email entries to [email protected] categories, application form and

additional details go to www.anjec.orgor call ANJEC at (973) 539-7547


By Monica Sobon, Hope Twp. Environmental Commission

When life hands youa pandemic, make avirtual green fair…

With only three weeks to gobefore Hope Township’s 7th Annual “GoGreen With Hope” Green Fair, New JerseyGovernor Phil Murphy banned gatherings ofmore than 50 people and then reducedthat number to 10 due to the Coronaviruspandemic. The Hope School, the plannedvenue, was shuttered. Even March Madnesswas canceled, Major League Baseball’s 2020season was in jeopardy, supermarket shelveswere being decimated, and the grim dailycounts of positive Coronavirus cases anddeaths were becoming standard. It didn’tmatter that the Hope Township Environ-mental Commission (EC) and Green Teamhad been planning the April 4 event for ayear; that over 50 organizations werepreparing to set up displays, activities, andcollections; that ads and flyers were postedand the floor plan was drafted.

To paraphrase a classic “Casablanca” line:“It doesn’t take much to see that theproblems of one little green fair don’tamount to a hill of beans in this crazy,COVID-19 world.” How do you salvage allthe energy spent and harness the sincereintentions of so many supporters to informand entertain during a pandemic? Youmorph an on-the-ground Green Fair eventinto a virtual experience – transformphysical activities into web pages. And doit without technical expertise and monetaryexpenditures. Here’s how we did it:• We began by informing all participants

that the Green Fair was going virtual,and debuting on the original date.

• We invited each exhibitor to provide at

least an image and a message that couldcapture what would have been in theirdisplay. Neighboring Allamuchy ECcreated their own video for the site topromote composting, and added onlinehandouts.

• We chose an online platform that wouldbe workable with limited online program-ming expertise. We found Google Sites tobe free and it did not require HTMLprogramming skills. You can find ourfinished website at: https://sites.google.com/site/hopenjenv/home/green-fair.

• We expanded our social media reach,joined more closed groups and built upour email database, so that when welaunched, we could post in as manyplaces as possible.

• Each exhibitor’s table became an onlineentry that included at least a representa-tive graphic and a message. In the past,one table always offered free raffle ticketsto attendees, and the online version didmanage to “collect tickets” as emails andthe winners were drawn on Earth Day-50.

• We focused on providing an interestingdiversion as well as instruction. Weunderstood that people would probablybe more concerned with buying milk andtoilet paper during the pandemic, ratherthan composting and recycling; howevershelter-in-place at least provided the timeand opportunity for people to leisurelyscroll through the Green Fair any timeinstead of strolling through tables on aspecific day and time.

https://sites.google.com/site/hopenjenv/home/green-fair.


• We accepted it would not be perfect orcomplete, but it would be something ofvalue.The online green fair debuted on the day

the in-person event would have takenplace. We promoted it via email and onFacebook. There were follow up posts tohighlight the raffles, new videos oncomposting and how to make a tote froma T-shirt, all leading up to the drawing forEarth Day-50.

The website was set up to receivefeedback, and the responses were allappreciative and supportive:• "This was great!”• "Although we all wish we were attending

in person, I feel I had more time to readabout the different organizations.”

• "Informative and fun.”• "I love that all the information is easily

available online. I hope you add this tothe physical green fairs in the future forthose who cannot physically attend.”

• "I hope you keep this page up andrunning as an easier way for people tolearn about these green options.”

• "LOVE that you did this!."

On the bright side, being forced to govirtual means there is no need to coordi-nate an army of volunteers, no setting up agym full of tables and chairs and noworrying about food and facilities. Weatheris not an issue; no parking space is needed;there is no breakdown and no clean up!Exhibitors need not worry about bookingmore than one event, staffing their tablesor arriving on time. People can scrollthrough the “fair” any day, any time.

We are following the virtual attendees’suggestion to maintain the site at thistime, adjusting it as needed to account foradditions, expirations, and adjustments.

Currently, we have the opportunity torun our green fair tree seedling distributionfrom New Jersey Forestry using reservationsand curbside pickup. There will never be areplacement for an in-person experience,but when there is no choice, an online“something” beats “nothing".

For more information, contact MonicaSobon at [email protected].

New Jersey regulatestwo more “forevercompounds”

NBy Randi Rothmel, Ph.D, ANJEC South Jersey Project Director

ew Jersey was the first state inthe nation to regulate PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid), a virtually indestruc-tible compound, with a concentration limitof 13 parts per trillion (ppt). In April, the NJDepartment of Environmental Protectionmoved to regulate two more “forevercompounds,” PFOS (per fluorooctane

sulfonate) and PFOA (perflurooctanoicacid), by setting a concentration limit of 14ppt for PFOA and 13 ppt for PFOS. Thenew rule, finalized and published in theNew Jersey Register on June 1, sets thestrictest standards in the US – far strongerthan the 70 ppt advisory guideline set bythe US Environmental Protection Agency.


The new rule will require public utilitiesand owners of private water wells to ensurethat drinking water contains less than themaximum concentration limits and alsomandates cleanup of source contaminationfrom groundwater that feeds drinking watersupplies. Beginning in the first quarter of2021, all public water systems must analyzefor all three compounds – many alreadycomply. According to the EnvironmentalWorking Group (EWG), there are over 500water systems in NJ that have some levelof these compounds.

Have PFOA, PFOS, or PFNA beendetected in your area? Check EWG'sinteractive map to find out: www.ewg.org/interactive-maps/pfas_contamination/map/.The fluorinatedcompound family

PFOA, PFOS and PFNA are members ofa much larger family of compounds knownas per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, orPFAS. These three chemicals were onceused in consumer products like nonstickcookware and flame-retardant fabrics; theyhave many industrial uses, particularlyfirefighting foams, which is a major sourceof groundwater contamination at militarybases especially. Some studies have shownthat they can:• interfere with the body's natural hor-

mones;• increase cholesterol levels;• affect the immune system; and• increase the risk of some cancers.

You probably already have a certain levelof these compounds in your bloodstream,especially PFOS, although this is trendingdownward since PFOS and PFOA are nolonger manufactured in the US.(www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/pfas-in-population.html) Numerous other PFAScompounds continue to be produced andare widely used, and some substitutecompounds have also come into use,including GenX (high performancefluropolymers) and PFBS (perfluorobutanesulfonic acid). Toxicity studies on thesechemicals have shown that the liver issensitive to GenX, and the kidney and

thyroid are sensitive to PFBS(www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2018-11/documents/factsheet_pfbs-genx-toxicity_values_11.14.2018.pdf). GenX hasalready been found in surface water,groundwater and drinking water in someparts of the US.

Are PFAS truly forever?While PFAS compounds are highly

recalcitrant and thought to be “forevercompounds,” microbial organisms havebeen identified that can biotransform /mineralize some PFAS compounds. Cur-rently, the only effective clean up strategyis to bind PFAS compounds to activatedcarbon or ion exchange resins. Remediatingsubsurface contamination using thistechnology requires pumping and treatingenormous volumes of groundwater.

In 2020, the US Department of Defense'sStrategic Environmental Research andDevelopment Program began fundingprojects geared to understanding thesebiodegradation processes and developingalternative subsurface in situ treatmentstrategies for PFAS. More information onthese innovative projects can be found at:www.serdp-estcp.org/News-and-Events/Blog/Expanding-the-Biodegradation-Knowledge-Base-of-PFAS-in-the-Subsurface.

More info• Summer 2018 ANJEC Report “PFAS:

PFOS and PFOA and TCP in our drinkingwater?” http://anjec.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Summer2018ANJECReport.pdf

• Summary of Proposed Rule 51 N.J.R.437(a) setting limits on PFOA/PFOShttps://services.statescape.com/ssu/Regs/ss_8586473702750956081.htm

• Info on private well testing –www.state.nj.us/dep/watersupply/pw_pwta.html

• Drinking water supply test results –www.state.nj.us/DEP_WaterWatch_public/

• EWG PFAS page: www.ewg.org/key-issues/toxics/nonstick-chemicals

http://anjec.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Summer2018ANJECReport.pdf

www.serdp-estcp.org/News-and-Events/Blog/Expanding-the-Biodegradation-Knowledge-Base-of-PFAS-in-the-Subsurface

https://services.statescape.com/ssu/Regs/ss_8586473702750956081.htm

www.state.nj.us/dep/watersupply/pw_pwta.html

www.ewg.org/key-issues/toxics/nonstick-chemicals


New protections for600 miles of NJrivers and streams

O By Julie Lange Groth, ANJEC Report Editor

n April 6, 600 miles of NewJersey’s pristine rivers and streams wereupgraded to Category One (or C1) status,the State’s first such upgrade in over adecade. Through an amendment to theSurface Water Quality Standards thatcodifies these new C1 streams, theirexceptional water quality and ecologicaldiversity will be protected from possiblefuture degradation.

"These Category One stream upgradesrepresent a landmark for environmentalprotection in New Jersey, providingimportant protections to some of NewJersey’s most valuable waters,” said NJDepartment of Environmental Protection(DEP) Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe.“Continuing our proud tradition of relyingupon the best available science, DEP’sWater Resource Management teamworked diligently to evaluate data andnew information provided by the publicand regulated community throughoutthe process of developing these newstandards."

These are the first C1 waterway upgradessince 2008. Of the newly upgraded 600miles, 547 miles of waterways are receivingthe higher level of protection due to theirexceptional ecological value and 53 milesdue to their exceptional fisheries resources.

The new C1 waterways flow through 67municipalities. The upgraded waterways, orportions of them, include the Pequest Riverin Warren County, the Ramapo River inBergen County, the South Branch of theRaritan River in Somerset and HunterdonCounties, Jacobs Creek in Mercer County,Tuckerton and Westecunk Creeks in Ocean

County, Woodbury Creek and Still Run inGloucester County, the Salem River inSalem County, and the Cohansey andMaurice rivers in Cumberland County.

About C1 designation andwaterway protections

The DEP uses a three-tiered system tocategorize waterway protection, with thetop tier being those designated as Out-standing Natural Resource Waters. Thesewaterways, many in the Pinelands NationalReserve, are set aside in their natural statefor posterity.

At the next level, Category One water-ways are noted for their exceptionalecological, water supply, recreation, and/orfisheries values. With these upgrades, some7,400 miles of waterways in New Jersey arenow designated as Category One waterways.

Wastewater or other regulated dischargesto C1 waterways must meet stringentwater quality standards. C1 waterways arealso afforded 300-foot development buffersunder the Flood Hazard Area Control Act,enhancing water quality and flood protec-tion by providing undeveloped areas rich invegetation.

For a full list of waterways and waterwaysegments that have been upgraded, aninteractive map, a fact sheet on the ruleamendments adoption and general infor-mation on the DEP’s Surface Water QualityStandards program, visit www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/bears/swqs.htm.

www.state.nj.us/dep/wms/bears/swqs.htm.


NJ outlines plan to spendRGGI funds on climatechange initiatives

IBy Alex Ambrose, ANJEC Policy Associate

n April, New Jersey unveiled its finalRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)Strategic Funding Plan

What is RGGI?RGGI (pronounced “Reggie"), is the first

market-based regulatory program to reducegreenhouse gas emissions. This initiativeessentially charges power plants foremitting CO2 – one of the greenhousegases largely attributed to climate change –then gives those funds back to the statesto spend on clean energy programs. Of thenearly $92 million dollars auctioned in thefirst quarter of 2020, New Jersey receivedover $20 million.

Currently, 10 Mid-Atlantic and NewEngland states are participating in theInitiative and, this year, Governor Murphysuccessfully negotiated and reentered ourState into the initiative. (Governor Christiepulled NJ out of RGGI in 2011.) This moneywill specifically be invested in clean energy,climate change, and equity projects in theState.

Does RGGI really work?Yes! RGGI is a very successful program.

Since it was established in 2005, CO2emissions from the power sector havedecreased by over 40 percent, while stateeconomies grew 8 percent. In fact, due toits success in both fighting against climatechange AND protecting our economy, theNational Research Service has stated that“For a number of reasons, experiences inRGGI may be instructive for policymakersseeking to craft a national program.”1

What is the Plan?The Plan, which guides how the funds will bespent over the next three years, has fourbroad strategic goals:• Catalyzing clean, equitable transporta-

tion: Similar to one of the goals of NJ’sEnergy Master Plan, the funds will be usedto accelerate the development of clean andequitable transportation, with a focus oncommunities that share a disproportionateamount of the burden of air pollution.

• Promoting blue carbon in coastal areas:“Blue carbon” is carbon that is stored inwetlands, marshes, and similar ecosystems.These ecosystems are essential; althoughsalt marshes are only a small percentage ofland cover in the US, they account forapproximately 21 percent of carbonsequestered by ecosystems.

• Enhancing forests and urban forests:Another natural way to sequester green-house gases is to protect and maintainexisting forests. In fact, the State’s naturalresources sequester 8.1 million metric tonsof CO2, which is more than is generated bythe waste sector in one year.

• Establishing a New Jersey Green Bank: A“green bank” is an institution that helpssecure low-cost resources for clean energyprojects, and New Jersey wants to focusthose resources on those who wouldotherwise have trouble securing them. Anexample would be partnering with privateinvestors to give low-cost loans to arooftop solar project in an underservedcommunity that would help train andemploy local residents in the new cleanenergy sector.


Anything else I should know?While this plan does focus its funds on

environmental justice communities, RGGI isnot the sole component of NJ’s fightagainst climate change. Many environmen-tal groups, especially those that work inenvironmental justice communities, saythat RGGI unfairly places the burden ofpollution on those communities. This is notan unfounded concern; while RGGI hasbeen shown to help reduce greenhouse gasemissions, it does not require a reduction,and therefore by itself, may do little to helpoverburdened communities. That is why it’simportant that our State not only partici-pate in RGGI, but continue with our

commitments in the Global WarmingResponse Act to reduce emissions, and towork towards our goal of 100 percent cleanenergy by 2050.

This is an exciting step forward in thefight against climate change and theprotection of the health of New Jersey’scitizens and natural resources. If you’d liketo learn more, the full strategic fundingplan is available at https://nj.gov/rggi/.

References1 Ramseur, Jonathan L. (April 2016). “The Regional

Greenhouse Gas Initiative: Lessons Learned andIssues for Congress” – https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41836.pdf

In consideration of the current COVID-19 restrictions andprediction for a fall resurgence, ANJEC has decided to offer our

2020 Environmental Congress in an expanded online format.

Throughout the month of October, we will feature excitingspeakers, informational presentations and discussions – and

even some fun entertainment. We will also present theANJEC 2020 Environmental Achievement Awards.

Please mark your calendar now, and we look forward tosharing more details soon!

Key dates:Thursday Evenings

October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Friday Lunch SessionsOctober 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

ANJEC’S47th Annual

Environmental Congress

SAVE THE DATES

https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41836.pdf


A story of renewaland hope

A merican Rivers’ announce-ment naming the Delaware River as 2020’sRiver of the Year is exciting news. Most ofall, it’s a story of renewal and hope. “TheRiver," as New Jerseyans affectionately callit, has gone through toxic times, when itwas extremely unhealthy for people andwildlife, but thanks to many who cared, theDelaware is greatly renewed.

Its health is essential for many reasons,most importantly because over 15 millionpeople depend on it for safe drinking water,including two of the five largest cities in theUS, New York City and Philadelphia, not tomention Trenton, NJ, and Wilmington, DE. Itpasses through 42 counties in five states(NY, NJ, PA, MD and DE) and drains anarea of 14,119 square miles.

The River’s toxic pastSome 75 years ago, the Delaware River

was laden with sewage and industrialpollution. In addition to people beingchoked by its stench, parts of the Riverwere “dead zones," unable to support fishand other aquatic life. It was slated to becarved up with dams for flood control andwater supply, its natural character lostforever. Fortunately, people who caredlobbied on the River’s behalf and its fatebegan to change.

It happened through a combination offederal safeguards, state action and localinitiatives, along with private funding fromThe William Penn Foundation’s DelawareRiver Watershed Initiative, which under-wrote work by ANJEC and other nonprofits.

Delaware River named2020 River of the Year

By Cheryl Reardon, ANJEC Project Director


Today, the quality of the Delaware’swater has drastically improved. Fish andwildlife have returned in tremendousnumbers. Its main stem remains the longestfree-flowing river in the eastern UnitedStates, and it has the most extensiveNational Wild & Scenic River protection inthe country! Today, people and communi-ties along the River are setting a nationalexample of river stewardship.

What’s in the future?The Delaware has come a long way, but

important work remains to be done withnecessary continued action to addressongoing challenges, such as aging waterinfrastructure, urban development and, ofcourse, impacts of climate change. Severestorms and lingering Nor’easters occur withincreased frequency and intensity due toclimate change, and stormwater runoffchallenges continue to threaten drinkingwater intakes and can cause sewageoverflow contamination at ill-preparedwater treatment plants.

Sound federal and state policies andresponsible local planning are essential,along with critical funding and additionalrestoration protection projects that arenecessary to support the River, as well asthe communities, people and wildlife thatdepend on it for drinking water, recreationand commerce.

The Delaware River demonstrates how ahealthy river can be an engine for thriving

communities and strong local economies.With responsible actions, ANJEC will helpto ensure that the River continues toimprove and shine as a national examplefor clean water and river health as well asan economic and recreational asset tomillions of people.

Learn moreAmerican Rivers – www.americanrivers.org.For more information on the work being

done as part of the Delaware RiverWatershed Initiative, please visitwww.4states1source or contact ANJEC’sResource Center at [email protected].

Thanks to ANJECmember communities

We are grateful to the thousands ofvolunteers serving as local officials inmore than 260 municipalities andcounties that are members of ANJEC.These dedicated people – from municipaland regional environmental commissionsand green teams to open space commit-tees, planning boards, governing bodies,shade tree commissions and zoningboards – dedicate their time and effortsto assure a clean environment and highquality of life in their communitiesthroughout our State. Thank you!

ANJEC depends on our business members to help pay for the cost of printingthe ANJEC Report. Please let them know that you saw their ad here.

Remember, however, that ANJEC does not necessarily endorse any of these firms.

www.mccoyfinegardens.com


CBy Sandy Batty, former A

A Legacy forCandace McK

1924-

andace McKee Ashmun(Candy to all who knew her) was not anative of New Jersey – she spent herchildhood in Oregon and Brazil – but fromthe time she moved here upon her marriageto Charles Ashmun in 1946, she adoptedthe State as her own and cared for it forthe rest of her life. She was its leadingenvironmental land use champion over theensuing decades.

Candy got her start in the environmentalfield volunteering with her husband toorganize the recycling program inBedminster, and she later served as amember of the environmental commissionand planning board. With a degree inphysics from Smith College, she joined thestaff of the Upper Raritan WatershedAssociation in the early 1970s.

When the new nonprofit, the Associationof New Jersey Environmental Commissions(ANJEC) had matured enough to hire itsfirst executive director, the organizationdrafted Candy to fill the job. As executivedirector, she guided the fledgling organiza-tion to become a leader in the field of localenvironmental and open space protection.

With grants from the US EnvironmentalProtection Agency, ANJEC published booksthat became references for environmentaland conservation commissions throughoutthe Northeast. Under Candy’s leadership,ANJEC developed training courses to equipnew commissioners with knowledge in theburgeoning field of environmental science,and wrote plans and policies to help themprotect their towns’ natural resources.

Using funds from theComprehensiveEmployment TrainingAct (CETA), Candygreatly increased thestaff to meet theexpanding goals ofthe organization.

During her tenureas Executive Director,ANJEC became aneffective organizationfor training, advisingand promotingenvironmentalcommissions. Thedecade of the 1970swas a time of growthfor New Jersey commissions, which surged innumbers as many municipalities createdcommissions that NJ had enabled through its1968 landmark legislation. Under Candy’sleadership, commissions gained in stature,offering well-researched advice for their localgovernments, information for their residentsand advocacy on environmental issues acrossthe state.

A leader in conscious land useThrough her work at ANJEC, Candy

became a recognized leader in environmentalland use policy. When the Pinelands Commis-sion was formed in 1979, Gov. Brendon Byrneappointed her as one its first members. Shewas reappointed by successive governors,becoming the only member to serve on theCommission since its founding. She remained

“Candy was the leader in every importantfight for the environment in New Jersey.

She was the last of a remarkable group ofwomen who made a huge difference in our

state. I will miss her leadershipand her smile.”

– Gov. Thomas Kean

Candy Ashmun with Go

SUSTAINABLY PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER ANJEC REPORT – Summer 2020 19

ANJEC Executive Director

r New JerseyKee Ashmun-2020

a revered commis-sioner until herdeath. Candy was astrong advocate forthe region’s naturalresources and shepromoted soundplanning in the Pinesto ensure theirprotection. Relyingon her thoroughknowledge of thePinelands Compre-hensive ManagementPlan, Candy was ableto defend the areafrom incursions byoutside interests.

Candy was always willing to share herknowledge and experience. For many years,she coordinated the Environmental Summitfor ANJEC, getting representatives of NewJersey’s environmental organizations tomeet monthly to discuss issues anddevelop common positions so that themany organizations could speak with onevoice.

In turn, these organizations recognizedher expertise, with several recruiting her fortheir boards, including NJ HighlandsCoalition, Raritan Headwaters Association,Coalition for Affordable Housing and theEnvironment, and Sierra Club. And she alsoserved on the board of the Fund for NewJersey and was appointed to the StatePlanning Commission, where she served formany years.

Over the years, Candy became a mentorfor generations of successive environmentalleaders in New Jersey. We learned fromCandy many important lessons:• Be steadfast in your commitment to

environmental protection and hold fast toyour principles – don’t lose sight of theend goal.

• Do your homework – come to eachmeeting fully prepared to discuss anddefend your positions; but listen to othersand be ready to understand their points ofview and amend yours accordingly.

• Keep sharpening your knowledge andskills to use as tools for whatever lifebrings.

• And above all, keep a sense of humor.Candy continued her involvement with

ANJEC for the nearly four decades after herretirement as Executive Director – serving inthe capacity of President of the Trusteesand also as a consultant on State Planningand other land use issues. We at ANJECwere fortunate to have her wise counsel,which she offered willingly, quickly respond-ing to a question or a plea for help with atouchy situation. We always considered it aspecial day when Candy would join us forlunch or a staff meeting to discuss issuesand look for solutions to environmentalproblems.

We will miss her wisdom, enthusiasm andadvice. But we know that this extraordinarywoman has a left a legacy to inspire environ-mental leaders throughout the state – astate whose natural resources are betterprotected thanks to Candy.

“Candy Ashmun was one of a kind! She was avalued advisor, friend and a great raconteur. Herhistorical acumen of New Jersey’s environmental

landscape was Impeccable. Much of what is goodabout New Jersey is due to Candy’s decades of work

to protect our environment. Candy’s essence and zest will forever inhabit The

Pinelands. We will all miss her.”– Gov. James Florio

overnors Florio and Kean


By Lyle Landon, ANJEC Development Director

Decolonizing foodproduction in NJ

When Europeans came toAmerica, though they found it populated,they believed that the indigenous peoplesand their food ways were not civilized andthus made them subject to Europeansovereignty and colonization. Today,agricultural decolonization has peeled backthose assumptions and practices to findand restore native foods, farming traditionsand their cultural significance, includingplanting a variety of cropsthat nurture the soil andfarming collectively for self-sufficiency, communitysustainability and localtrading.

In the last hundred yearsagricultural decolonizationhas expanded on manyfronts – the variety ofcrops grown, seed selec-tion, farming methods, thenumber and size ofproducers, distribution, and consumptionpatterns. It is easy to see what is going onin big agriculture when driving in the morerural parts of the state: giant farms,massive equipment and storage facilitiesare in plain view.

Harder to see are the smaller andspecialty farms – an outgrowth of a realresurgence of interest in the land, ourrelationship to it and a hungry marketplace.This is evidenced by an appreciation ofindigenous foods and cultures. This interestextends to foods new to the US, intro-duced and cultivated by recent immigrantsand by the huge popularity of mediacoverage on food and the culinary artsfrom around the world.

The root of the matterIndigenous peoples, referring to all our

ancestors from a multitude of homelands,had respect for the earth, recognizing itsimportance and honoring a contract ofreciprocity. They tended the earth and theearth fed them. Living off the land was away of life for many Americans throughthe beginning of the 20th Century. In1900, 40 percent of the US population

lived on farms and 60percent lived in rural areas.Currently less than 2percent live on farms. Whilethe number of farms on anational basis is declining,New Jersey farms haveincreased by 800 to a totalof 9,883, and acreage hasincreased by 20,000 to734,000 acres.

New Jersey is also aleader with a high percent

of female farmers – 40 percent vs. 27percent on a national basis. In ancientcultures the earth was thought of asfemale and cultivators were mostly women(they carried the seeds). By contrast,modern farming is carried out primarily bymanmade equipment and chemicals.Growth of smaller farms and femalemanagement in New Jersey is bringing intobalance these ancient and modern waysand providing different concepts of balanceand abundance. This transition in agricul-tural and small farming is being enabled atmost New Jersey universities and commu-nity colleges as well as through associa-tions such as the Northeast OrganicFarming Association. The US Department


of Agriculture has a strongfarmer mentorship program too.

Occupational cultivationThe lyrics from the song,

"How Ya Gonna Keep ThemDown on the Farm" (afterthey’ve seen Paree?), rang truefor many military personnelreturning from the world wars.Coming home to see new,efficient farm equipmentsignaled they weren’t needed,plus the cities needed workersfor jobs that did not require adawn-to- dusk commitment. As familiesmoved to the suburbs and the cities, theyused their not-forgotten farming skills tocreate Victory Gardens, also called "foodgardens for defense," planting them atprivate residences and on public land toreduce the pressure on the public foodsupply brought on by the war effort.

During WWII women were recruited towork in factories and sometimes tookentirely new jobs replacing the maleworkers at war. Remember Rosie theriveter? Both men and women werewidening their horizons, experiences andjob options.

Social and political upheavals in the ’60’sand ’70’s from the Civil Rights andWomen’s Rights Movements drove changesfor equality and diversity acceptance. Thisperiod birthed the Back to the LandMovement which attempted to find a"Third Way" between capitalism andsocialism. Sound familiar? The publishingof Rachel Carson’s The Silent Springbrought to America’s attention that theoveruse of pesticides had led to a triplingof DDT found in human tissue, dramati-cally showing how what we did to theearth affected our bodies.

Processes and distributionDecolonization and acculturation

dismantled many of native North Americanfood systems and the cultural memoriesthat go with them. Recapturing theserelationships is occurring in the Seed

Sovereign Movement. Leaders like RowenWhite, Seed Keeper and farmer for theMohawk community, refers to this as "re-indigenizing." You can learn more at localseed libraries and seed collectives. For apersonal experience of this concept, contactDuke Farms to volunteer for their seedcollection days.

Another aspect of decolonization is thereturning concept of collective efforts toprovide for all. To address food scarcity,most community gardens today, includingthose at schools and houses of worship,make a donation to a local food bank orbring their produce to the people in urbanfood deserts or rural areas in a food truck.

Local and organic food is available atmany locations – farmers markets, familyfarms, farm stands, and pick-your-ownproduce sites. Community SupportedAgriculture (CSA), which allows people topurchase farm shares, is the perfect solutionfor people who want organic and local food,but don’t have the space and/or time tocreate and maintain their own gardens. All ofthese local food source options – communitygardens, farmer’s markets, CSAs – not onlyprovide healthy food, but a chance to meetand interact with more of your communityand make new friends. Mangia!


Your vote counts

IBy Marie Curtis, LWVNJ Voters Service Committee

t’s 2020 – an election year. We arebeing reminded of how important it is tovote. In fact, some are asking us tovote “as if our life dependedon it.” And in some ways, itdoes.

This year we in NewJersey are being askedto vote for a president,a senator, Congressionalrepresentatives, countyofficials, some localgovernments and localboards of education. All ofthese offices are importantin varying ways that can affectour lives directly. At the federallevel, decisions are made about going towar, payroll deductions, transportationsafety, food inspections and, of course,about the safety of the air we breathe andthe water we drink. At the county and locallevel, we experience firsthand the potholerepairs, education, public health and safetyprotections, parks, property restrictions andso on. Who we choose to make thesedecisions and carry them out is, indeed,important.

Voting in New Jersey is easier than insome states. Here we need only be regis-tered 30 days before an election. Registra-tion can be done when getting a driver’slicense or registering a car at MotorVehicles, or by filling out a form from localelection officials. Your basic name, address,and driver’s license number or socialsecurity ending are all that is needed.

Every vote countsStatistics tell us that more people vote

in presidential years. Yet your vote isalmost more important in other years,because you represent a greater percentage

of the populace. Perhaps an analogy wouldhelp. Your vote for president is a drop in the

ocean; your vote in state electionsis a cup of water in the lake;

your vote in county electionsis a quart of water in a

pond and local electionsare a gallon into a largepuddle. Where you havethe most influence is atthe local level, but thatdoes not mean your votefor federal office does not

count. On the contrary, inevery election there are races

decided by one, two or just afew votes out of thousands cast.

EVERY vote makes a differenceThe number of votes cast, voter turnout,

also makes a difference. It signals to officeholders just how interested in governmentthe people are. It either signals that no oneis looking and so they can do as they want,or it says there is a great interest and theyhad better be careful and listen to theirconstituents. A vote is a powerful tool thatkeeps the machine of democratic govern-ment running smoothly.

A tool is only good, however, if it is usedeffectively. We have to pay close attentionto what the candidates are really saying. Wemust get past the glittering generalities.Does the candidate have a solid record forviews you endorse? Are there specificremedies being offered? Is this a single issuecandidate? What is his/her experience? Wehave a right to know the answers to thesequestions and to have representatives whotruly are looking out for our best interests.Your vote makes a difference. Make itcount. Vote in the New Jersey primaryelection on July 7, and in the generalelection on November 3rd.


Coronavirus: In NJ,don’t be frightenedinto using single-useplastic bags

RBy Ed Potosnak, Executive Director,New Jersey League of Conservation Voters

ight now, New Jerseyans arehunkering down and taking necessaryprecautions to remain healthy during thefight against the COVID-19 virus. Many ofus are frightened and are struggling –because we can’t visit loved ones who aresick, because we’ve been laid off, orbecause we’re feeling isolated. That’s why Iam so disappointed to learn that thePlastics Industry Association and itssupporters like the New Jersey FoodCouncil are making unverified, misleadingclaims and using this crisis for their ownfinancial gain.

The Plastics Industry Association recentlysent a letter to the US Department ofHealth and Human Services requesting itmake a public statement endorsing anunsubstantiated assertion that single-useplastics are the safest choiceamid the pandemic, while somemisguided lawmakers in NewJersey are calling for rollbacks ofor easing prohibitions on single-use plastic bags, arguing thatoften-unwashed reusable bagsare hotbeds for the Coronavirus.

It is unconscionable thatprofit-driven, single-use plasticbag proponents are spreadingfalse information while peopleare vulnerable and seeking goodadvice.

Single-use plastic bags can transmitpathogens from those handling them inthe store just like any other product. Infact, according to a study published in theNew England Journal of Medicine on March17, 2020, COVID-19 stays on plastics longerthan cardboard – roughly three timeslonger. You don’t hear the plastics industrypromoting paper bags as a safer measure toprevent the spread of Coronavirus –because they wouldn’t profit.

Here are some facts about thedetrimental impact of single-useplastic bags:

New Jersey has become ground zero forplastics litter. Surrounded by water onthree sides and positioned between New


York City and Philadelphia, most of thelitter found on our beaches is plastic, andscientists are increasingly findingmicroplastics in waterways. These smallpieces of plastic now permeate our lives:they are in the water we drink, the fish weeat, and the air we breathe, posing healthconcerns for New Jersey residents and otherwildlife.

In all corners of New Jersey, municipali-ties recognized this threat and have passedover 110 ordinances banning or limiting theusage of single-use plastic bags. Althoughthe Legislature is lagging behind localcommunities on addressing this problem,the New Jersey Senate recently passed a bill(S-864) banning the use of single-useplastic and paper carryout bags as well aspolystyrene foam containers.

If passed, the bill will prevent pollutionfrom entering our waterways, preserve ourState’s unique natural history, and help endour reliance on single-use plastic products.It’s what’s best for our families and it’swhat’s best for our economy.

This is not a time to mislead the public.It’s unspeakable that during this time ofcrisis we have to worry about misinforma-tion propagated by the plastics industry.

My heart aches for the lives that havebeen lost and those struggling during thispandemic, and I am grateful to our firstresponders, medical professionals, andgrocery store employees on the front lines.As New Jerseyans responsibly shop in thedays and months ahead, I urge us all toheed the advice of public health experts towash our reusable bags and continue totake them with us when we go groceryshopping, following social distancingprocedures, and not buy into the scaretactics of those who seek profits over publichealth.

Published April 2, 2020, in NorthJersey.com

Why you should fill outyour census formHelp Your Community Thrive. Doesyour neighborhood have a lot of trafficcongestion, elderly people living alone orover crowded schools? Census numberscan help your community work outpublic improvement strategies.

Get Help in Times of Need. Many 911emergency systems are based on mapsdeveloped for the last census. Censusinformation helps health providerspredict the spread of disease throughcommunities with children or elderlypeople. When a disaster hits, the censustells rescuers how many people will needtheir help.

Make Government Work for You. It's agood way to tell our leaders who we are

and what we need. The information helpsguide lots of important governmentdecisions that affect your community,such as: land use planning; reapportion-ment of seats in the US House ofRepresentatives; drawing federal, stateand local legislative districts; the distribu-tion of over $100 billion in federal fundsand even more in state funds; forecastingfuture housing needs for all segments ofthe population and much more.

For additional information about Census2020, visit the Census Bureau's Internetsite at www.census.gov.


By Sheila Baker Gujral and Michele Gaynor, ANJEC Resource Center,and Cheryl Reardon, ANJEC Project Director

Columbia High School EnvironmentalClub pivots amid COVID-19 pandemic

Students at the Columbia High SchoolEnvironmental Club in Maplewood alwayslike to celebrate Earth Week with a sevendays of fun educational activities. This year,after the COVID-19 pandemic threw amonkey wrench into the works, theyreorganized their plans and expandedtheir offerings and the reach of theiractivities by going online. From April13-26, they offered daily actions for livingmore sustainably on their Facebook(@chsenvironmentalclubmapso) andInstagram (@chs_environmentalclub)accounts. Daily actions included conservingenergy, reducing paper waste, reviewingrecycling guidelines, decreasing food waste,Meatless Mondays, conserving water andeven a very current “upcycle your old fabricinto masks” challenge. In addition, they hada busy week of online daily discussionpanels, an art contest, and wrapped it upwith a benefit concert for the NewarkWater Coalition.

The daily Earth Week panels ran thegamut from vegan meal demonstrations toa composting presentation, a panel on theGreen New Deal, a discussion aboutwatersheds and our impacts downstream, apresentation on zero waste goals, and adiscussion about what the pandemic meansfor the future of our food system. Therewere also presentations from sustainablelocal businesses, such as the Good BottleRefill shop (www.goodbottlerefillshop.com)and the Dry Goods Refillery(www.drygoodsrefillery.com). Those twobusinesses don’t require any packaging at

all – customers bring their own containersand fill them up with food; cleaningsolutions, bath and body products, cosmet-ics and more. (The stores have also ad-justed to today’s conditions by offeringcurbside pickup and delivery.)

– Sheila Baker Gujral

Sustainablerestaurants are stillout there

According to statistics from the GreenRestaurant Association, fast food orcarryout restaurants generate about 200pounds of disposable waste for every $1000in sales. So not only are we concerned withstaying safe by staying home due toCOVID-19, we also are concerned with theincrease in the use of disposable packagingthat is being used because of the pan-demic. Some local restaurants havenonetheless continued to be eco-friendlyduring this crisis. Turf Surf & Earth inSomerville, NJ, is one such restaurant thatprovides healthy, local, delicious fare andbelieves in sustainable packaging. Theeatery is run by young, mindful individualswho care about our planet’s future. Theyare very aware of the negative impacts ofsingle-use plastic and don’t want tocontribute to the growing plastic pollutionproblem. Turf Surf & Earth wants to showcustomers they care about our planet andhope their intentions have an effect oncustomers’ personal choices as well.


One of the obstacles restaurants face isobtaining sustainable packaging due to thelack of availability from different distribu-tors and the higher cost of the packaging.Although some restaurants and chains dooffer eco-packaging, such as the ShakeShack restaurants, many owners still do notunderstand the negative health andecological impacts of using single-useplastic.

Most of Turf Surf & Earth’s sustainablecontainers are made from paper, cornstarch, sugarcane, or Polylactic Acid (PLA)and are sourced from Imperial Dade. BothTurf Surf & Earth and Shake Shack areopen for curbside pickup.See www.dinegreen.com/form for info onsustainable restaurants in your area.

– Michele Gaynor

Towns cooperate tolimit plastic pollution

A regional collaboration by severalneighboring Morris County towns to reducethe use of single-use plastic bags resultedin a joint initiative to pass local plastic bagordinances. Taking the initiative a stepfurther, the Madison EnvironmentalCommission (EC) launched a reusable bag

drive, working with their mayor along withthe mayors from Chatham Borough,Chatham Township and Morris Township.

Together they collected clean, slightlyused reusable bags to be distributed tocommunity groups such as food pantriesand senior centers that may not have hadthese bags available for residents. About700 bags were collected before theCoronavirus shut things down. Studentsfrom Drew University used a portion of thecollected bags to roll out plastic-freecampus education. Some bags were givento the senior center and also to Wind of theSpirit’s immigrant outreach program thatwas offering bi-lingual plastic-free training inMorris County.

There are still more bags waiting to becollected once it’s deemed safe to do so.Even though the campaign was interruptedby the virus, the towns deemed the initia-tive a success. – Michele Gaynor

Galloway fightingtenacious invasives

The Galloway Township EnvironmentalCommission (EC) received a $1,500 ANJECgrant to be used for an awareness campaignabout the top ten invasive plant species inthe municipality. Through print, video,social media and direct education withresidents, business owners, service groupsand students, the program motivates andempowers residents to avoid and eradicateinvasive plants while promoting native,natural landscapes and habitat.

Invasive plants choke out native species,leading to habitat depletion for indigenouswildlife. The various educational elements ofthis project were designed to make resi-dents aware of the benefits of nativeplants and the problems caused byinvasive species.

The project features a 38-minute filmentitled “Twelve Tenacious Invasives” thatidentifies invasive species growing locally,along with best approaches for removal. Thefilm features presenters Jesse Conner, a localnaturalist, and Eric Schrading, New JerseyField Office Supervisor for US Fish &

Drew University students collected usedreusable shopping bags and distributedthem to food pantries and senior centers.


Wildlife, and was produced by professionalvideographer Martin Fiedler (brother of ECMember Steve Fiedler).

The Township also set up an “InvasiveSpecies Detective Unit” database to helpmanage occurrences of invasive species inthe municipality. This project is ongoing.Some of the project partners working withthe EC were members of Go Green Gallo-way, certified wildlife biologist EricSchrading, Jason Howell of the PinelandsPreservation Alliance, and representativesfrom the Southeast Chapter of the NJPlant Society.

The EC has offered the brochures andvideo for replication and use in other towns.The video is viewable online atwww.youtube.com/watch?v=CBO7FfoO14Y .For more information or to schedule apresentation of the film in your town,contact Steve Fiedler of the Galloway Twp.EC at: [email protected]

– Cheryl Reardon

Student video presentscase against plasticbags

A team of six 8th grade middle schoolstudents in Howell Township found aunique way to communicate with residentsand town officials about the importance ofbanning plastic bags. They created aninfomercial to educate residents on theneed to outlaw plastic bags, and screenedit for the mayor and council members latelast year.

Danielle Gianelos, an 8th grade scienceteacher at the middle school, challengedher students to tackle the problem ofplastic in the environment. The team choseto address the issue by writing a proposalfor their town to adopt an ordinance,which they presented to the town Council.They met with members of the Environ-mental Commission to prepare.

Students said it took months to createthe video, which aired on the local govern-ment access channel for Howell and wasalso submitted it to the Nat Geo TacklingPlastic Challenge in hopes of recognition.The video can be found at:drive.google.com/file/d/10qGnHEO3tWxgK8uW07KcuJIyfb_RX_XJ/view?usp=sharing

The students involved in the projectincluded: Cassidy Brennan, Brian Ye, CaitlynZito, Samantha Ngo, Holden Saluti, andHarrison Feldman. – Julie Lange Groth

Howell studentvideo educatesresidents aboutplastic pollution.

The Madison EC distributed free reusablebags at the local farmers market.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10qGnHEO3tWxgK8uW07KcuJIyfb_RX_XJ/view?usp=sharing


Rain gardens at workTake a tour of some of NJ'srecently planted raingardens as they come intotheir beauty under thesummer sun.






• Wetland Delineations• Ecological Impact Assessments

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President

[email protected](908) 996-3214

• Endangered Species Surveys• Wildlife Inventories/Studies• Habitat Mitigation Proposals

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30 ANJEC REPORT – Summer 202030 ANJEC REPORT – Summer 2020



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