Public Meeting On Christie DEP Highlands Septic Density Rollback Tonight

Source: NJ Highlands Coalition (7/16)

Tonight, the NJ Highlands Coalition is holding an important public meeting to inform the public and take public comments on the Christie DEP’s proposed rollback of the Highlands Preservation Area Septic Density Standard:

Time:  6:00 pm Wednesday, July 11, 2016
Location:  Montclair State University, Center for Environmental & Life Sciences (CELS) Rm 120

Bergen Record reporter Scott Fallon wrote the set up story, see:

• Environmentalists launch campaign against proposal to put septic systems in Highlands

It is important that people attend and express their support for clean water and preservation of the Highlands.

The map above shows that the benefits of the Highlands are distributed well beyond the region’s borders – Urban NJ receives its water supply from the Highlands, as this map clearly illustrates.

Highlands protections are vital – especially at a time when NJ seems to be entering another drought.

The DEP denied the Highlands Coalition’s request to extend the public comment period and hold additional public hearings, so the Coalition is holding its own public meeting. They will  take testimony and submit the public’s comments to DEP. The DEP extended the public comment period just 2 weeks – it closes on July 15.

The Coalition is doing DEP’s job to solicit public comments – a job that DEP has neglected – so let’s hope that people turn out and speak out against another Christie DEP rollback.

I’ve written multiple posts about why the proposal is flawed and would weaken important Highlands protections – for information, see this and this and this and this and especially THIS and THIS.

You can find more information about tonight’s meeting and directions at the NJ Highlands Coalition’s webpage.

High Point Trail, view of Wanaque Reservoir