Friday, September 12, 2003
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson announced his nominations to the new Atlantic County Groundwater Advisory Committee today. Levinson was joined by Rick Dovey, President, Atlantic County Utilities Authority and members of the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
"At my request, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority has been designated as the lead agency in Atlantic County to monitor, review and report on groundwater issues as they effect the natural resources, economic development and quality of life of our area," Levinson said. The Groundwater Advisory Committee members that I nominate today will play a critical role in helping us to meet those objectives."
According to Levinson, the function of the Groundwater Advisory Committee will be to advise and consult with the County Executive in all matters related to groundwater resource development, management, planning and conservation. The Atlantic County Utilities Authority will provide staff support for the committee.
On August 26, the Board of Freeholders approved an ordinance establishing the Atlantic County Utilities Authority as the lead agency to monitor, review and report on groundwater issues that effect Atlantic County. Levinson stated that this step was necessary because the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is not providing local governments with the leadership and direction necessary to meaningfully participate in the development of groundwater policies. Levinson cited last year's drought restrictions, the difficulty some developers are experiencing in receiving water allocation permits, and the state's failure to show leadership in developing wastewater recycling programs as examples of NJDEP's failure to work more cooperatively with local governments in Atlantic County.
"I want Atlantic County to be more proactive in addressing groundwater issues," Levinson said. "Although I recognize that the NJDEP is the agency vested with full responsibility for groundwater management in New Jersey, our local officials often have little knowledge or input into their decisions. As a region we need to be much better informed and have a greater say in NJDEP groundwater policy."
Levinson nominated the following individuals: Neil Goldfine, Executive Director, Atlantic City MUA; Dale Goodreau, Deputy Egg Harbor Township Administrator; Mark McGinnis, Artesian Well Drilling; George Butrus, Lang's Garden Market; John Ferrie, Freshcut Lawncare & Landscaping; Joe Pantalone, Adams, Regman & Heggan; Dan Galletta, Ole Hansen & Sons; James Betz, Tuckahoe Turf Farms; Lee Fiocchi, President, Lee Rain, Inc.; Fred Akers, Great Egg Harbor River Watershed Association; Jamie Cromartie, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey; Dr. Claude Epstein, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey; Joe Maher, Atlantic County Department of Regional Planning; Steve Blankenship, Executive Director, Hamilton Township MUA, David Marino, Manager, NJ American Water Company; Captain Joel Fogel, Waterwatch International; Chris Seher, Vice Chairman, ACUA Board of Directors; Richard Van Vranken, Rutgers Extension Services.
These appointments will require the advice and consent of the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at 343-2368.