Assemblyman Sean T. Kean/732-974-0400
11th District - Monmouth County

In a letter sent to Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson, Assemblyman Sean T. Kean (R-11) asked that the Commissioner personally visit Wreck Pond in order to fully appreciate how important it is to remedy the pollution situation. The Assemblyman is concerned that during the height of the summer season run-off from Wreck Pond will force adjacent beaches to close again.

Kean hopes the Department of Environmental Protection will address the pollution issues plaguing Wreck Pond and undertake a more permanent solution to the problem.

“I am hopeful that under your direction, the Department will demonstrate a commitment to protecting our shore by making available the necessary resources to embark on a thorough clean up of Wreck Pond,” stated Assemblyman Kean.

In 2005, Wreck Pond was responsible for approximately 40 out of 57 ocean swimming bans in New Jersey according to DEP officials. The combination of bird fecal matter, fertilizer, pet waste and stormwater pollute Wreck Pond and when it rains this pollution in the pond is emptied into the Atlantic Ocean through the outfall pipe.

Kean is concerned that this ongoing environmental problem is extremely unhealthy and portrays the affected beaches in a negative light.

“As we both know, each beach closure and resulting media attention reflect poorly on the entire shore and ultimately impact on the regional and state economy. Further, I am sure you would agree that the environmental impact of allowing contaminated run-off to enter our ocean is cause for concern,” wrote Kean.

The Assemblyman went on to describe how runoff from Wreck Pond has been a problem for many years and how the DEP needs to continue with efforts to completely clean up the pond.

“I have been calling for the remediation of Wreck Pond for the past four years. Unfortunately, we have continued to experience the same problems that have plagued this area for years,” stated Kean.



The Assemblyman wants to ensure that the Department of Environmental Protection is committed to a complete clean up of Wreck and not just employing a “band-aid” approach to this critical problem threatening Monmouth County’s waters.

Letter Attached

#####

July 17, 2006



Ms. Lisa P. Jackson, Commissioner

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

PO Box 402

Trenton, NJ 08625-0402



Dear Commissioner Jackson:



With temperatures rising and thousands of people flocking to New Jersey=s shores it is likely we will be again experiencing beach closures. In all probability the next closing, and those that follow, will occur at the same location here in Monmouth County: Wreck Pond.



As you may be aware, Wreck Pond, which borders Spring Lake and Sea Girt, is responsible for the majority of beach closures in New Jersey. In fact, in 2004, run-off from Wreck Pond forced beaches adjacent to Wreck Pond to prohibit swimming 27 times.



As someone who grew up at the Shore I can attest to the tremendous progress that has been made in protecting the integrity of our coastline. However, the failure to adequately address this situation threatens to reverse much of that progress.



As we both know, each beach closure and the resulting media attention reflect poorly on the entire shore and ultimately impact on the regional and state economy. Further, I am sure you would agree that the environmental impact of allowing contaminated run-off to enter our ocean is cause for concern.



I am aware the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has taken steps to reduce the run-off from Wreck Pond, including the extension of the outfall pipe. However, this situation requires far more than a Aband-aid@ approach.





As your predecessor can attest I have been calling for the remediation of Wreck Pond for the past four years. In fact, Governor McGreevey and former United States Senator Corzine visted the site and promised assistance. Unfortunately, we have continued to experience the same problems that have plagued this area for years.



I am hopeful that under your direction, the Department will demonstrate a commitment to protecting our shore by making available the necessary resources to embark on a thorough clean -up of Wreck Pond.



In addition, I invite you to personally visit this location so that you may gain a more complete picture of the importance of remedying this situation. Should you accept this invitation, please contact my office as soon as possible so that I can make the necessary arrangements.



Thank you for your attention to this request and I look forward to working with you to find a resolution to this critically important matter.



Sincerely,





Sean T. Kean

Assemblyman, 11th District





STK/rs

 

#####