Six months have passed since the devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy. In those ensuing months, New Jersey has experienced a range of both devastating and inspiring events, including a newly coined unofficial state motto: “Jersey Strong.” But throughout the recovery one thing has been clear: The people of New Jersey have pressed on to help the wounded and rebuild destroyed infrastructure.
This inspiring example of dogged determination is why the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged four New Jersey individuals and organizations with an Environmental Quality Award. This action acknowledged stellar achievements in protecting public health and the environment, said Jennifer May, a spokeswoman for the agency.
The winners are:
- Alder Avenue Middle School, which created an energy conservation program by reducing use of electricity, gas, oil and water. These efforts have helped save more than a million dollars.
- Great Falls Youth Corps encourages students to engage in environmental care for the Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park.
- Jeremy Irons and Ralph Hagen of Hydro-Marine Construction helped install a sluice gate to stop the flow of untreated sewage after Hurricane Sandy destroyed the existing one. The two men performed a dangerous 25-foot dive into raw sewage in order to install the 6,000-pound gate. Their efforts prevented hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage from spilling into the surrounding waters.
- Dr. Frank Gallagher, a scientist with the Sussex County Soil Conservation District and the New Jersey Department of the Environmental Protection, has worked for 32 years to protect and restore the parks and forests in New Jersey.
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection has made some temporary changes to the permit requirements for rebuilding. And, the hope is that a 60-day provision will eliminate “unnecessary red tape that would needlessly impede the important work ahead,” said Bob Martin, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
One of the provision’s greatest boons to rebuilding efforts is giving property owners permission to change the angle of buildings or move them further away from the water as long as its no more than 400 square feet. The streamlined rules also include the ability to move docks, wharfs and piers within their existing boundaries. Marinas may also construct or install boat pump-out facilities, without permits.
New Jersey has made great strides in its efforts to rebuild, while remaining dedicated to quality and environmental awareness. The state government’s willingness to take the necessary steps to ease this process also showcases examples of inspiring efforts of interagency cooperation. Lessons abound for future disaster recovery efforts in the wake of this disaster, including those applicable to federal officials.