NJCM Workshop "Environmental Trends and the NJDEP Transformation" Addresses Environmental Issues with Mayors
On October 27th, The NJCM held its 3rd workshop of the year titled: “Environmental Trends and the NJDEP Transformation”. The speakers were Ray Papperman, Esq., of Cooper Levenson, John Plonski, Asst. Commissioner, Water Resource Management, NJDEP, Mark Pedersen, Acting Director, Land Use Regulation, NJDEP, Len Romino, Asst. Director, Responsible Party Site Remediation, NJDEP, Jorge Berkowitz, Ph.D, LSRP, Senior Associate, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services and Jack Smith, ECBM, V.P., Environmental. Introductions were made by NJCM Executive Director Jack Morrissey and NJCM Business Council Director and Mayor of Somerdale, Gary Passanante.
The Mayors and others in attendance were treated to informative discussions about environmental issues that impact municipalities of New Jersey. The attendees were first given an overview of the NJDEP transformation and the launch of the “Five Departmental Goals”, which were “hot off the presses”. Then, each of the NJDEP representatives outlined developments in their program areas and what lies ahead for the future, including discussion of regulatory changes, implementation of the Licensed Site Remediation Professional program and challenges facing municipalities in keeping their water and sewer systems operational and efficient. Mr. Berkowitz discussed the revitalization of contaminated sites and the importance of NJ Grant programs to municipalities. Mr. Smith discussed risks municipalities face as owners or operators of contaminated properties, including landfills and how environmental insurance policies can reduce and/or eliminate these risks. Mr. Papperman led a lively question and answer/discussion period on topics of particular interest, which took the program to conclusion.
The program provided a valuable learning opportunity for municipalities to interact informally with decision makers and knowledgeable experts in their fields. Please visit our website, www.njcm.org and check your email for updates on upcoming NJCM Workshops.
Jorge Berkowitz, Langan Engineering, John Plonski, NJDEP Some of the speakers and attendees pose at Mark Pedersen, NJDEP, Ray Papperman, Esq. Cooper Levinson the conclusion of the workshop