The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has proposed new public notification regulations that would cause delays and increased costs for site remediation projects.

The regulations would require anyone undertaking remediation of a contaminated property to notify all residents living within 200 feet of the property, even when there is no significant risk. The regulations would also require the person performing the remediation to identify residents in the area who do not speak English, in order to notify them in their language.

NJBIA appreciates the importance of communicating with the public about site remediation projects, but DEP's proposal goes too far. The regulations would treat every site remediation project equally, regardless of the level of risk to the public. With tens of thousands of contaminated sites in NJ, this rule would create more unnecessary panic and alarm for the public than useful information. NJBIA believes the DEP should base notification requirements on the level of risk presented by individual projects.

The regulations also would delay important remediation projects. DEP would have to review and approve notification plans, and, in some cases, municipal governments would be involved. It would also make remediation projects more expensive. NJBIA believes the health and safety of the public would be better served by the quick and efficient clean-up of contaminated sites than by tying up clean-up plans in red tape while contamination lingers.

Furthermore, public communication is already part of site remediation projects, but it is tailored to meet the needs of individual projects and the communities within which they are located. Testifying at a September 7 public hearing on the proposal, NJBIA Vice President David Brogan said those responsible for cleaning up contaminated sites "are committed to meaningful communication programs and they are happening now. We support the Department providing some guidance on effective communication programs, but believe the current proposal is not flexible enough to address the diverse nature of sites throughout New Jersey."

DEP is accepting written comments until October 5. Send comments to:

NJ Department of Environmental Protection
Leslie W. Ledogar, Esq.
ATTN DEP Docket Number: 16-07-07/570
Office of Legal Affairs
PO Box 402
401 East State Street, 4th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625

For more information, contact at ext. 236.

New Law Ensures Transfer of Community-College Credits

Governor Jon Corzine on September 13 signed an NJBIA-backed bill to ensure a seamless transfer of community-college credits to NJ public colleges and universities, provided the student completes an associate degree program.

A-3968 (Lampitt, Diegnan, Doherty, Stanley)/S-2535 (Rice, Doria) will help community college graduates make an easier transition to four-year institutions. Previously, some courses were rejected for credit and students had to pay to retake the course at a four-year school.

The new law is designed to improve the quality of workers in NJ's workforce by making higher education more accessible and affordable. The new law makes county colleges an even better investment for people who want to advance their education but may not be able to afford a four-year college right away. It also encourages community college graduates to choose a NJ State college or university to finish their four-year degrees. Studies show that students are more likely to get jobs in the state in which they graduate.

For more information, contact at ext. 201.

Senate President Codey, Assembly Speaker Roberts to Speak Sept. 26

Hear directly from New Jersey's two most powerful legislative leaders - Senate President Richard Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts - at NJBIA's Meet the Decision Makers breakfast, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 26, at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township (NJ Turnpike Exit 8A). They will discuss upcoming elections and what to expect in the legislative session following the election. Cost to attend is $69 per person for NJBIA members and $105 for nonmembers. To register or for more information, contact at 609-393-7707, ext. 239.

Hear DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson at NJBIA Meet the Decision Makers Briefing October 3

Hear directly from NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson on the issues impacting your business, including air, water and land-use permitting, regulatory compliance and development restrictions. The event is part of NJBIA’s Meet the Decision Makers series and will be held Wednesday, October 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. For more information, contact at 609-393-7707, ext. 239, or register online now.

Sign Up Now for National Mental Disability Mentoring Day, October 17

Allies Inc., a nonprofit agency serving as the NJ State Coordinator for National Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), is seeking employers who are willing to serve as mentors on October 17. The event pairs small groups of student job seekers with disabilities with employers in their communities for a day of career exploration. This may include a tour of your facility, introduction to jobs performed there, and the opportunity for students to meet employees. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Students are accompanied by chaperones and an Allies, Inc. representative during the event. Companies interested in participating should contact Kelly Jiras, the Program Development Coordinator for Allies, at 609-689-0136, ext. 145.

Other Upcoming Events

NJBIA to Honor 10 at Awards for Excellence Dinner, Oct. 16 - NJBIA member companies that have achieved excellence in activities related to environmental quality, human resources management, public service, and job creation will receive NJBIA's Award for Excellence during a dinner banquet at the Pines Manor, Route 27 in Edison. Established in 1984, the Awards for Excellence program recognizes companies of every size from modest, family-owned enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. The program begins at 6:00 p.m. and will include a reception, dinner and the awards presentations. Tables of ten are available. For additional information, call at 609-393-7707, ext. 239, or register online now. To become a sponsor of this event, contact ext. 219.

How to Get the Best Deal on Health Insurance, Oct. 30 - At this half-day seminar, learn what to look for when buying a company health plan. Register today whether you are a small or medium-size business owner, human resource manager, benefits specialist, or anyone else involved in managing healthcare costs. This is one seminar you should not miss. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. The cost is $109 per person for NJBIA members and $139 for nonmembers. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact at 609-393-7707, ext. 213, or register online now.

Protecting Your Business from Workplace Discrimination Liability, Nov. 16 - At this half-day seminar, learn strategies that can help your workplace avoid needless litigation and liability. Each year, businesses of all sizes lose millions of dollars from workplace discrimination lawsuits. Hear from top human resource lawyers about their experience utilizing the most effective policies to protect your business, and your employees, from discriminatory behavior. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Eatontown in Eatontown. The cost is $109 per person for NJBIA members and $139 for nonmembers. For more information, to register, or to become a sponsor, contact at 609-393-7707, ext. 213.