The business community can expect "tough" new flood hazard rules to be adopted, and revamped site remediation regulations will change the way the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does business, DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson said October 3.

The Commissioner also defended current proposed rules on water buffers, public notification regulations and water quality, making it clear that while working with the business community is a goal, protecting the environment remains her first priority. Jackson spoke and took questions from an audience of nearly 200 NJBIA members as part of the Association's Meet the Decision Makers briefing breakfasts.

Issues surrounding land use and contaminated site remediation—the process of cleaning up contaminated properties to return them to productive use—commanded the most attention. Jackson said that new site-remediation regulations could be adopted this fall or winter.

The regulations are being developed in what Jackson lamented was a highly polarized political environment. Incidents like Kiddie College, which was built on a former mercury thermometer factory, and the Paramus school, where pesticide contamination was found, are being used by environmentalists to criticize the department for not doing enough. "Their agenda is to make changes to the site remediation program to take it back to a time when it was much more stringent and standards were much harder," Jackson said.

Jackson also defended proposed C-1 stream classification regulations. C-1 streams and rivers are those waterways determined to be of especially high environmental value. The proposed regulations would designate 900 miles of waterways as C-1s, creating a 300-foot-wide buffer zone on each side where little or no development can take place and where there are severe restrictions on discharges. Jackson said the standards for designating a waterway would be consistent so they could not be used by individual groups to stop developments they don't like.

"You can’t just pick a waterway and come in and say it belongs as a C-1 designation because you have 500 signatures on a petition," Jackson said. (NJBIA has urged the DEP to compensate property owners because C-1 designations are equivalent to a government taking of property.)

Likewise, Jackson defended the new public notification rules that require notice to residents, schools and workplaces within 200 feet of a site remediation project. "You are much better off telling people up front what you are doing," she said. "It doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, if you’re doing it in secret, (you’re going to be perceived) as doing it wrong." (NJBIA has criticized the proposal as onerous, costly and inflexible.)

Jackson said the department was close to adopting new flood hazard rules. She reiterated that she did not think development should take place in areas that are prone to flooding, citing New Orleans as an example of the consequences.

"These are not accidental rules," she said. "If it seems that they make it harder to develop in environmentally sensitive areas, that’s the plan. If it feels like a squeeze, it should."

DEP also will be making recommendations to implement the Global Warming Response Act, which mandates a reduction in greenhouse gas emission of 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. Because the State has already adopted progressive environmental policies, Jackson said New Jersey was already on pace to meet its 2020 goals and would be focusing on proposals to reach the 2050 goal. Whatever is recommended, she promised that the business community would have plenty of opportunities to review, comment and make recommendations.

Lee Linear Conducts Plant Tour to Show Impact of Workforce Training

State Labor Commissioner David Socolow and several county college presidents on October 2 got a first hand look at one of the 115 companies that have already signed up to participate in the new Workforce Training Program.

Socolow made a formal announcement of the $1.88 million grant program at Lee Linear in Piscataway, a manufacturer of precision shafting, rails and accessory products for such high-tech industries as medical equipment, aerospace, printing and more. Socolow was joined by NJBIA President Philip Kirschner, Middlesex County College President Dr. Joann La Perla Morales, Lee Linear CEO Alan Haveson, New Jersey Network television and more than a dozen other guests.

NJBIA is a partner with the county colleges and the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development to deliver training in computers, communications, math and English as a second language training to groups of workers from different companies. The program is an important component of Governor Corzine’s economic growth strategy which, among other priorities, seeks to extend the State’s workforce training resources to smaller companies, giving them a competitive edge in a global economy.

The Basic Skills Workforce Training Program allows participating businesses to be able to enroll employees for training in computer applications (Windows, Word, Excel and Outlook), communications (written and verbal), English as a second language, and mathematics and measurement.

There is no charge for the training, but businesses are required to pay employees their usual hourly rate while they are attending training courses. Participating businesses do not have to fill out any paperwork or disclose their company’s finances. They also are not required to provide a minimum number of employees for training. The NJ Community College Consortium will work with employers to determine the most convenient time and location for all training courses. Training can be conducted at county college locations across the State or at a company site if arrangements can be made.

For more information on this program call Bob Rosa, chief operating officer with the Consortium, at 609-393-9009.

NJBIA to Honor 10 at Awards for Excellence Dinner, Oct. 16

Join NJBIA on October 16 as we recognize the exceptional achievements of this year’s Awards for Excellence winners. At this outstanding networking event, you will meet NJBIA members whose energy and vision has distinctly improved the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens of New Jersey. The winners will receive awards in four categories: job creation, outstanding employer, environmental quality and community service. 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.

Other Upcoming Events

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.