Congressman Scott Garett ON THE RINGWOOD SUPERFUND SITE

As you may know, I have been actively involved with efforts to re-list the Ringwood, New Jersey site on the National Priorities List (NPL), also known as the National Superfund list. The site had been de-listed initially by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1994, but in 2006 it became the first EPA Superfund site to be re-listed. Since entering office, I have been actively involved in working to resolve this situation. I have witnessed firsthand the environmental disaster the people of Ringwood live with everyday and have repeatedly contacted the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection urging them to complete the cleanup process. Recently, my office has been involved in the monthly Ringwood Community Advisory Group meetings which give local residents an important venue to discuss their concerns. Ensuring the cleanup of the Ringwood site is very important to all New Jersey residents and you can rest assured that I will continue actively monitoring the cleanup’s progress.

Marie Springer

Last week, I recognized constituent Marie Springer for her environmental achievements in New Jersey. Ms. Springer was recently awarded the 2008 Environmental Quality Award by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. I had the honor of nominating her for this prestigious award.

Marie Springer has been an influential individual in New Jersey, leading the charge to preserve and protect our natural heritage for generations to come. As the founder of Friends of Wallkill River, Ms. Springer made the conservation of open spaces an important cause to many Northwest New Jerseyans. I appreciate, and am extremely grateful for, the hard work and dedication that Ms. Springer has poured into making our community a better place.

As a leading advocate of open spaces preservation, I believe that seeking to balance the protection of New Jersey’s natural heritage with the protection of our constitutional heritage of private property rights is extremely important. I have been instrumental in passing into law federal legislation to protect the Highlands regions of New Jersey. I have also authored legislation, which became law, to make the Musconetcong River a part of the national network of wild scenic rivers.

Sincerely,

Scott Garrett
Member of Congress

IMPORTANT NOTICE: VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

Recently, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) agreed to continue examining the vegetation management standards in Northern New Jersey regarding transmission power lines. The Board stated there will be an opportunity for citizens to get involved with the policy making process. The NJBPU will hold a public comment period, which I urge you to take advantage of because it will allow you to voice your concerns with the proposed regulations. Be advised my office has been closely monitoring the proposed vegetation management regulations and will continue to do so.

CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT'S OFFICE COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU:

My staff will be holding Mobile Constituent Service Hours in a number of Fifth District towns this week. The Congressman's Constituent Service Officers are trained to act as your liaisons with Federal agencies. But, it's not always easy to make it out to one of the Congressman's district offices - in Paramus and Newton - to meet with one of them, especially when you are dealing with government red tape. These Mobile Constituent Service Hours sessions bring the Congressman's office to you. So, if you are having trouble with a Federal program, such as Medicare, veterans benefits, Social Security, or more, please feel free to come by. And, please bring copies of any relevant paperwork with you to facilitate their work.

Tuesday, May 13th

Closter

1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Library, 280 High Street

Tuesday, May 13th

Park Ridge

10:00 am to noon
Borough Hall, 55 Park Avenue

Wednesday, May 14th

Mahwah

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Mahwah Senior Center, 475 Corporate Drive

Wednesday, May 14th

Ramsey

10:00 am to noon
Library, 30 Wyckoff Avenue

Thursday, May 15th

Bloomingdale

10:00 am to noon

Council Chambers, 101 Hamburg Pike

Thursday, May 15th

Emerson

5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Emerson Borough Hall, 1 Municipal Place