Citing Latest Trash Wash-Up Concern, Milam & Albano Renew Call for Tougher Penalties for Beach Dumping

CITING LATEST TRASH WASH-UP CONCERN, MILAM & ALBANO RENEW CALL FOR TOUGHER PENALTIES FOR BEACH DUMPING

Lawmakers Aim to Toughen Decade-Old Penalties; Spurred to Action by Illegal Dumping that Closed Beaches Over 2008 Labor Day Weekend

(TRENTON) - Citing the latest concern over trash washing up on New Jersey beaches, Assemblymen Nelson T. Albano and Matthew W. Milam (both D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland) today renewed their call to toughen the financial penalties against illegal ocean dumping.

"We all grew tired of this a long time ago and the time is past due for those who pollute our beaches to pay severely," said Albano. "The real cost of beach pollution is immeasurable. It includes not only the time and money it takes to clean the beaches, but also the lost revenue for the businesses that rely on pristine beaches and the continued strong reputation of the Jersey shore. Our shore businesses need this enhanced protection."

"Even in the best of times, the small businesses that rely on shore tourism cannot absorb the hit caused by irresponsible behavior," said Milam. "But as we all know, these aren't the best of times and our shore businesses and tourists need to know that those who foul our beaches will pay dearly, not only for the economic damage they cause, but for the threat to public health and safety. This bill, quite simply, is what our shore economy deserves."

Their measure (A-3271) would double the fines for illegal medical-waste dumping in New Jersey's waters to $100,000-per-day. The lawmakers noted that state penalties for water pollution haven't been updated since 1990, while those for illegal medical waste handling haven't been updated since 1997.

The measure was crafted after several South Jersey beaches were closed on Labor Day weekend a year ago after illegally dumped medical waste washed ashore. As many as 225 syringes and other medical waste were found in Avalon - leading borough officials to close beaches four times. Syringes also washed ashore in Berkeley, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Brigantine and Upper Township.

Worry over ocean dumping was once again renewed after trash, including medical waste, washed up along Long Beach Island on Thursday.

The latest debris hasn't forced the closure of any beaches, and its source remains uncertain, but Albano and Milam said it was just the latest example of why penalties need to be toughened.

The lawmakers said that while the current $50,000-per-day fines allowable under clean water law looks severe, its effectiveness has eroded since enactment in 1990.

Had the penalties kept pace with inflation, the trio noted that the fines would be equal to roughly $82,800 in today's money.

The bill passed the Assembly 79-0 in March. It was released by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee in June and awaits Senate consideration.

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