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PA EPA, STATES OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AGREE ON ESTUARY CLEAN UP
Release Date: 09/12/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1997
EPA, STATES OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY AGREE ON ESTUARY CLEAN UP
On Aug. 28, EPA and the states of New York and New Jersey agreed to a final action plan to restore and protect the New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary and the ocean waters of the New York Bight -- the largest port on the east coast in the most densely populated region in the country. The Bight is the ocean waters that extend approximately 100 miles offshore and includes 240 miles of beaches extending from Cape May, N.J. to Montauk Point, N.Y. The restoration plan includes immediate actions and long-term strategies to restore and preserve habitat and living resources, control toxic contaminants, pathogens, nutrient and organic enrichment and dredged materials. The NY/NJ restoration plan was drawn up over eight years by a partnership representing the full spectrum of interests -- federal, state and local agencies; scientists; environmental and citizen groups; business and industry and recreational users. The NY/NJ Harbor Estuary was placed in the National Estuary Program in l988. The National Estuary Program was established by Congress in l987 to identify, protect and restore nationally significant estuaries; there are now 28 estuaries in the program. An estuary is a coastal area where fresh waters mix with ocean salt water, such as in a bay or sound. Estuaries are vital to the economy: almost one-third of the Gross National Product is produced in coastal areas through commercial fisheries, national and international ports, recreation and other coastal-related business and industrial activities. For additional information, contact Mary Mears at 212-637-3669.
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