NEW JERSEY LCV ENCOURAGES LAKE HOPATCONG RESIDENTS TO CONSIDER A STORMWATER UTILITY TO HELP WITH HAZARDOUS ALGAL BLOOMS (HABS)

The following is a statement from Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV regarding the recent news that Hazardous Algal Blooms (HABs) have returned to Lake Hopatcong, one of New Jersey’s most scenic lakes, and a place he used to swim in as a child.

“It’s disappointing that a beautiful water resource like Lake Hopatcong is once again experiencing the return of Hazardous Algal Blooms (HABs), but unfortunately it’s not unexpected. Many of the surrounding towns are identifying quick fixes to mitigate potential damage, but these solutions are short-term and won’t get to the root cause —  polluted stormwater runoff,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “Until towns begin to manage their contributions to water quality from overdevelopment, and explore local long-term solutions to fund green infrastructure, like a stormwater utility, the HABs will continue to return like TV reruns. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recently announced $10 million in grant funding for towns to use for stormwater management, and $2 million is specifically for stormwater utilities. I’m urging the towns to apply for a grant to conduct an assessment of their stormwater needs and consider possible funding mechanisms like a stormwater utility.”

The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to elect environmental champions, hold public officials accountable, and support laws which protect our environment and improve the quality of people’s lives.