New Jersey Charts its Future Growth, Angering Environmentalists

New Jersey's updated sewer service maps, produced ahead of an EPA mandated deadline "after years of confusion, disputes and rule changes," are pitting those who believe the plans set out a blueprint for smart growth with those who decry the loosening of environmental protections, writes Capuzzo. 

"In a news release announcing the counties' compliance with a July 15
deadline to submit their updated maps, the Department of Environmental
Protection praised the maps for 'protecting nearly 210,000 acres of
environmentally sensitive lands and better safeguarding the state's
water quality.' But for environmentalists, this number is more than
90,000 acres shy of the 300,000 acres once deemed environmentally
sensitive and expected to be shielded from sewer service development."

"David Pringle, campaign director for the New Jersey Environmental Federation,
said a more accurate headline for the maps would be 'Gov. Chris
Christie reinstates 100,000 acres into development area.'"

Lawrence Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental
Protection, counters that, "The 300,000 acres was just a starting point - a ballpark
number to begin the actual mapping process." He contends that, "The current 209,000 acres deemed sensitive reflect more up-to-date data..."

"The counties' new sewer maps, which are expected to receive final
approval by the end of the year, represent the first in a three-step
process to address water management issues," notes Capuzzo.