EnviroPolitics Blog

New Jersey joins feds in buying out flood-prone property

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Blue Acres program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has launched a $3.5 million project to buy out flood-prone residential properties in Cranford Township, Union County, marking the beginning of a partnership that is expected to expand the availability of additional USDA buyout funds in flood-prone communities across the state.

The Cranford project specifically targets homes that were flooded along Orchard Brook. The buyouts are funded entirely by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection program, established for emergency recovery work including the purchase of floodplain property buyouts.

This project, and similar DEP-USDA partnership projects expected to be launched in other communities, expands the reach of the state’s post-Ida disaster recovery projects, which to date have been primarily funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Community Development Block Grant programs.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with USDA and announce this additional source of funding that will provide more fuel for the state’s buyout program and support New Jersey residents seeking to move out of areas plagued by repeated flooding,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Cranford’s leadership sets a great example for other communities to follow by making sure its residents are informed about their options for escaping the threat of flooding and supporting decisions to relocate. There’s no doubt these buyouts will provide much needed relief to property owners in Cranford and in other communities going forward.”

“Through these voluntary buyouts, the NRCS is committed to working with NJ DEP’s Blue Acres program to acquire at-risk properties and restore the land to a natural state. This approach helps protect the surrounding community by increasing flood storage capacity and preventing future development in high-risk zones,” said Julie Hawkins, New Jersey-NRCS State Conservationist. “The program is especially valuable where structural solutions like levees or flood walls are ineffective or financially unsustainable. Once a property is purchased, it is restricted to open space use, ensuring that flood-prone areas are preserved for conservation and community safety.”

Read the full story here

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How to unload your old fridge for free and get a rebate from PSEG

*PSE&G recently announced that it has resumed its Appliance Recycling Program, which includes free pick-up and haul-away of eligible appliances. (Shutterstock)*

By Patch Staff, Posted Thu, Nov 28, 2024 at 8:55 am ET

NEW JERSEY — PSE&G customers in New Jersey may be able to save some money – and have someone else do the heavy lifting – the next time they replace a refrigerator or a freezer.

The utility provider recently announced that it has resumed its Appliance Recycling Program, which includes free pick-up and haul-away of eligible appliances.

“We’ll pick up and haul away up to two refrigerators or freezers per household,” the company explains on its website. “And, if you have any old, working room air conditioners or dehumidifiers, we’ll recycle up to two room air conditioners or dehumidifiers per household during the same appointment.”

Pickups are not available for only room air conditioners or dehumidifiers on their own, PSE&G notes.

Customers can receive a $50 rebate for each refrigerator or freezer recycled, and an additional $25 rebate for each room air conditioner or dehumidifier picked up at the same time.

Read the full story here

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NY seeks volunteers for Region 4 Winter Raptor Survey

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4 is seeking volunteers to participate in DEC’s Winter Raptor Survey. The survey is designed to identify habitats used by bird species, especially those that are threatened or endangered. The data will be used to help guide future conservation and protection efforts.

Region 4 Acting Regional Director John Weidman said, “The DEC Winter Raptor Survey is an excellent opportunity for avid birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, or novices who just want to get involved to participate in conservation. Volunteers will assist regional wildlife biologists in tracking New York’s bird species to ensure these birds are protected and able to thrive in our ever-changing environment.”

Stationary surveys are completed on a weekly schedule from mid-November to late April and survey sites are located across the nine counties that make up DEC Region 4 (Greene, Columbia, Rensselaer, Albany, Schenectady, Schoharie, Montgomery, Delaware, and Otsego). The survey is a 1.5-hour commitment beginning one hour before sunset and ending 30 minutes after sunset.

While the specific goal of the survey is to identify habitat used by threatened northern harriers (Circus hudsonius) and endangered short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) during their non-breeding winter period, DEC records all raptors seen or heard, including owls, hawks, vultures, falcons, and eagles.

Volunteers are welcome to participate in as many or as few surveys as their schedules allow and DEC will provide training to those in need. DEC does not provide transportation to and from survey sites. Volunteers are also asked to use their own binoculars for surveys.

Please email DEC Region 4 Wildlife Biologists to learn more about the program and how to get involved in the Winter Raptor Survey at wildlife.r4@dec.ny.gov.

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Utilities are building massive batteries to store renewable energy and replace polluting fossil fuel power plants

*A wind farm in the town of Setana on Japan’s Hokkaido island. Energy produced by such turbines can go to waste if it can’t be stored*.

By Nicolás Rivero and Emily Wright, Washington Post

SAPPORO, Japan — Ocean winds whip across the beaches, hillsides and sprawling plains of Hokkaido. There’s enough wind energy here for Japan’s northernmost island to power itself and export clean electricity to the rest of the country.

But Hokkaido can’t harness all of that power unless it has a way to store energy when breezes are blowing and use it later when the gusts die down.

*Utilities are building massive batteries to store renewable energy and replace polluting fossil fuel power plants.*

So, the island is turning to a new generation of batteries designed to stockpile massive amounts of energy— a critical step toward replacing power plants fueled by coal, gas and oil, which create a third of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Read the full story here

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Final phase starts on flood wall to protect NJ shore community

By Amanda Oglesby, Asbury Park Press

MIDDLETOWN — Hurricanes have flooded Cathy Rogers’ homes in Port Monmouth and destroyed everything she owned.

Twice.

But on Monday morning, 84-year-old Rogers looked forward to a future that is safer from flooding for her and her neighbors in this stretch of Middletown.

Outside of the Port Monmouth Community Church on Main Street, elected officials and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel marked the beginning of the final phase of construction that will finish a series of flood walls and gates that will protect this low-lying area from the storm surges and hammering waves of future storms.

Behind them, the hum of construction equipment muffled their conversations as workers added new pieces to the existing seawall that protects homes on Main Street from flooding at the Compton Creek.

Read the full story here

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NJDEP releases map of legal roads in Wharton State Forest

Following a public engagement process spanning several years, coupled with careful review and consideration, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today released a map clearly delineating legal roads for driving vehicles within Wharton State Forest.

Designated roads shown on the map, called the Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map, enhance the visitor experience and public safety by supporting State Park Police patrols and the ability to conduct routine maintenance and improving access for emergency response personnel. Further, the map serves to ensure the protection of wildlife habitat and rare plant species found within the forest. Additional signage will be installed to support the map and clarify areas for vehicle access and those closed to vehicles.

To learn more about how the Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map was developed, a video is available explaining the process, details, enforcement and future adaptations.

“Wharton State Forest is the perfect place to experience the famed and ecologically unique New Jersey Pinelands,” said Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “With the release of this map, we are taking a crucial measure to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy all the forest has to offer but in a more responsible way that preserves its natural and historical resources for future generations.”

The map is available online and is also offered as a georeferenced PDF, allowing drivers to use their mobile device to determine their location on the map in real time, including in areas with limited or no cellular service. Additionally, printed copies are now available at the Atsion and Batsto offices within the forest.

“The release of the Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map is a milestone for enhancing both visitor safety and natural and historic resource protection and conservation throughout New Jersey’s state parks and forests,” said John Cecil, Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forest & Historic Sites. “By clearly defining safe, legal vehicle roads, we’re improving access for responsible exploration while protecting Wharton’s diverse natural and cultural treasures, minimizing impacts on sensitive habitats and supporting the integrity of our shared public lands.”

Read the full story here

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