Rutgers University’s Agricultural Experimental Station
NJ Needs a Better Approach to Affordable Water and Sewer Utilities
Daniel J. Van Abs, Department of Human Ecology
High Levels of ‘Erin Brockovich’ Toxin in Many NJ Water Systems, Study Says
Keith Cooper, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology
Peach Farming in the Garden State: Not as Sweet a Deal as It Used to Be
The number of New Jersey peach farmers is dwindling, leaving peach lovers considering the future of one of the state’s most valued crops and plotting ways to reverse the trend… To help New Jersey farmers compete, Rutgers University’s Tree Fruit Breed…
Rains Ease Drought Worries for Now, but Officials Warn of Potential Water Shortage
Recent rains have eased concerns about possible drought conditions in some areas of northern and eastern New Jersey but stream-flow remains sharply below normal in most localities, and officials are warning that they may call for voluntary water-conservation measures if the latest uptick in rainfall is not sustained… State Climatologist David Robinson of Rutgers University said the state was “in better shape water wise” by mid-July than it was at the start of the month, thanks to rains that have slowed the drying out of soils, raised river levels, and reduced the drawdown on reservoirs.
Those Who Plan for Growth Should Plan for Water Services
“Under New Jersey law, we have a fundamental disconnect between development planning and utility services for that growth. The Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) of 1975 is now 40 years old, mostly unchanged from its early years. The history of New Jersey’s development makes clear the importance of water utilities. Every urban area, nearly all suburban areas, and many rural boroughs have water supply, sewer, and stormwater utility services. Dense development requires these services, without exception, and those densely developed areas are the economic backbone of the state. It only makes sense that we plan for development and utility services simultaneously, so that the services are adequate to the needs, and the needs don’t overwhelm the capacity of our environment and utilities to provide services.” — Daniel J. Van Abs, associate professor of practice for water, society, and environment at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.
Task Force to Get Its Hands Wet Assessing NJ’s Aging Water System
What should the state do about the aging system used to deliver drinking water to homes, schools, and businesses?… “We lack consensus standards on how good or bad our systems are,” said Daniel Van Abs, an associate professor at Rutgers University, speaking at an NJ Spotlight roundtable this spring.
Drinking Water Panel Delays Recommending Safe Limit on Toxic Chemical
With rising fears about the presence of toxins in drinking water, local advocates say the scientific panel that is charged with recommending safety standards for New Jersey’s drinking water may be dragging its feet… Advocates questioned why the group had to meet in private and complained about another delay. Dr. Keith Cooper, a Rutgers University toxicologist who chairs the DWQI, said during the public portion of the meeting that it was necessary to also hold a closed session to evaluate the findings of three subcommittees (on health effects, detection, and treatment), and so that members could speak freely. The panel has met in closed session before, Cooper said. “In reality, we can go into closed session any time we want.”
OPINION: LEARNING TO LIVE WITH OUR ADDICTION TO HAZARDOUS SITES BY WATER
People have always lived near water. We depended on it not just for drinking water, but also for transportation, food, and waste removal. River flooding brought moisture and nutrients to our farms… Daniel J. Van Abs is currently associate professor o…
WATER ADVOCATES ISSUE ‘WORKPLAN’ TO HELP WITH MASSIVE SYSTEM UPGRADE
Advocates for improving New Jersey’s aging water infrastructure released their latest plan for fixing it on Wednesday, urging public and private utilities to fix leaks, stop sewage overflows, and prevent flooding during storms — and offering them advi…
