Text Box: Text Box: Page # Text Box: Environmental Happenings Text Box: As part of the PAERAB’s ongoing effort to facilitate the environmental remediation of Picatinny Arsenal the board sent a follow-up letter dated January 22, 2008 to Ms. Lisa Jackson the NJDEP Commissioner. Prepared by Mr. Glaab with thoughtful contributions from Dr. Lederman this letter was reviewed and formally approved by unanimous vote at the January RAB meeting. Please note the following excerpt: ‘...To expedite the remediation of the Arsenal the U.S. Army is currently utilizing a new contracting process that requires the contractor to perform to a time certain. Accordingly, to function effectively this process requires a quick response from the supervising regulatory agencies. Unfortunately, too often a failure of the environmental remediation effort at Picatinny Arsenal to achieve a project deadline has resulted in the loss of U.S. Army funds dedicated to that effort. Too often the following have been cited as significant impediments to the environmental remediation effort at Picatinny Arsenal: NJDEP delays in its reviewing of U.S. Army documents. NJDEP delays in its submitting comments concerning those U.S. Army documents. NJDEP delays in its responding to the U.S. Army’s responses to the NJDEP comments. In the spirit of reciprocal cooperation the PAERAB had repeatedly extended cordial invitations to Mr. Ed Putnam, formerly the Assistant Director of the Site Remediation Program of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ( NJDEP ) and now the Assistant Director of the NJDEP’s Remedial Response Element to personally address the board about the difficulties experienced by the NJDEP in its environmental remediation role at the Arsenal and to clarify any possible misunderstandings and misconceptions. After Mr. Putnam’s reassignment a similar invitation was then extended to Mr. Steve Maybury the Bureau Chief for Northern Case Management of the NJDEP’s Responsible Party Remediation Element. Also enclosed are copies of additional relevant newsletters and of the November 11, 2006 and October 21, 2005 letters to the NJDEP citing our concern that the NJDEP devotes insufficient emphasis and/or resources to its statutorily assigned oversight role of the environmental remediation effort at the Arsenal. There has been no additional formal correspondence submitted by the board to the NJDEP since the submission of our November 11, 2006 letter to the NJDEP. No formal letter of response has been forthcoming from the NJDEP. However, several relevant e-mails have been exchanged with Messrs. Steve Maybury, Greg Zalaskus ( NJDEP Case Manager and official NJDEP representative to the PAERAB ), and Ed Putnam regarding the NJDEP’s efforts to improve its capacity to serve as the steward of the environment in the state of New Jersey. Copies of these e-mails are included for your convenient perusal. October 17, 2007 – from Mr. Greg Zalaskus: REVISED organizational list depicting NJDEP Site Remediation “chain of command.”

NJDEP Responsivity andCan Performance based contract schedules be met ??? 

2. August 11, 2007 – from Mr. Michael Glaab: Interrogatory to Mr. Greg Zalaskus regarding personnel changes among NJDEP administrative site remediation personnel concerned with Picatinny Arsenal.

3.  July 30, 2007 – from Mr. Greg Zalaskus: Discussion of submission of formal NJDEP letter to the PAERAB. Status of additional NJDEP MEC term contractor. Conveyance by Mr. Jim Kealy ( NJDEP ) of his conviction that the environmental remediation effort at Picatinny Arsenal needs to be expedited.

4.  July 25, 2007 – from Mr. Greg Zalaskus: Discussion of request by Mr. Steve Maybury for copies of board correspondence with Mr. Ed Putnam.

5.  May 18, 2007 – from Mr. Ed Putnam: Discussion of telephone calls from Mr. Glaab to Mr. Putnam’s office. NJDEP efforts to “redirect” Mr. Zalaskus and to provide him with the necessary resources to accomplish his task regarding the environmental remediation of Picatinny Arsenal.

6.  March 30, 2007 – from Mr. Greg Zalaskus: Reprioritization of Mr. Zalaskus’ official activities concerning the environmental remediation of Picatinny Arsenal.

As concerned citizens of the community conscientiously volunteering their time and efforts for the common good we would be most appreciative of your assistance…’ 

In addition to responsible parties participating in the environmental remediation effort at Picatinny Arsenal this letter was also delivered to the following public officials who are concerned with the environment and/or with Picatinny Arsenal and its adjacent communities :

                 Governor Jon S. Corzine

                 Senator Frank Lautenberg

                 Senator Robert Menendez

                 Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen

                 State Senator Anthony Bucco

                 State Senator Bob Smith, Environment Committee Chmn.

                 Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carrroll

Assemblyman Richard A. Merkt

Assemblyman John F. McKeon,  Environment  and  Solid

                                                                           Waste Committee Chmn. 

Of these,  according to Mr. Glaab the RAB’s Community Co-chairman, “...Senator Lautenberg, former Senator ( now governor ) Corzine and Congressman Frelinghuysen have in the past been especially supportive of Picatinny Arsenal and its  environmental remediation effort. Their contributions are appreciated and welcome. Together - we can synergistically achieve the environmental remediation of the Arsenal.” Please refer to the PAERAB’s own website to view copies of relevant correspondence from the aforesaid officials.    

 

 

 
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