Fall/Winter 2020

Hackensack Fall/ Winter 2020, Volume X XIII, Issue 3

® TIDELINESTIDELINESHackensackRIVERKEEPER — Celebrating over twenty years of clean water advocacy. From Superfund to Recovered How Superfund Cleanups Restore and Revive By Michele Langa There are more Superfund sites in the state of New Jersey than any other state in the nation with over 100 sites on the National Priorities List (NPL). Not exactly a “first” worth celebrating. What is worth celebrating, however, is the re- markable work that has been and is currently being done to turn these Superfund sites into cleaned and A photo of Berry’s Creek taken after the official EPA announcement of reusable land for New Jerseyans. the Record of Decision signing. While it looks harmless, high levels So what exactly is the Superfund? of contaminants lay buried in the sediment. The Superfund program exists through the Comprehensive Envi- Act suggests, it was designed to en- liability to those responsible. How- ronmental Response, Compensa- able the EPA to respond swiftly to ever, the success of the Superfund tion, and Liability Act (CERCLA), environmental emergencies, com- program hinges on the availability enacted in 1980. As the title of the pensate injured parties, and assign Continued on page 3

Anatomy of a Raid: Ferry Machine Company 1/24/19 Our Watershed Watch Hotline Comes Through for Clean Water By Captain Bill Sheehan both the time and space to share dumping used machine oil into NOTE: It’s a very unusual for us with you the whole story of what a stormdrain located in the back to publish an article about some- began with a phone call… of their parking lot; a drain that thing that happened nearly two On a day back in 2017 I discharges directly to the river. years ago but when things got real received an anonymous tip via I drove over to see what I in Little Ferry, NJ the authorities our Watershed Watch Hotline could find. From where I parked asked us to keep it quiet. When (1-877-CPT-BILL) about Ferry I was able to see 55-gallon drums we were finally cleared to tell the Machine Company in Little lined up next to what looked like story, the pandemic was in full Ferry. The caller reported the he’d the drain. Since what I saw swing and our office was a wreck witnessed company employees Continued on page 6 thanks to the fire. So now we have Inside Charlie Stelling Remembered 12 At the Helm 2 Volunteer Corner 13 Real Science for Real People 4 Field Notes 16 Water Sampling 7 RiverFest: Fishing Derby 18 Eco-Program Recap 9 Ambassador Update 19 New Beginning Celebration 10 Victory:NJT rejects Proposal 20 Page 2 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 At the Helm Captain Bill Sheehan 231 Main Street Hackensack, NJ 07601-7304 Dear Friends and Supporters, Phone: (201) 968-0808 Hotline: 1-877-CPT-BILL At press time, the results of the [email protected] 2020 Presidential election had not www.hackensackriverkeeper.org been finalized. Regardless of how it shakes out, it’ll be a very long Board of Trustees Rob Gillies, President time before our nation can even William R. Leggett, Vice President begin to undo the horrific envi- Brendan Reskakis, Treasurer ronmental damage that took place Susan L. Golden, Secretary Fortunately, our watershed over the past four years. Sadly, John Birkner, Jr region generally enjoys enlight- Craig M. Dorsett the challenges of climate change, ened leadership and is holding its Susan Gordon ensuring clean water and clean air, Virginia Korteweg own. Hackensack Riverkeeper and ending our dependence on fos- Ivan Kossak, CPA is doing – and will continue to Kelly G. Palazzi sil fuels are like cans being kicked do – everything we can to roll Elizabeth Ravit, PhD down the road. with the punches and focus on our Honorary Trustees Look, our nation was a global watershed at the state and local William “Pat” Schuber environmental leader until 2016. levels. It’s never been easy but Executive Director All across the world our Water- we’ve never stopped fighting for Captain Bill Sheehan, keeper sisters and brothers saw us Hackensack Riverkeeper a fishable, swimmable and live- as the Gold Standard for protecting able river; never stopped fighting HRI Staff humanity’s right to clean water. Hugh Carola, Program Director to protect our woods & wetlands; That leadership role was then Jodi Jamieson, Project Manager never stopped fighting for your Samantha Kreisler, Outreach Coordinator brutally cut off at the knees by the rights to enjoy them. And we Michele Langa, Staff Attorney polluters Trump put in charge of Mike Panos, Donor Relations never will. every federal agency tasked with Elizabeth Salas, Accounting All of what we do is only pos- Lisa Vandenberg, Office Manager protecting and restoring our envi- sible because of the generous sup- Russ Wilke, Paddle Center Manager ronment. I shudder to think what port we receive from people like Volunteer Extraordinaire will happen if he’s still president. you. Thanks to you we were able Bill Meier, IT Specialist The Clean Water Act repealed? to work through the pandemic and Watershed Ambassador EPA disbanded? provide safe, quality recreation and Tyler Tierney And if Biden won, the new ad- education programs that allowed ministration will have to navigate Jodi Jamieson, Managing Editor folks to escape the COVID lock- Hugh Carola, Copy Editor through a “minefield” of ultracon- downs, if only for a few blessed servative federal judges who enjoy hours. And that in spite of the fire! We gladly accept submissions of articles, photog- lifetime appointments. raphy and advertisements from the community; We are ever thankful for your Either way, we need to recog- however, we retain editorial discretion. faithful support and promise to We do not necessarily endorse any individual nize that the anti-environmental or company whose advertisements are found in continue fighting for our beloved these pages. attack that began on January river and the unique, diverse 20, 2017 will have long-lasting habitats that make up the amaz- Hackensack Tidelines consequences. If the pandemic has is published 3 times per year ing “urban wilderness” that is our on recycled paper. taught us anything, it’s that the pol- watershed. Riverkeeper is a registered trademark and ser- luters who empowered the Trump vice mark of Riverkeeper, Inc. and is licensed administration simply do not care Best wishes for 2021 and beyond, for use herein. Waterkeeper is a registered trademark and about our future. That’s whom service mark of Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc.and we’re up against – now and for the is licensed for use herein. foreseeable future. Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Page 3

Superfund to Recovery continued from page 1

The former PJP Landfill in Jersey City was once, literally, a Superfund site on fire. Today it’s the proposed site for the future Skyway Park, that will add much needed green space and public access to the area. of funds to enable the initiation capping the area with clean fill has a site in-and-of itself, is equiva- of costly cleanups and emergency a beneficial effect on the overall lent to an assurance of future response actions. The Superfund health of the ecosystem and water health and prosperity for the river. model is based on a “polluter pays” quality. Removing that contami- Although cleanups are under way system, where responsible parties nation, levels of which are far or completed at the six Superfund (PRPs) are identified and required too high for the river to eliminate sites and dozens of other contami- to fund the cleanup either directly naturally, jump starts the recovery nated sites along the Hackensack or via reimbursement to EPA for and allows for continued improve- and its tributaries, for the most work completed. ments, assuming no new contami- part a cleanup of the riverbed has Why does it matter if decades-old, nation appears. never occurred. long-since-buried pollution gets What does any of this have to do with The river and its tributaries cleaned up now? the Hackensack River? present a multitude of health risks. Swimming is banned by the state Superfund listing is designed The Hackensack River was on because of the danger of ingest- to address the worst hit areas of the verge of making it on to the Su- ing harmful bacteria, mainly from contaminated sediment with a perfund National Priorities Listing sewage overflows and stormwater targeted, intense cleanup meant (NPL) through EPA in 2015 and runoff. EPA and the DEP have to swiftly remove the contamina- was a shoo-in for approval prior to long worried about the health tion with as little harm done to the the November 2016 election. Now, effects for people who fish and il- surrounding water as possible. In the River’s listing and Superfund legally crab in the Hackensack and doing this, harmful contaminants monies that accompany it are in its tributaries. The state maintains that have filtered up through the danger of fading. The intense work bans on eating fish or crabs caught sediment and water column over done by EPA to sample and exam- in the Hackensack because of high time are scooped out and replaced ine the River is slowly becoming levels of mercury that build up in with clean fill. So while our water old and the NJDEP has still yet to their tissue. A full-fledged, com- quality may appear to be good, concur with their recommendation prehensive cleanup of the Hacken- there was always this deeper for listing the Hackensack River to sack River will bring us that much contamination lurking below the the NPL. The contamination that closer to a realization of the riverbed, occasionally seeping up will remain as a result of that po- Clean Water Act’s intent of meet- to harm wildlife and disperse to tential failure contains substances ing fishable, drinkable, swimma- wider areas of the river. As you’ll like cadmium, lead, mercury, and ble water quality standards along see in our Real Science article dioxin, to name just a few. all 45 miles of the Hackensack this issue, the process of remov- Seeing the Hackensack River River. ing contaminated sediment and successfully listed to the NPL, as Page 4 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020

Real Science for Real People Cleaning Contaminated Sediments Letting Nature Take Its Course With Some Human Help By Dr. Francisco Artigas A few years ago the Environ- mental Protection Agency (EPA) analyzed hundreds of sediment samples from the Hackensack River and found organic and metal contaminants that extend for 22 miles from Newark Bay up to the Oradell Reservoir. Contaminated sediments are not exclusive to the Hackensack River estuary. They are found in estuar- ies with active ports all over the world. There is a serious concern about heavy metal pollution and its impact on living organisms. Berry’s Creek in East Rutherford is a good Figure 1. Location of the study site along the Hackensack River example of sites with higher than and adjacent to Secaucus High School. The map shows the North- normal levels of mercury because South transect where samples were collected. of former operations that leaked mercury into the river including a ares of marshland near Secaucus (sand) and freshwater pond dredge thermometer factory. In this case, High School for restoration. The and leaves. The site was regraded the EPA’s remedial action will in- plan was to dig out all contami- to recreate habitat for a low marsh clude digging up the bed of Berry’s nated sediments and replace them community planted with the native creek and surrounding marshlands with clean sediment (Figure 1). marsh grass Spartina alterniflora. and removing the contaminated This was a good opportunity for Two smaller areas were graded sediments from the site. a long-term study of heavy metal to recreate high marsh habitat by How do we know if, after pathways after sites are cleaned. introducing salt meadow hay, salt- restoring marshlands in the Mead- “Heavy metals” in this case includ- grass, salt meadow rush, and big owlands, that sites will not revert to ed mercury, lead, chromium, cop- cordgrass. The long-term study becoming contaminated due to their per, nickel, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, began in 2007 right after the tidal proximity to the Hackensack River iron, and magnesium. The most flow was restored to the site. and other nearby contaminated common source of these metals Over the following 11 years, sites? Theoretically, if contami- to the estuary is smelting activi- scientists from the Meadowlands nated sites are left alone, nature will ties, sewage sludge, urban runoff, Environmental Research Institute slowly bury the contaminants to a dumping, ash and dredge material (MERI) measured heavy metal point that they are no longer near disposal, anti-fouling paints, power concentrations along a transect in other living organisms. Understand- station anti-corrosion products, and the Secaucus Marsh site (Figure ing how contaminants move and are oil refinery effluents. 2). During this period, Superstorm transformed in the environment over The restoration of the Secau- Sandy hit in 2012, there were time is important to achieve long- cus site started in 2006 when the drought years in 2010 and 2016, lasting restored areas. first two feet of contaminated sedi- and three very wet years (2012, In 2006, the New Jersey ments were removed and replaced 2015, and 2018), with 2018 being Meadowlands Commission (now with “clean engineered” sediments one of the top five wettest years in the New Jersey Sports & Exposi- - a combination of offshore dredge New Jersey since 1895. tion Authority) selected 17 hect- Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Page 5

over time. The sources of mercury and cadmium are airborne and most likely emissions from power plants in the Midwest. In the sediments, the same pool of metals move up and down the profile (Figure 3). We did not see metals accumulate in sites from being opened to the tide and connected to other sites. The Secaucus High School Marsh project has produced significant results that can inform Figure 2. Transect profile showing the North and South treatment policymakers how to best miti- areas and sampling point locations at Mean Tide Level (MTL), gate the spread of contaminated Mean High Water (MHW), and Mean High Water Spring (MHWS). sediment. The resulting model can also be replicated beyond the Meadowlands to help other communities faced with similar estuarine challenges. There is substantial concern that future global weather patterns will favor greater bioavailability of metals. Data from studies like MERI’s in Secaucus show that by Figure 3. Percent change (C/C0) of the average sediment metal letting nature take its course, with concentration since 2007 when the site was opened to the tide. some human help from scientists * Drought years, 2010 and 2016. ** Very wet year, 2012, 2015, and 2018. and researchers, we can successfully address this problem. The final results show that after atmospheric deposition. For all Dr. Francisco Artigas is the Director 11 years, there were 50 percent other metals, a pattern emerged of the Meadowlands Environmental less heavy metals compared to pre- of low concentrations during dry Research Institute (MERI). The Institute restoration conditions and there years followed by higher concen- serves as the scientific and environ- was no accumulation throughout trations in wet years (Figure 2). mental research arm of the New Jersey the study period. The exceptions The concentrations of mercury Sports and Exposition Authority, an were mercury and cadmium that and cadmium increased and none independent authority of the State of continue to accumulate from of the other metals accumulated New Jersey. Page 6 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020

Anatomy of a Raid Machine knowingly decided to puter hard drives, paper records continued from page 1 pollute the Hackensack River, they and at least one firearm. They corroborated the information from “elevated” themselves into the also discovered and seized video the tipster, I contacted the New arena of criminal law. files from the company’s own Jersey Department of Environ- Instead of going back to DEP, surveillance cameras which held mental Protection (DEP). In short I went straight to the Division additional footage of employees order an inspector from the agen- of Criminal Justice (DCJ) at the punching holes in waste drums. cy’s Clean Water Enforcement Bu- New Jersey Attorney General’s DCJ investigators led the raid and reau arrived, conducted an onsite Office, spoke with an investigator were assisted by personnel from investigation and issued a Notice and told him everything I knew NJDEP, Passaic Valley Sewerage of Violation (NOV) requiring the about the case. Since Hacken- Commission, and the Little Ferry company to improve its protocols, sack Riverkeeper had previously Police Department. prevent waste oil from leaking, worked closely with DCJ on other After the bust NJ State Police and to dispose of it properly. Ferry criminal cases over the years – computer forensics teams combed Machine was also required to Columbia Terminals, Eastern Con- through the hard drives while other obtain an industrial stormwater crete Materials and the Secaucus investigators reviewed the physical permit from the agency. Crowne Plaza – I was confident evidence. Then, on November 20, At that point the company that my information would be 2019 charges were brought by the should have immediately done ev- taken seriously. It was. Attorney General’s office against erything in its power to comply with At that point I stepped back the company owner, Louis Ferretti the NOV. Or so I assumed when I because my philosophy is to allow of Upper Saddle River, NJ, for stepped aside thinking there would the enforcement agencies to de- violations of the New Jersey Water be no more illegal discharges and termine the veracity of a case and Pollution Control Act (WPCA), that “our work here is done”. allow it to play out. For months I which were alleged to have been My assumptions about Ferry had only inklings that the investi- committed between June 13, 2018 Machine continued right up until gations was proceeding. Then on and January 23, 2019. On the day Summer 2018 when we received the morning of January 24, 2019 of his arrest and according to the yet another anonymous tip that the we got a call that state investiga- Probable Cause Affidavit, Mr. Fer- company was doing the very same tors were on the scene at Ferry retti “…made a sworn statement activities that were reported in the Machine. A Search Warrant was admitting his conduct.” original NOV. I was fit to be tied. served and the raid was on. Through pre-trial interven- Under most circumstances once a That was when I learned tion, state prosecutors and the company is noticed, fined, and re- just how seriously DCJ took my defendant’s attorney ultimately quired to get necessary permit(s), complaint. Soon after I shared the arrived at a plea deal with the DCJ it cleans up its act. They might tip I’d received, they attached a and Superior Court Judge James not like it, but by and large that’s surveillance camera to a utility pole Sattely that was amenable to all generally what happens. And across the street from Ferry Ma- parties, and signed on February that’s why the new tip about Ferry chine and aimed it at the lot where 25, 2020. In addition to waiving Machine got me so steamed. the previous violations had oc- his right to a jury trial and admit- I gave it a good bit of thought curred. From what I have been able ting guilt to one count of fourth- and concluded that the company’s to ascertain, they captured actual degree violation of the WPCA, wanton disregard for the law – and video footage of a worker punching Mr. Ferretti was required to pay disdain for the Hackensack River holes in the drums and dumping $25,000 in fines and make a one- – had pushed them over the edge the oily waste into the stormdrain, time restitution payment of $1,500 as far as we were concerned. Up from which it flowed directly into to Hackensack Riverkeeper. And it to that point, all of the enforce- the river. In other words, they “had all began with a phone call. ment actions were carried out by ‘em dead to rights.” If you see something – any- NJDEP and therefore were dealt What started that morning did thing – that looks wrong to you with as civil or administrative law not wrap until early evening. Dur- SAY SOMETHING! matters. However, since Ferry ing the raid, officers seized com- Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Page 7 Water Sampling & Monitoring Was a Success Real Science by Hackensack Riverkeeper Staff – Chapter One By Hugh M. Carola, Samantha Kreisler most telling indicator for whether or not water is safe and Jodi Jamieson for primary human contact. On July 14, Hackensack Riverkeeper joined an According to the EPA, for such contact a single ongoing estuary-wide Water Quality Monitoring Enterococcus sample should be less than 110 Colony program. We spent each Tuesday through October 20 Forming Units (CFUs) per 100mL sample. In our taking readings and water samples at five locations area, sources of bacteria include Combined Sewer within our watershed – the river at Waterside Park in Overflows (CSOs), improperly functioning sewage Ridgefield Park, River Barge Park in Carlstadt, Lau- treatment plants, and stormwater runoff. Heavy rain- rel Hill Park in Secaucus; and Newark Bay at Rut- falls almost always lead to high lab results. kowski and City parks in Bayonne. In so doing we Our results were relayed to us each Friday and joined over one hundred other Waterkeepers already were made available to appropriate city, state and engaged in similar research in their watersheds. federal agencies. Samantha created a blog specifically CUNY Staten Island-based Interstate Environ- to make our data easily available to anyone. mental Commission (IEC) provided training and sup- Check it out at: port from Environmental Analyst Jessica Bonamusa, https://water-quality-on-the-hack.constantcontactsites.com. as well as gear (YSI sonde device, sterile sampling Feedback from Jess was positive and she’s look- jars), and consumables (PPE, calibration chemicals). ing forward to our continued participation with IEC. The three of us along with Riverkeeper Trustee Susan The 2021 sampling season will begin in May – same Golden and super volunteer Bill Meier were trained as the bulk of our Eco-program season. The three of in the protocols and use of equipment. Over fifteen us plan to train additional volunteers for next year’s weeks we recorded temperature, dissolved oxygen, sampling days. pH, salinity and conductivity using the sonde; and We would like to grow this program by adding collected two water samples at each site. The IEC sampling sites and create a more complete picture lab tested samples for the presence of fecal coliform of the river’s health. Among them are riverside loca- bacteria and for Enterococcus, the latter being the tions at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, continued on page 8

Above: There is a chain-of-command we follow for our Above: Super volunteer Bill Meier collecting samples to be part samples from the Hackensack River at River of a larger study. Barge Park with Lady, our favorite canine volunteer.

Left: Riverkeeper Trustee Susan Golden and Captain Hugh Carola at Ridgefield Park. All photos on this page © Hackensack Riverkeeper.org Page 8 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020

Left: Outreach Water Sampling Coordinator, continued from page 7 Samantha on one New Bridge Landing in River of her weekly treks Edge, Old Bridge Landing in into Newark Bay New Milford, and Van Buskirk to collect water Island in Oradell. Eventually samples. we would also like to include Inset: Project Droyer’s Cove in Jersey City. Manager, Jodi However, despite the fact Jamieson, cali- that IEC will continue to pro- brates the Sonde vide us with all the necessary for another day of sampling. training, gear and supplies, any increase in program scope All photos on this page © Hackensack Riverkeeper.org will require increased funding to help support it. Several potential sources have al- Entero number was 200 CFUs and the fecal coliform ready been approached but if you, your organization, was TNTC – which is shorthand for “Too Numerous or company wishes to learn more about sponsoring To Count”. In contrast, upriver at Waterside Park the this new endeavor, email Hugh (hugh@hackensack- results were 80 and 410 respectively while downriver riverkeeper.org) and we can begin the discussion. at Laurel Hill, it was a very nice <10 and 180. Postscript: During our sampling we discovered a We subsequently contacted our colleague Dr. disturbing anomaly – unexpected high Enterococcus Francisco Artigas, Director of the Meadowlands En- and coliform results taken at River Barge Park over vironmental Research Institute (MERI), whose team several weeks – despite there being no clear reason confirmed our findings. Between us, the research and for such high numbers. For example, on 9/8, the investigation is continuing. Stay tuned!

Freedom Bank proudly supports the Hackensack Riverkeeper Extraordinary Service from as it works to provide environmental advocacy, Extraordinary Realtors education and conservative programs to the local community.

Office: 201-881-7900 Fax: 201-881-7917

www.VikkiHealey.com

201-599-3000 25 West Pleasant Avenue, Maywood www.freedombanknj.com Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Page 9 An Eco-Program Season We (Mostly) Hope Never to Repeat Despite COVID-19 wreaking havoc with our 2020 programs, 8,643 people participated By Hugh M. Carola, Samantha Kreisler and Russ Wilke We’re going to get the bad news over so we can concentrate on the good – and yes, some really good things did happen over the past season. But first… Eco-Cruises Our signature program – and its photo © Hackensack Riverkeeper.org donation bottom line – took a ma- What a fabulious night for a Moonlight.....paddle. Our former Outreach Coor- jor hit as a result of the pandemic. dinator, Caitlin Doran, returns to the Meadowlands for a Moonlight Paddle. In addition to having to cancel our first eight scheduled public Open platform. While there were a few Summer Solstice cleanup on trips during the heat of the lock- hiccups, the new procedure was June 20. We followed it up with down in May, our entire school / generally successful and we look cleanups in Foschini Park, Hack- summer camp field trip season was forward to fine-tuning next season. ensack in July; Rutkowski Park, a bust. Here’s what we mean: In Adult Group Eco-Cruises, Bayonne in August; and Oradell a typical year we serve about one which usually bring us the lion’s Reservoir, Emerson in Septem- thousand kids, teachers and chaper- share of participants, were nowhere ber. All were well attended and ones. This year we served four kids near as popular as in typical years, resulted in tons of trash and debris and three camp counselors. due in large measure to many be- being removed from our water- After we cancelled all eight ing arranged by and for seniors. ways and disposed of properly. Open Eco-Cruises scheduled for Another major drop was the loss As the pandemic continued, the May, we jumpstarted the program of our Passaic River tours that the word out of most corporate HQs (which normally serves 700-1,000 City of Newark understandably was that the best-case scenario people each season) in June. Of chose to cancel. Only 160 people for a return to their offices would course, in complying with physical participated in twenty-two private be January 2021 at the earliest. distancing requirements, we knew trips in 2020. So by the end of the Clearly that meant no sponsored we’d never come close to those season – and because of COVID Cleanups and we assumed no numbers. The 30’ x 8.5’ pontoon – a Grand Total of just 657 folks cleanup sponsorship money would boats Robert H. Boyle II and Ger- joined us for Eco-Cruises. be coming in this season. But then aldine Theresa did allow for up to the unexpected happened: first River Cleanups seven adults to safely come aboard, one, then another longtime sponsor As we reported in the Summer but that meant operating them near informed us that they would make issue of Tidelines, this program half-capacity. Dealing with four- good on their 2020 commitment. also took a big hit due to the teen weather-related cancellations Not only did their support cover the pandemic, the reticence of park – including the remnants of two costs of our Community Cleanups; managers to allow cleanups, and hurricanes – didn’t help either. And it also went a long way toward many of our corporate partners’ even though we added an addi- keeping us on the job this year. choosing to put their community tional eighteen Open trips, we were Speaking of our job, we con- outreach programs on hold. But able to welcome only 454 people ducted some very effective cleanups after creating a thorough and com- aboard from June through October. in partnership with some of our fel- prehensive set of COVID safety New to the program in 2020 low environmental groups including protocols, we restarted our Com- was listing all Open Eco-Cruises Friends of Lincoln Park in Jersey munity Cleanups with our annual on the EventBrite reservation continued on page 11 Page 10 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 2020 New Beginning Celebration Friends and supporters stepped out and up to support Hackensck Riverkeeper. By Samantha Kreisler how necessary to hold our annual tant, nearly one hundred revelers We broke the ice on October 14 gala in person – with strict safety celebrated the resiliency of our by holding the first (and safest) protocols created by our longtime organization, its work and mis- in-person gala since the pandemic venue, the Estate at Florentine Gar- sion. A great time was had by began. dens in River Vale, NJ. We, like our all, even though the event itself This year’s annual Hackensack river, are resilient. No matter the looked quite a bit different than Riverkeeper Gala was all about issue, we will always keep moving in previous years. The Gala took starting anew. Aptly titled A New and flowing forward – and employ place completely outdoors, with Beginning, our celebration was just every means at our disposal to keep no walls surrounding the fes- that. After a difficult year dealing everyone safe, healthy and happy. tive tent. The delicious fare was with COVID and seeing our offices Outdoors and under a tented served from behind Plexiglas wrecked by fire, it seemed some- sky, masked and physically dis- continued on page next page

Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez, a EZ Dock’s Rick Hibell, Corporate SUEZ’s Ray Cywinski, a friend and gala honoree, and his wife, Catherine. Steward honoree and his wife, Kelli. past honoree with Captain Bill. Unless otherwise noted, All photos on this page © Hackensack Riverkeeper.org Unless otherwise noted,

Riverkeeper Board president, SUEZ’s Rich Henning and his wife, Carol Emcee Brian Thompson and volunteer Rob Gilies and wife, Michele. with Captain Bill Sheehan. Fiona Flynn take a break. photo © Tyler Tierney photo © Tyler It wouldn’t be a party with out our friends from BCUA. Thank you Samantha and Captain Hugh with our new Paddle for your years of support guys! Center mascot, Terry, the paddle... in gala attire! Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2019 Page 11

THANK YOU SPONSORS

S.Golden Education for a sustainable future SORCE

continued from page 10 with diners approaching each Mayor Anthony R. Suarez of York and Trustee / Treasurer Bren- station appropriately. Some at- Ridgefield, NJ, with our 2020 Ex- dan Reskakis for hosting the gala tendees chose to attend virtually, cellence in Public Service Award and serving as our auctioneers. We and even bid on auction items, and Rick Hibell and Buddy Walters extend a very special thanks to our via Zoom. of EZ Docks Marine Construction sponsors, attendees, and volunteers, Our honorees channeled that with our 2020 Corporate Environ- without whom we could not have resiliency the same way they make mental Stewardship Award. created such an incredible evening a consistent and positive impact We are grateful for long-time during these difficult times. on our watershed throughout the Master of Ceremonies, Brian Thank you all for supporting year. Capt. Bill Sheehan presented Thompson of NBC News4New the future of clean water!

Eco-Program ing late due to county restrictions, arriving from NYC via Secaucus continued from page 9 our participation rate was off the Junction. By season’s end, 1,013 charts! In the two months between paddlers joined us there, includ- City on September 26. Our an- Fathers Day and Labor Day when ing 454 who joined guided trips, nual Mitzvah Day was conducted the Overpeck Kayak Center was and 568 who enjoyed independent on a rainy November 1 with the open seven days a week, only the explorations. students, parents and staff of Ben worst weather could keep people For proof of just how popular Porat Yosef School in Paramus. away. On some weekends, it was our paddling program was this We’ve got one more cleanup on tap all our staff could do to keep a past season, just look at Overpeck. for November. smooth transition between pad- Despite both centers being closed Paddling Centers dlers. Throughout it all, our crews the entire month of May – and We knew there were two im- at both centers maintained the with no Reservoir Paddle events at portant things going for us during rigorous safety protocols drawn up all – Overpeck alone surpassed the this COVID-addled season: the specifically for them – along with 6,026 people who paddled with first is paddling is a physically- their ever-present high level of us at all venues in 2019! By early distant activity and so a safe way friendly customer service. October, an astounding 6,520 to enjoy the outdoors; and the sec- And 2020 was the most suc- paddlers took to the calm waters ond is that as soon as we opened cessful year ever for our Paddling of the lake to forget about the up at Laurel Hill and Overpeck Center at Laurel Hill, with all tough times for a while. At press parks in early June, people would eight Moonlight and all thirty day- time our total number stands at a show up–and they did. It was time guided paddles sold out well record-breaking 7,533 paddlers. obvious that folks needed to get in advance. Special recognition is According to Russ, “As I’ve out of the house and do something in order for LHP manager Gregg said in the past, our Center’s crew fun, enjoyable, close to home, af- Bucino, who was the driving force is the hardest working group of fordable and safe. behind getting our guided and people in the business and we Suffice it to say that our cen- reserved paddles listed on Event- couldn’t have had the season we ters checked all the boxes. Brite. Rentals also ran well above had without them.” Despite both centers reopen- average, with many paddlers Page 12 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2019 We Bid Farewell to a Man Who Was Truly One of Our Own Everyone who knew him will long cherish the pleasure of his company.

On September 19 our dear “Super Volunteer” whose presence friend Charlie Stelling passed away was much appreciated by staff and at his Paramus home. He’d been his fellow volunteers alike. He ill but his passing was unexpected received our Volunteer of the Year and so shook us all. A confirmed award in 2010, and again in 2019; bachelor and lifelong resident of one of only two individuals to be Paramus, his family was among the so honored twice. The other was first to farm the borough well over Bill Meier, who said of his friend, a century ago. There’s even a Stell- “Charlie was a dear friend and be-

ing Avenue in Maywood, a stone’s photo © Jonathan Green loved member of our Riverkeeper throw from Paramus. Charles Stelling 1953-2020 family”. Charlie’s connections to his Truly, his untimely passing community ran strong and deep, It was as a DU rep that Cap- leaves a void that will be nearly both in his career and in his avo- tains Bill and Hugh first met Char- impossible to fill. cations. Before retiring in 2015 lie back in 1999. In those days our “I only knew him a short time, he worked for 37 years at Bergen then-very young organization was but I felt a special connection to Community College, where he in “full battle mode” against de- Charlie; he was so honest, kind and helped create (and long main- velopers and their allies in govern- comforting,” said Outreach Coor- tained) the school’s IT Depart- ment who were hell-bent on filling dinator Samantha Kreisler. “Start- ment. After his retirement, Char- wetlands in the Meadowlands. We ing a new job in a pandemic was lie remained a fixture at BCC’s needed allies, we needed them tough, but he guided and supported community garden, from which he fast, and we needed them to repre- me every step of the way. He came harvested and shared a bounty of sent the full scope of the conserva- to every cleanup he could, with his organic produce, and where he took tion movement. The Hudson River big red truck, his wholesome spirit care of its fifteen beehives. Many Chapter of Ducks Unlimited fit and his boundless enthusiasm,” she were the times when he showed up the bill perfectly. The subsequent added. “I will miss him.” at our office with bags brimming series of breakfast meetings led to In addition to his love of nature with fresh veggies for us to take the Riverkeeper-DU partnership Charlie will be fondly remembered home and enjoy. we’ve long enjoyed, and which as a man who equally enjoyed Charlie was an active volunteer helped inspire Charlie to join our fine cigars along with that candy with organizations large and small. volunteer corps. apple-red Dodge pickup. Mostly An avid hunter and outdoorsman, “Charlie was one of the first though, he will be remembered as he joined Ducks Unlimited in the volunteers I met when I joined a dear friend and colleague with an mid-1990s. A DU Life Member, he Hackensack Riverkeeper,” recalled infectious laugh who was always served in leadership positions over Caitlin Doran, Outreach Coordina- ready to lend a hand, an ear, and the years, including as New Jersey tor from 2014-2020. “From that lots of time. And who left real big State Chair, District Chair, Chapter moment, through the six years that shoes to fill. Chair, and NJ State Delegate to the followed, he made me feel wel- “When Mike told us that Charlie group’s national conventions. come, supported, and loved. Nei- had passed away, it really was as if “Charlie was the ultimate volun- ther this organization nor I would a close family member had died; he teer – always ready to help and the be where we are today without was so much a part of everything last to leave,” recalled Mike Panos, Charlie’s dedication, loyalty, and we do at Hackensack Riverkeeper,” fellow DU Member and Riverkeep- friendship. I’ll miss him immensely said Captain Bill. “And truthfully, er’s Donor Relations Manager, “He and think of him often.” he was family. And the rest of this was a very good friend who was Over the intervening two de- family is going to miss him for a always ready to contribute to noble cades, Charlie jumped in with both very, very long time.” causes that he believed in.” feet and became the quintessential Rest in Peace dearest Charlie! Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2019 Page 13

After a FewVolunteer Months Delay our Cleanup Program Corner Gets Started with a Vengeance.

There’s no denying it. This was a tough year - volunteers and picked up 11,000 pounds of garbage. for everyone, not just for Hackensack Riverkeeper For a record low number of cleanups, we had an and our River Cleanup Program. But as the saying incredibly high number of volunteers and an even goes around here: “When the going gets tough, the higher amount trash collected per cleanup event. We tough volunteer for Hackensack Riverkeeper!” collected about half of last year’s amount of garbage As the 2020 cleanup season comes to a close, we while doing only a quarter of the number of cleanups. reflect on this year’s numbers. This season looked We’d like to thank our incredible volunteers for incredibly different than usual due to the COVID-19 showing up for their River, even in the midst of a pandemic in more ways than just masks and social pandemic. We’d also like to thank our corporate distancing. Despite the majority of our cleanups partners, without whom this program would not being cancelled due to policies on social gatherings, be possible. And we are incredibly grateful to the we were able to conduct six Community Cleanups City of Hackensack, Hudson County Improvement once restrictions were eased. Authority, and Bergen County Clean Communities During those cleanups we engaged over 700 Programs for their critical support and help.

Foschini Park Cleanup July 19 Not even a heat wave could stop volunteers—including Charlie Stelling, far left— from removing 1,700 pounds of debris from the Hack. Sixty-three volunteers braved the July summer temperatures to remove 70 bags’ worth from Foschini Park. Cooling off in canoes, they also collected a volleyball, some tires, and an entire car fender.

Rutkowski Park Cleanup August 23 For our largest cleanup of the season (which had over 100 volunteers) we partnered with Bayonne Nature Club at the popular and ever “luscious” Rutkowski Park. We collected 2,200 pounds of trash including 15 tires and 110 bags.

Photo © Michele Gilies Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this page © Hackensack Riverkeeper.org Page 14 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2019 ICC photos © Tyler Tierney ICC photos © Tyler International Coastal Cleanup Oradell Reservoir September 19 This year’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) was un- Eighty-five volunteers removed well over a ton of trash like any other before. For the annual event held in partner- including 604 pounds of metal, 105 pounds of recyclables ship with SUEZ, our ICC once again took place at Oradell and 14 tires. We also picked up around 1,392 pounds other Reservoir. Local scout Priya Thuran helped us track and debris like wood, Styrofoam, tarps. Weirdest finds? Ten dif- log the trash for the Ocean Conservancy, which collects ferent types of chairs including a recliner. the data from coastal cleanups all over the world. photo © Luz Guzman Lincoln Park West Cleanup September 26 Authority, volunteers pulled out just over 3,000 pounds of trash pollution, including over 50 bags full of trash and Our fall cleanup at Lincoln Park West Nature Trail was an various debris items. Weird items included: a shopping absolute success. In partnership with Friends of Lincoln cart, carpet, cables, car fender, sponges, and 72 golf balls. Park, NJ Sierra Club and the Hudson County Improvement

River Edge Cleanup October 10 Alongside the River Edge Environmental Commission, 70 volunteers cleaned the river and shoreline at Kenneth B. George Park. We almost filled a dump- ster with over 30 bags of trash, pieces of wood and metal. It was a gorgeous fall day, even a Bald Eagle stopped by to say hello. Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Page 15

Samsung Month of Service Cleanup Thank you to the awesome folks at Samsung for incorporating Hackensack Riverkeeper into their virtual Month of Service. This cleanup took place… on the internet! All across the US, from Texas to Washington to here at home in New Jersey, Samsung employees participated in socially distant individual cleanups throughout the month. A small but mighty crew, collected a total of 100 pounds of trash!

Woodcliff Lake Cleanup October 25 The only thing scarier than Halloween was the amount of plastic we found at Woodcliff Lake. The reservoir is always a gorgeous location for a cleanup, but that day the views were especially beauti- ful with the fall foliage in full effect. Partnering with SUEZ, we weighed each bag of trash as it was collected. We filled up their truck… twice! Total weight collected, including the small portion of metal that was placed in the scrap metal bin at SUEZ for recycling was 1,076 lbs. Most of the items found were small pieces from single use plastics which only highlights the importance of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. photo © Tyler Tierney photo © Tyler Page 16 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020

Hackensack Watershed Field Notes

By Hugh M. Carola Black-bellied Plover – A true Green-winged Teal – The first One of the changes wrought harbinger of changing seasons, of this smallish, fast-flying duck by the pandemic was the decision two of these large shorebirds were of the 2020 Fall migration were by NYC Audubon and NJ Audu- seen near the mouth of Anderson seen on 8/24 in the Sawmill Creek bon to suspend the annual Harbor Creek in Secaucus on 8/23. WMA, when a small flock of five Herons & Colonial Waterbirds Brown Booby – Two indi- flew past the Robert H. Boyle II survey. Still, many of us took viduals of this subtropical seabird during an Eco-Cruise. By October, to the field to forget COVID for species were discovered during an flocks of over 100 were common. a while and concentrate on the Eco-Cruise on 10/5 in a most un- Horned Grebe – A regular wildlife and wild places that help tropical place: ATON #15, located winter visitor to our watershed re- salve our souls. As a result, this is- in Newark Bay at Port Elizabeth. gion, one very early bird (in tran- sue’s column includes quite a fair They were just one of many unex- sitional plumage) was observed in number of rare and unexpected pected sightings this past season. the river on 9/7 just upstream of species. Not exactly a silver lin- Brown Bat – Several were the Upper Hack Bridge. ing, but do read on … observed feeding on insects over Marbled Godwit – Uncom- Maywood, NJ on 8/28. mon in our area, one of these very American Kestrel – As hawk Caspian Tern – As many large sandpipers was listed at migration season began, we started as nine of these large terns with DeKorte on 8/12-13. to get good reports of this small, bright orange bills were seen Osprey – The success story striking falcon. On 9/5, one was throughout late August and Sep- continues! North to south, the seen perched on a tree in the Mill tember in both the Sawmill Creek 2020 nesting locations were: the Creek Marsh in Secaucus, NJ. Wildlife Management Area in relay tower near our Overpeck Another was observed “sharing” a Kearny, NJ and Anderson Marsh Park Kayak Center in Teaneck dead tree upriver from River Barge in Secaucus. (fledged 2 chicks); a light stan- Park in Carlstadt, NJ on 9/11. Oth- Common Loon – Unusual in chion at the Vince Lombardi Ser- er reports came in from Bayonne’s summer, an immature loon was vice Area in Ridgefield (fledged Rutkowski Park on 10/6. seen in the river near the mouth 2); a nest platform along Berry’s Bald Eagle – The pair that of Anderson Creek on 8/23 and Creek in Lyndhurst (fledged 3); built the “housekeeping” nest on 24. Another (or more likely the the Upper Hack railroad bridge the grounds of the Williams Trans- same) loon was noted at Richard (also in Lyndhurst – fledged 2); a co gas pipeline facility in Carlstadt, W. DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, platform housing a MERI-operat- NJ lingered in the area throughout NJ throughout the past summer. ed monitoring station in the Saw- summer and fall. At the same time, Eared Grebe – One of the more mill WMA (in Kearny, fledged 2); the eaglet that fledged in a Bogota, unlikely grebe species to turn up an unused antenna array next to NJ backyard (!) had a difficult time in our area, a single bird was spot- the old Boonton Line bridge (also finding clear airspace in which to ted swimming on Mehrhof Pond in Kearny, fledged 3); a former practice flying. Fortunately our in Little Ferry, NJ by some lucky transmission tower in Secaucus friends at Bergen Audubon were birders on 10/13. (fledged 2); a nest platform adja- able to safely capture and trans- Eastern Towhee – Much of cent to Penhorn Creek in Jersey port the bird to The Raptor Trust this ground-nesting bird’s habitat City (former PSE&G site, fledged in Millington, NJ where a month has been degraded by the twin 2); Atop the west tower of the in its care did the trick. The bird scourges of deer over-browse and PATH bridge in Kearny (Failed); was released near the river and the spread of non-native plants. PSE&G transmission tower has since been seen many times. Nonetheless, two males were seen near Route 7 in North Arlington Oh, and like clockwork, migrating and heard calling on 9/23 – and (Failed); the Point-No Point rail- eagles began showing up along the again on 10/14 – in a Maywood road bridge over the Passaic River river in mid-September. neighborhood. in Newark (fledged 2); ATON Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Page 17

#NB at the mouth of the Pas- and a tip o’ the naturalist’s hat to: saic at Newark Bay (Failed); the Anonymous, Joe Augeri, Jay Aus- Lehigh Valley freight rail bridge in lander, David Blinder, Daniel Car- Bayonne (fledged 2); two differ- ola, Ray Duffy, Patricia Hilliard, ent barges moored on the Bayonne Mark Kantrowitz, Mike Kulowski, side of the bay near the Bayonne Jim Macaluso, Drew McQuade, Bridge (one fledged 1, the other Mike Ruscigno, Mary Ellen Shaw, 2); and on the corner of Shooters Bill Sheehan, Larissa Smith, Tyler Island belonging to Elizabeth, NJ Tierney, Don Torino, Chris Takacs, (fledged 2). Bottom line: sixteen Rick Wright and Ben Wurst. nests, thirteen of them producing Postscript: Data on New Jersey’s twenty-five fledglings for a rate of 2020 Peregrine Falcon and Osprey

1.92 per nest. © Larry Scacchetti nesting season is still being col- Peregrine Falcon – Big Mama Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) pho- lated at press time but the Con- and Mr. Mister were often spotted tographed at ATON #15 in Newark serve Wildlife Foundation of NJ on and about the Route 3 west- Bay on 10/5/20. They were seen there has already released this year’s bound bridge throughout late sum- throughout October. The bird on the preliminary Bald Eagle numbers mer and early fall. Other falcons left is an immature; the one on the – and they are great. CWFNJ and were noted in the vicinity of the right is an adult. NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Route 46 and NJ Turnpike bridges Wildlife will publish the final as well as the Pulaski Skyway. cus in mid-July. At the time some numbers in the next New Jersey Red Fox – As expected, foxes experienced birders posited the Bald Eagle Project Report, which were seen near River Barge Park theory that the bird was not of is expected in February 2021. As a during the summer and early fall, the local Eastern species. After teaser, in 2020, volunteers counted though not in the numbers people recordings of the bird’s song were 35 new nests for a new record saw in 2019. Foxes were also taken and samples of its droppings total of 212 active eagle nests. For reported near Riverbend Marsh in sent to Cornell University for context… Secaucus. DNA analysis, it was confirmed as 2019 was also a record year for Short-billed Dowitcher – a Western Meadowlark. Bald Eagles in NJ with 249 chicks Three members of this mid-sized White Pelican – The cadre of fledged that season. 211 nest sites sandpiper species were observed active Meadowlands birders as- were monitored, of which 190 in the Sawmill WMA during an sumes the pelican observed roost- were active and 21 were territorial Eco-Cruise on 9/5. ing alongside hundreds of Double- or housekeeping pairs. Spanish mackerel – On 9/14 crested Cormorants on 8/25 was The Peregrine Falcon’s New our 2020-21 Watershed Ambas- “George”, a regular visitor to our Jersey comeback story continued sador Tyler Tierney – also an avid productive saltmarshes. in 2019. The number of young fisherman – caught and released Wood Sandpiper – Believed hatched that season rose slightly one of these toothy schooling fish to be a first in our region, an to 78, as compared to 75 in 2018. in Newark Bay off Bayonne. individual of this Eurasian shore- The adult population was slightly Tricolored Heron – A single bird species – one almost never lower at 38 known pairs, as com- bird was observed at the roost seen closer to us than the Aleutian pared to 40 in 2018. located at a pond just outside of Islands – was IDed at DeKorte on Osprey numbers continue to Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus on 9/20 and again the following day. grow, including the record sixteen 6/12. The species is the rarest Yellow-headed Blackbird pairs that nested along the lower among the herons that nest each – And the rarities just kept on Hackensack and Passaic rivers and year throughout the NY/NJ Har- coming. On 9/21 one of this west- Newark Bay (see above). State- bor Estuary. ern North American species was wide in 2019, a record 669 nesting Western Meadowlark – This observed and photographed along pairs were reported. Needless to rarity was first observed along Mill Creek Marsh Trail. say, we greatly anticipate the 2020 Mill Creek Marsh Trail in Secau- Thanks to our contributors numbers. Stay tuned! Page 18 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Riverfest: Yeah! A Fishing Derby in 2020 By Lisa Vandenberg While the attendance had to be limited, plenty of September 12 marked our 7th annual fishing fish were caught and fun was had by all! This year, derby at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus, NJ. However, as always, Captain Bill handed out prizes in various it was no ordinary day of catch and release fish- categories. First place went to Martin Rascher who ing. COVID-19 had been the cause of cancellations caught an 11” white perch, while Mike Royter took galore, but Hackensack Riverkeeper and our friends 2nd place with a 10.25” striper. Third place was a tie at the Hudson River Fishermens Association were between Adrian Reyes and Jacob Das, both catching determined to not let the kids down. The promenade 9.5” fish, a White perch and Bluefish, respectively. was sectioned off so that each angler and their fami- High Hook went to Mike Royter who caught a total lies could fish socially distanced and all rods and of 5 fish. The longest fish caught was an American reels were sanitized in between uses. Bait stations eel measuring in at 23.5”, by grandmother JC and her were strategically placed along with hand sanitizer granddaughter Zuriel Scull. and Hackensack Riverkeeper-logo cloth masks were Congrats to all and thank you to our sponsors for handed out to the sixty people who participated. their continued support. We look forward to seeing you next year!! Keep calm and fish on!! photos © Tyler Tierney photos © Tyler A young angler displays his catch, a White perch. These This happy angler caught a Blue crab. Another fish are abundant here but unsafe to eat from our river. animal listed on the NJDEP’s Advisory List. Left: Our Donor Relations Manager, Mike Panos, helps at a bait station. Right: Hudson River Fisherman, Scott, helps a young angler get ready to fish. A Special Thanks to Our Partners

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Donald Nuckel & Company Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020 Page 19

WMA 5 Ambassador Update Your New Ambassador is aboard for the 20-21Season By Tyler Tierney Greetings Tidelines readers! My name is Tyler Tierney, and I am your Americorps Watershed Am- bassador for 2020-2021. I’m grateful to be teaming up with Hackensack Riverkeeper (a magnificent group of guys and gals, as you all know!) to raise awareness about issues af- fecting Watershed Management Area 5. I am here to serve residents in both Hudson and Bergen counties through presentations and outreach to help community members better understand the importance of maintaining and protecting our watershed. This year will be a bit of a challenge with COVID-19 and the complex restrictions in place; however, I will do my best to approach every project, joint venture, presentation and event with pure passion, whether in person Tyler with a hatchling Snapping turtle he found during a stream assessment training. or utilizing digital platforms. I was born, raised and live in Bayonne, NJ at the southernmost section of WMA-5; growing up with as an adult, where I was greeted once again by litter, great pride for this entire region of northeastern New mostly single-use plastics. Whenever I am down near Jersey. I graduated from New Jersey City University the water, I still clean up the area along the rocks. and hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Adminis- However, no matter how clean I leave it, whenever I tration. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities of return, trash is always back. all kinds including (but not limited to) hiking, camp- Seeing this endless cycle of neglect for our en- ing, snowboarding, kayaking, and saltwater fishing. vironment angered me, both for our sake and for the My hometown is a peninsula surrounded by water sake of the wildlife that also call our watershed home. on its western (Newark Bay), southern (Kill Van With this in mind, I researched the root causes of this Kull), and eastern (New York Bay) sides. Growing crisis as well as efforts I could do to to help alleviate up, my friends, family and I spent countless hours it. Serendipitously, last year’s WMA-5 Ambassador, playing on the shoreline, and as a youth, I always Jennifer Schneider, gave an impressive presentation noticed an immense amount of trash along the at the nonprofit organization where my sister works. beaches and between the rocks. Seeing this first hand When she explained everything she learned from prompted us to be more conscious about not tossing Jenny, I immediately knew it was the perfect program empty chip bags, soda cans, or any other trash on the for me to be able to make that difference. ground, but instead, to find a trash receptacle for it. So here I am, Americorps Watershed Ambas- Little did we know it then, but we were actually play- sador for the upcoming year 2020-2021 and I look ing a part in protecting our watershed. forward to serving our watershed community for a As I grew older, I got interested in saltwater better tomorrow! I am anxious to get the ball roll- fishing. In 2015, a longtime friend of mine took me ing and to meet and learn from so many like-minded out on his Boston Whaler for some Striped Bass individuals. And don’t forget, a large portion of my fishing in New York Harbor. Using a bucktail jig, service will include educational presentations on wa- I landed a 25-pound striper (released safely) near ter quality to schools, local organizations, and other the Statue of Liberty. Needless to say, I was imme- local groups so please do not hesitate to contact me at diately “hooked.” As time went on, my passion for [email protected] to schedule one. All the fishing took me back to Newark Bay, but this time best everyone! Tyler . Page 20 Hackensack Tidelines-Fall/Winter 2020

VICTORY: NJ Transit Rejects Riverfront Powerplant Proposal! By Hugh M. Carola Kearny – to pass resolutions opposing the plan. At its regular meeting on October 21, the Board of We also successfully lobbied thirteen state leg- NJ Transit ended its plan to build a 140-megawatt gas- islators – most representing environmental justice fired powerplant on the banks of the river in Kearny. In communities – who strongly urged Governor Phil the works for two years, TransitGrid would have been Murphy to reject TransitGrid and replace it with a built on the former site of Koppers Coke, a dreadfully progressive, clean energy alternative. Such would be contaminated stretch of riverfront that should have much more in keeping with his stated positions and been listed as a Superfund site decades ago, but which New Jersey’s climate and energy policies. never made the National Priorities List. A $400 million post-Sandy federal grant had The proposal, originally touted as a storm resiliency been earmarked for the powerplant but under the new / backup power plan for NJT’s electrified rail lines, was focus, that money can now be invested in strategies strongly opposed by local residents, elected officials that provide storm resiliency benefits without negative and environmental advocates alike, especially after it environmental or public health impacts. morphed into a facility that would actually operate 24/7. At the October meeting, the agency also announced Hackensack Riverkeeper, in partnership with Food it would convene an inclusive public stakeholder pro- and Water Action, The Sierra Club, and others, spear- cess to help it achieve the new goal of a 100% renew- headed the 60-member Don’t Gas The Meadowlands able energy-powered microgrid; a kind of TransitGrid coalition, which successfully lobbied sixteen munici- 2.0. You can rest assured knowing that Hackensack palities – including Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Riverkeeper will remain in the thick of it.

Be a Friend of TL1120 Hackensack Riverkeeper Your help is urgently needed. Hackensack Riverkeeper® operates with assistance and contributions from concerned citizens such as Here at Hackensack Riverkeeper we provide yourself. Please show your support for environmental health and award winning Education Programs, inter- conservation within the Hackensack River Watershed by making a esting Eco-Cruises, community enhancing donation today. HRI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your Cleanup Programs and recreational paddling donation is tax deductible. opportunities that bring 10,000+ people to our river and watershed every year. Our Name ______dedicated staff and volunteers are proud of Address ______the positive changes we see as a result of years of hard work. Come see the results for City, State, Zip______yourself. Be part of this evolution. Phone # (required) (_____)______WHERE YOUR DOLLARS GO Email ______$250 _____$100 _____$50 _____$35 $______(other) Management & General Expenses _____Amex _____Visa _____MC _____Discover Fund 7.3% Management & General Expenses Card #______V code______Raising 9.0% Fund Raising Signature: ______Exp. Date ___ /___ /___ Programs, Services, Outreach ____ My employer will match my gift. A form is enclosed. ____ Contact me about volunteering for Hackensack Riverkeeper®. Programs, Services, ____ Please remove me from your mailing list. Outreach Make checks payable to: 83.7% Hackensack Riverkeeper, 231 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601 or visit www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/donate.html to donate online. Source: Hackensack Riverkeeper Inc. 2019 Year End Tax Filing