FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 8, 2003

              Contact:

Stephen Summers

                                                                                         Risk Communicator stephens@passaiccountynj.org

(973) 225-3638

PATERSON- Environmental protection is a key component to preserving a high quality of life for all people of New Jersey. In 1978, The New Jersey Legislature recognized that many environmental issues are regional in nature and that county health agencies are among the most efficient health units in the State. That legislative body, under the leadership of Governor Brendan Byrne, passed the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA), which established a vital link between the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and county health agencies. The CEHA statute allowed the DEP to authorize the Passaic County Department of Health (PCDH) to serve on the “frontline” for protection of the public health and the environment in Passaic County.

 
For 25 years, county health officials have enforced State environmental laws and enhanced overall State pollution control efforts. As a result, James E. McGreevey, Governor of the State of New Jersey, has proclaimed the week of October 13 to October 17 as "County Environmental Health Week."

The DEP has certified the Passaic County Department of Health for the following environmental health programs: control of air pollution, solid waste, hazardous materials emergency response, noise, underground storage tanks and water pollution. Additionally, the PCDH routinely undertakes special environmental research projects, investigates environmental concerns, and uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies for environmental planning and mapping.

Steven Peters, Supervising Environmental Health Specialist, of the CEHA program at the county health department was also awarded, as part of the 25-year celebration, for his excellence in the field of pesticide enforcement. Over the last several years Peters has been very involved in the coordination of the pesticide program and enforcement inspections relating to pesticides for landscapers, schools, multi-unit dwellings, restaurants and golf courses.

"The county health agencies are key partners in achieving New Jersey’s environmental goals, particularly in the areas of compliance and enforcement,” said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell.

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