For the first time since Wreck Pond has been flooding neighborhoods and polluting beaches, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved a House-Senate appropriations bill that gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the authority and new funds to boost local efforts aimed at combating the significant environmental hazards associated with drainage problems at the pond.

    Funding in the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for Wreck Pond represents one of a limited number of “new start” projects that enables the Corps to work in projects where it has not already funded restoration programs. The legislation, which passed by a vote of 303-114, now heads for Senate approval where it is expected to be readily approved before it is sent to the President for his signature.

    “On average, Wreck Pond has caused about 80 percent of all beach closings at the Jersey Shore in the past few years,” Smith said. “The good news is that with an adequate remediation plan and appropriate funding, Wreck Pond can be reclaimed, made pure and be pristine once again.”

    “In addition to causing beach closings, when Wreck Pond floods, it pours nasty contaminants into the basements and first floors of nearby homes,” Smith said. “The legislation passed today will take the first step toward improving the water quality conditions and mitigating the serious health and environmental hazards caused by the pollution to local residents.”

    In 2007, at Smith’s request, the Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN), attended a meeting in New Jersey about Wreck Pond with officials and residents from Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Wall Township, as well as Army Corps of Engineers representatives. Since then, Smith and the Chairman have actively worked to secure this funding.

    The Corps’ work at Wreck Pond will be greatly enhanced and proceed to construction earlier than would normally be anticipated because of the extensive analysis already completed by other agencies at the federal, state and local level. This work includes a $400,000 EPA study, surveillance work by the NJDEP, as well as the state’s installation of provisional storm water outflow pipes and upstream watershed management programs.

    “The work on Wreck Pond to date is a good example of federal, state, county and local officials working to resolve a difficult challenge,” Smith said. “The actions taken have been effective, however, they do not represent a long term solution. For a permanent fix, we need the expertise and resources that come with the full engagement of the Army Corps. The funding in this bill opens the door for the Corps to target additional federal resources, work in collaboration with local entities and finally implement more permanent, long term remediation programs for Wreck Pond.”

    Other projects secured by Smith and members of the Jersey delegation include:

NJ Shore Protection for Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet- $1.89 million to continue the renourishment phase of the Sandy Hook to Barnegat Inlet, NJ shore protection project.  Beach replenishment remedies have been extremely effective in the section of the Jersey shore and ongoing funding is needed to sustain the progress made through the initial successful federal/state shared investment.  New Jersey’s beaches are a vital recreational and economic resource.  Replenishment and sustained maintenance of healthy beaches help protect residents, local businesses, tourist attractions and natural habitats.

Manasquan River Maintenance- $152, 000 to dredge the entrance channel of the Manasquan River—which connects the New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway with the Atlantic Ocean.

New Jersey Intracoastal Waterway- $385,000 to provide a safe, reliable, and efficient navigation channel for the East Coast’s largest and the fifth most valuable commercial fishing fleet in the U.S., as well as nine U.S. Coast Guard Stations.

New Jersey Shoreline Alternative Long-Term Nourishment- $ 90,000 to continue the evaluation of New Jersey’s coastal projects, including the different reaches of beach replenishment projects, as a system to ensure maximum benefits are achieved from the Federal investment and reduce long-term periodic nourishment costs. 

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