Cumberland County Improvement Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2006

VOLUNTEER FOR THE 2006 WATERWAYS CLEAN-UP

MILLVILLE, NJ: The Cumberland County Clean Communities Program is seeking individual and group volunteers for the second County-wide public lands clean-up effort of 2006. The Waterways Clean-up, which is sponsored by the Cumberland County Improvement Authority, is scheduled for Saturday, September 30. The Waterways Clean-up is the kick-off of a month long campaign, in conjunction with the Daily Journal, to promote litter awareness in the County.

"The waterways in Cumberland County provide us great recreational opportunities like canoeing and fishing, and they serve as a pleasant respite from our busy day-to-day lives," said Improvement Authority Executive Director, Steven R. Wymbs. "In addition to cleaning up accumulated trash from our waterways and improving the environment, the Program also educates and informs members of the community about the importance of proper trash disposal, and the potential economic impact indiscriminate dumping may have on the environment."

"The Waterways Clean-up Program is your opportunity to give something back to the environment. Help us clean our rivers, streams, lakes, and wetlands by joining us on September 30," said Cumberland County Recycling Coordinator, Dennis DeMatte, Jr. "Groups that have boats or canoes are needed to help in the clean-up effort. Those individuals or groups who do not have watercraft are encouraged to do their part by collecting trash along the banks and shorelines."

As part of the Program, the Improvement Authority waives tipping fees at the Solid Waste Complex, provides trash containers at strategic locations throughout the County, and assists with the transportation of the waste which is collected. In addition, the Clean Communities Program provides shirts, bags, and gloves for all of the volunteers who take part. We are currently in the process of selecting areas to be covered during the clean-up. Anyone with knowledge of an area in need of attention is encouraged to contact the Improvement Authority.

"During the month of October, the Improvement Authority is asking Municipal Coordinators, various volunteer groups, Adopt-A-Road groups, and businesses to join in clean-up efforts throughout the County," Dematte continued. "We are sending out letters asking volunteer groups to get involved and report to us on their efforts. We are also asking businesses to clean-up around their area, provide more convenient systems to prevent litter at their locations, and/or to sponsor and support clean-up efforts. The campaign will also focus on municipal property maintenance ordinances to help clean up unsightly areas."

"In addition, as part of the campaign, a press conference will be scheduled the first week in October to outline the month long activities. We will keep the public informed by announcing targeted locations, tracking results, and providing photographs of clean-up efforts. Look for more information on the campaign as details are finalized," DeMatte concluded.

Since 1990, the Clean Communities Program has removed over 3.2 million pounds of litter, tires, and illegally dumped waste from our County's roadways, protected woodlands, and precious waterways. To volunteer for the 2006 Waterways Clean-up or Litter Awareness Month, please contact Dennis DeMatte at 827-3700. For more information about recycling programs in Cumberland County, visit the Improvement Authority Web site at www.ccia-net.com.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

For more information about this press release, please contact Dennis DeMatte, Jr. at 856-825-3700.