Cumberland County Improvement Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2006

CUMBERLAND COUNTY LAUNCHES LITTER ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: Have you ever been driving your car and happen to see someone roll down their window and toss a fast food container, cigarette, bottle, or can out the window of another vehicle? If so, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority is encouraging you to report the violation as part of a new Litter Enforcement Program.

“ Littering is a serious problem in communities throughout the State of New Jersey,” said Steven R. Wymbs, Cumberland County Improvement Authority Executive Director “Littering affects not only the aesthetics of the roadway and surrounding areas, but also contaminates our waterways when the litter is washed or dumped into storm drains. We are encouraging anyone who observes a case of littering in Cumberland County to report it to Steven B. Clarke, our Chief Enforcement Officer.”

“ The act of littering is a violation of New Jersey State Statute NJSA13:1E-99.3,” Clarke said. “A conviction under this Statute is a ‘Petty Disorderly’ offense which carries a penalty of $500.00 as well as 40 hours of mandated community service. If you see a case of littering in the County, we are asking you to report the date, time, location, and vehicle description to our office at 825-3700. A Notice of Violation will be sent to the offender, followed by whatever additional action is appropriate.”

“ In addition, with the cooperation of the Board of Chosen Freeholders and municipalities throughout the County, we have also begun conducting informational training sessions with police departments, public works employees, and other municipal and County workers that are out on our roadways,” continued Clarke. “Any other groups interested in receiving training should call the Authority. The program has started generating results. We have begun to receive complaints from the public and the first Notices of Violation have already gone out.”

“ As part of the Litter Enforcement Program, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority is conducting an educational campaign to remind residents and businesses about the environmental problems litter causes,” said Dennis DeMatte, Jr., Cumberland County Clean Communities Coordinator. “In addition to reporting any cases of littering you might see, residents and businesses can follow a few simple guidelines in their day-to-day routines to help reduce litter.”

• Provide trash and recycling receptacles for employees and patrons
• When traveling by car, carry a litterbag
• Tarp open air vehicles when transporting trash
• Recycle whenever possible
• Secure lids on trash containers at home
• Do your part and pick up litter

“ In addition, individuals or groups can also volunteer to help clean our County roadways, woodlands, and waterways by taking part in the Adopt-A-Road Program or the Public Lands Clean-up Program. For more information, visit our Web site at www.ccia-net.com, or call the Improvement Authority at 825-3700,” 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. The Program is administered by the Cumberland County Improvement Authority.

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