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Long Branch, NJ --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) today urged New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) President and CEO George R. Zoffinger to meet with citizen groups on proposals to remediate pollution coming from the racetrack at Monmouth Park that enters Branchport Creek and the Shrewsbury River. The New Jersey congressman sent the following letter to Zoffinger today.
Recently, NJSEA sought proposals for solutions to the pollution problem and the costs. Under a Request for Proposals (RFP) engineering companies were to design and provide cost estimates of potential solutions to the problem. Pallone would like environmental groups and concerned citizens to have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the problem and potential solutions.
November 19, 2007
George R. Zoffinger, President and CEO
New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
50 State Route 120
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Dear Mr. Zoffinger:
I am writing to request that the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) provide a briefing on plans to stop contaminated runoff from polluting the waterways adjacent to the racetrack at Monmouth Park.
Many of my constituents have raised concerns about pollution, due to horse manure originating at Monmouth Park, being dumped or running off into the Shrewsbury River and surrounding waterways. Many residents are unable to recreate at local waterways, such as the Branchport Creek, due to the high level of fecal matter stemming from the racetrack.
It is my understanding that there is currently a request for proposals (RFP) to eliminate the pollution caused by the racetrack. Monmouth Park has tried to remediate this problem in the past, but has not been able to contain the pollution. Therefore, before the NJSEA moves forward, it is imperative to reach out to local community groups to discuss future plans and ensure that area residents are aware of what NJSEA is doing to protect the public and keep these waterways clean.
My office is willing to work with the NJSEA on dates and times to ensure NJSEA and community groups participate in a community briefing on plans to stop contaminated runoff from Monmouth Park. Please contact Tim Del Monico in my office for more details at 202-225-4671.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
_____________________
FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress
cc: Dennis Dowd, Senior Vice President of Racing, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
Cindy Zipf, Clean Ocean Action
Mary Kinslow, Monmouth County Environmental Coalition
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