As a society, we can’t afford to ignore the equity issues of the urban poor who are forced to cope with urban water pollution along with many other problems.
The stink of sewage If New Jersey cities are to thrive, urban water quality must be part of the package making our urban areas competitive in the national and global economy.
The same thing is happening along our Hudson River shoreline, where a river that once repelled people is now attracting major developments and recreational activities.
If we can agree that other parts of the nation are currently out-competing New Jersey as desirable places to live and work, and that natural amenities such as nearby waterways are one component of desirable places, and that our urban waters are still too polluted, how should we improve urban water quality as part of a larger drive toward competitiveness?
If achieving good urban water quality was easy, it would have been done.
We should focus discretionary expenditures where they will do the most good for urban residents and urban competitiveness.
The role of science Third, we need to improve our understanding of where pollution is coming from, and focus funds and regulatory activities on the most important pollution sources.
Science will be critical to showing where action is needed, what improvements can be achieved, and what improvements have been achieved over time.
No New Jersey municipality is required to achieve specific water-quality objectives through stormwater pollution control.
And yes, achieving urban water quality will have a major cost.