The sandstorm being waged between New Jersey environmental officials and a defiant shore town bolstering its dunes without state permission is intensifying
The state Department of Environmental Protection said Thursday that it has fined North Wildwood over $12 million for past construction actions along its beachfront, including the destruction of vegetated sand dunes and wetlands, as well as the unauthorized construction of a bulkhead and beachfront amenities including showers and walkways.
“Clearly these fines were a retaliatory move after we filed suit against the DEP,” Mayor Patrick Rosenello said. “They created this issue by not doing their job, then when we moved to protect ourselves, they retaliate against us. It really is just one more indication that this whole matter has to be resolved in front of a judge and not through the DEP's administrative procedures.”
It used the same argument in October to make emergency repairs to its dunes two blocks from the earlier work, defying a state prohibition on such work. The state warned that doing the work the city wanted to do — and eventually did — could further damage the beachfront and damage or destroy critical wildlife habitat and coastal ecosystems.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Jersey, New York whale deaths not linked to wind prep work, marine commission saysAn independent scientific agency that advises the federal government on policies that could impact marine mammals says there is no evidence linking site preparation work for offshore wind farms with a number of whale deaths along the U.S. East Coast.
Read more »
Trees down, buildings damaged after Tornado Warning issued in New JerseyA fast-moving storm led to roof damage and downed trees after a Tornado Warning was issued for parts of New Jersey.
Read more »
Mom, daughter among many Ukrainian refugees hoping to make living in New JerseyA mother and her young daughter are trying to make a new life for themselves in New Jersey after fleeing Ukraine.
Read more »
The Real Housewives of New Jersey Recap: Should-ing the BedWe’re watching this family disintegrate because they’re hung up on the proper way to behave instead of figuring out what’s best for them.
Read more »
The Countdown: Severe storms wreak havoc in parts of New JerseyIn this edition of 'The Countdown,' we have team coverage of a severe storm that caused significant damage in central New Jersey.
Read more »
Joe and Luis go head-to-head on The Real Househusbands Of New JerseyYes, there are usually wives on this show, but this week was all about the Jersey boys.
Read more »