TRENTON — An environmental group that was ordered to remove experimental oyster beds in contaminated New Jersey harbors and tidal rivers filed a formal protest today with the state Department of Environmental Protection that may lead to a court hearing. The NY/NJ Baykeeper is demanding the DEP stay any action on two oyster reefs it built in Keyport Harbor...
Debbie Mans of the NJ/NY baykeeper speaks in this file photo. TRENTON — An environmental group that was ordered to remove experimental oyster beds in contaminated New Jersey harbors and tidal rivers filed a formal protest today with the state Department of Environmental Protection that may lead to a court hearing.
The NY/NJ Baykeeper is demanding the DEP stay any action on two oyster reefs it built in Keyport Harbor and the Navesink River until the state Office of Administrative Law reviews the case. The DEP said today it will try to first meet with Baykeeper leaders next week.
Last week, the DEP issued a letter banning oyster restoration projects conducted in coastal waters deemed polluted. It fears contaminated oysters, clams or mussels could land on consumer tables, destroying the $790 million-a-year local shellfish industry as it comes under greater harvesting pressure as the BP oil spill devastates the Gulf of Mexico fisheries.
"We contend the DEP did not follow proper protocol, which involves a hearing," said Debbie Mans of the Baykeeper. "We just want a chance to explain the importance of this project."
The groups is trying to restore native oysters that help to cleanse polluted tidal waters. But the DEP said it does not have the staff to patrol both the commercial shellfish beds and the experimental beds, as mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"We cannot allow the growing of shellfish in contaminated waters without adequate patrols," said DEP spokesman Lawrence Ragonese. "We sill are planning to work with the Baykeeper. We respect the work they do."
Previous coverage:
• Environmentalists say shutdown of N.J. oyster beds could have detrimental effects
• N.J. bans oyster restoration projects after BP oil spill
• Sussex County festival to feature crawfish, not oysters after BP oil spill