NEW JERSEY GENERAL ASSEMBLY JAMEL C. HOLLEY ASSEMBLYMAN, 20TH DISTRICT 985 STUYVESANT AVENUE UNION, NJ 07083 (908) 624-0880 FAX: (908) 624-0587 EMAIL: AsmHolley@njleg.org COMMITTEES VICE CHAIRMAN HOMELAND SECURITY AND STATE PREPAREDNESS MEMBER HEALTH AND SENIOR SERVICES August 20, 2019 Phil Murphy, Governor State of New Jersey 125 W State Street Trenton, NJ 08608 Dear Governor Murphy: I convey to you with my most humble plea to exercise the humanity that each one of us possess, to consider the hardship of the citizenry of the great State of New Jersey. Marked moments sometimes occur at a time we least expect them. This is one such time. This is a time when we can all come together and face a threatening situation with decisive actions and collaborations. We are faced with multiple issues here in New Jersey, but we have made monumental accomplishments. In the International City of Newark, the largest municipality in New Jersey and its surrounding areas including, Belleville, parts of Bloomfield, Hillside Township, we are faced with a lead issues and water contamination. When it comes to complex environmental issues such as lead and contamination, we know the effects it can have on human health and the sense of safety and well-being perceived by the community. Tests, studies, clinicals, professional theories, conspiracy theories all play a part in what we think leads to the effect of what lead develops once it hits the human contact stream. The public's faith in its government is at stake here. What we all agree on is that lead and contamination contact never leads to a positive thought. Newark, it's suburbs, or the entire State of New Jersey cannot afford the public image that has befallen Flint, Michigan. So, what we have on our hands now, a lengthy and thorough document highlighting Newark's water and contamination and our residents don’t feel remotely safe. As a former Mayor, marked moments require logical but careful, swift action. Given all the documents I have reviewed which contained information provided to you by various federal and state advocacy groups, I am greatly concerned. After careful consideration, discussions with multiple governmental and non-governmental officials, and reviewing reports and documents, I am pleading and suggesting to you as the Governor of this great State that a State of Emergency be called. This request comes on the backs of each human being in New Jersey that fears government has not appeared to show protection to them, nor been transparent in this process that we together now face. Born and unborn babies, senior citizens, families and those that believe the water contamination and lead matter has left us in unknown state. Government is there to ensure security not display doubt. This matter has doubt. Your administration has unfortunately inherited this long standing issue. However, this moment can ensure our residents that with your swift calling of an emergency gives security that indeed resources are in order to help make this matter better. I am not one, (as our past successful partnerships with legislation and humanitarian efforts have shown) that I don't idly sit by and criticize but offer suggestions to assist with making concerned matters better. To that end, I encourage you to call a State of Emergency, where the following details should be included: • An immediate takeover of management, with the partnership of the State of New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency of the City of Newark Water Department, which should include a public oversite committee. • Immediately dispatching the NJ National Guard to help distribute unexpired, bottled water to all the municipalities affected. • A massive plea to the public for contributions of bottled water and filtration systems for all the municipalities affected. • Weekly test results of the Pequannock River, Wanaque Water system plants and the Cedar Grove Filtration system, which should be made public on the environmental protection agencies website. • Official agency notices given to all municipalities affected. • All service lines to be retested, including acid testing in all areas that must provide documented results of a clean clearance. This should also include all educational and recreational facilities, senior citizens complexes, public housing and apartment locations. • Additional lead testing locations for families and children. • A public short term plan to remedy contamination concerns. • A public long term plan to remedy contamination concerns. • Petition the United States Attorney Office to appoint a Special Prosecutor to review, investigate and make public all water, sewer and repair contracts related with the Pequannock River, Wanaque water system plants and the Cedar Grove Filtration system. • Public hearings and town hall meetings that must include the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the municipalities affected. • Every hospital and medical facility in the areas of concern to be named official partners. • Bi-weekly briefings with the Mayor or designee of each town affected. Members of the New Jersey Legislative delegation and County representatives should be included. As a committed Member of the New Jersey Legislature, I extend my offerings to you in good faith and partnership to see the bright light shine through this critical time. In my most humble offerings, I thank you in advance that you will help see us through this. Regards, Jamel C. Holley, Assemblyman New Jersey State Assembly, District 20 Roselle, Elizabeth, Union and Hillside cc: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark Michael Melham, Mayor of Belleville Dahlia Vertreese, Mayor of Hillside Michael J. Venezia, Mayor of Bloomfield