Latest Update: Sand Mining Issue
A note from Frank Pallone, Jr. 

(late February, 2000)
Dear Friend,

     As you may be aware, the federal Minerals Management Service (MMS) held an information session February 28 in Bradley Beach on the request from a private company to mine for sand and gravel off our shores. 

     The mining would take place if the MMS approves the company's request for an outer continental shelf (OCS) lease sale in an area three nautical miles offshore extending southward 12 nautical miles from Long Branch to
Belmar.

     Unfortunately, most people who wanted to express opposition to the mining proposal at the session did not get an opportunity to speak.  In order to ensure a balance of opinion, I am hosting a public meeting on Saturday, March 11, at 11 a.m. at the Ocean Place Conference Resort, 1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch.  

     This is a much larger facility of almost unlimited capacity and all statements will be recorded and forwarded to MMS as part of the official record.   Also, unlike the February 28th meeting in which a moderator structured the debate, the March 11 meeting will enable participants to make statements without being directed.  The hearing will continue until all comments have been made. I encourage you to attend and express your opinion.

     I have joined with fishing and environmental groups in strong opposition to the proposal because I have serious questions about its impact on marine life and fisheries.  Will it increase beach erosion?  What effect will it have on the quality of our coastal waters?  If MMS proceeds all the way to a sale, it would be the first of its kind in which an OCS sand and gravel lease--a federal resource--was sold for private, commercial interests.  My concerns for setting such a precedent are great.

     I look forward to seeing you March 11.

Sincerely,
                                         
FRANK PALLONE, JR.

Letter distributed by:
Thomas P. Fote
Legislative Chairman for JCAA & NJSFSC
22 Cruiser Court, Toms River NJ, 08753
732-270-9102  Fax 732-506-6409
Email <tfote@jcaa.org>

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