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Dear Editor,
In the last several years, New Jersey has seen some important improvements in water quality across the state. Fish are returning to our rivers and the number of beach closings have been dramatically reduced. Unfortunately, many of New Jersey's waters are still suffering from severe and unaddressed water quality problems. My family lives in TOWN, COUNTY. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 1,042 segments of our state's rivers, lakes, and streams are too polluted for fishing and swimming. Many other waterways are threatened by run-off pollution from encroaching sprawl development as well as direct discharges from industrial facilities. All of this raises severe health and safety issues for my family and all New Jersey citizens. It is absurd that after all of this we are still allowing over 9 million pounds of toxins and carcinogens to enter New Jersey's waterways each year. The DEP is in the process of re-authorizing New Jersey's Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) -- standards that establish the basis for all of the state's clean water programs. These standards must be strengthened in order to continue our progress toward a clean water future. Specifically, the DEP should set strong statewide standards in order to reduce the levels of pollutants allowed to enter our rivers, lakes, and streams. I was pleased to hear that Gov. McGreevey made clean water a priority for his administration. The governor needs to ensure the Department of Environmental Protection upholds this commitment.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
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