NJ DEP plans to restore 98 acres of farmland in Great Meadows (Independence Twp)--some of the richest farmland around--to its original wetland-swamp state. That area is close to schools, recreational fields, residences, and Jenny Jump State Park. I am concerned about health issues caused by an increased mosquito population. This swamp will increase the risk of West Nile and ZIKA viruses along with other diseases—not to mention the pollution and contamination of our environment by chemicals used to control mosquitoes. There is the potential of flooding resulting outside of these 98 acres. History has proven all of these to be legitimate concerns.
An excerpt from the Annual report of the State Geologist for NJ 1863-1915 emphasizes the success of the drainage of the meadows stating, "Drainage for health has been so often and so satisfactorily tried that it is a proved and accepted mode of preventing disease, or, if the disease has come, of curing it.
Center of Disease Control Director Tom Frieden said on May 26, “Halting the spread of the ZIKA virus worldwide requires urgent action by governments and public health officials “This is not only unexpected, it’s completely unprecedented,” Frieden said, explaining that never before has a mosquito bite been found to cause an infection resulting in birth defects.
I believe that there is no question that the DEP’s plans must be halted immediately.
STOP the NJ DEP plans to restore 98 acres of farmland in Great Meadows (Independence Twp)--some of the richest farmland around--to its original wetland-swamp state. That area is close to schools, recreational fields, residences, and Jenny Jump State Park. I am concerned about health issues caused by an increased mosquito population. This swamp will increase the risk of West Nile and ZIKA viruses along with other diseases—not to mention the pollution and contamination of our environment by chemicals used to control mosquitoes. There is the potential of flooding resulting outside of these 98 acres. History has proven all of these to be legitimate concerns.
ZIKA virus causes birth defects, is spreading, is sexually transmitted and there is no current cure for it.
The DEP must be stopped.
