Taxpayers lose under guise of environmental protection

The following is a copy of a letter I recently sent to Sen. Barbara Buono (D-18th).

I am writing you to question a law that recently took effect. To paraphrase the law, it bans the washing of fire apparatus and garbage trucks. It states that the runoff of the soapy water is now considered hazardous waste.

There is no better way to preserve an expensive piece of equipment than to keep it meticulously clean. The volunteers in our county pride themselves on the condition of their fire and garbage equipment. What other county or state agencies can keep a piece of equipment in excellent working order for more than 20 years?

If this law is allowed to sit as is, it will no doubt cause the premature wear and corrosion of our county’s equipment due to the inability of the users to remove road salts from it on a regular basis.

Ask yourself this: Are not the same materials running into the storm drains during heavy rains or when such equipment is parked outside during a rainstorm? The runoff is no different than when you or anyone else washes a personal vehicle at home.

Why should our municipalities have to incur added expenses just to try to maintain their equipment?

I believe wholeheartedly in protecting the environment, but I also believe in common sense. This ban will not keep any materials out of storm drains — the materials will go down every time it rains.

This ban will only cause added expense to taxpayers who are taxed to the end of their means already. I believe certain exemptions need to be added to this law to make it more fair and reasonable to municipalities across the state. For example, exclude fire apparatus or any vehicle not containing an actual hazardous substance. Road dirt is not a hazard, it’s just dirt.

This type of legislation needs to be stopped. Why is it only after it is passed that the general public hears about it? I understand it is "published" prior to passing, but most people either don’t know about where to find it or, like me, do not have time to go through endless paragraphs on a regular basis.

Something needs to be done about the publication of bill notices so people can question ridiculous bills such as this before they become laws.

How long before baby diapers are considered biohazard waste and must be removed from our homes by a licensed contractor?

Lets be realistic. Wake up, New Jersey. Stop letting things like this be shoved down your throat. This is your home.

Stan Judson

South River