5 Billion Gallons of Sewage Overflowed to N.J. Post-Sandy, Report Says

18 of 20 largest sewage spills in the northeast were reported in New Jersey and New York.

New Jersey saw approximately 5.1 billion gallons of untreated or partially treated sewage flow into waterways in the weeks and months following Superstorm Sandy, according to new data released by Climate Central. In total, the eight states hardest-hit by the storm had 11 billion gallons flow into canals, rivers and bays. "To put that in perspective, 11 billion gallons is equal to New York’s Central Park stacked 41 feet high with sewage, or more than 50 times the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The vast majority of that sewage flowed into the waters of New York City and northern New Jersey in the days and weeks during and after the storm," the Climate Central report said. Data included in the report was compiled from state agencies and …

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Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority Honored by the AEA-NJ for Super Storm Sandy Accomplishments

Executive director James Meehan said he is "in awe" of what the team accomplished.

The Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority (RVSA) has been recognized by the Association of Environmental Authorities of New Jersey (AEA) and awarded for their outstanding efforts and accomplishments during Super Storm Sandy.  The RVSA was presented with awards for Mutual Aid and Individual Achievements at the Annual Wave Awards Luncheon held on March 13th during the AEA’s spring conference at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City. The AEA’s Annual Wave Awards recognize dedication, innovation and talent in New Jersey’s publicly owned/operated water and wastewater utility sector.  This year, a total of 20 organizations and individuals were recognized by their peers for excellence.  The RVSA was honored with the Mutual Aid Wave Achievement Award for …

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Park Volunteers Honored For Efforts Following Superstorm Sandy

Union County honored hundreds of Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail volunteers at a celebratory dinner last month.

The following is a press release from the Union County Office of Public Information. The work of hundreds of 2012 Union County Adopt-a-Park and Adopt-a-Trail volunteers was honored at a celebratory dinner last month, marking another year of outstanding efforts to help to preserve the county’s 6,768 acres of parkland. In addition to many ongoing projects, volunteers played a key role in re-opening popular trails in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. “Union County’s park system is a precious natural resource that thousands of residents and visitors enjoy year-round,” said Freeholder Chairman Linda Carter. “These dedicated volunteers freely give their time to help keep our parks pleasant and enjoyable, and their efforts are truly appreciated …

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Hurricane Sandy

Volunteers Still Needed To Help With Sandy Relief Efforts

The Salvation Army is looking for people to help at its call center in Union as well as distributing goods in Hazlet and other locations.

As The Salvation Army continues to provide long term recovery for Hurricane Sandy survivors, volunteers are needed to assist with relief efforts. The newest Salvation Army volunteer opportunities include receiving intake and distribution of goods to clients at its emergency assistance center in Hazlet, supporting its call center in Union and sorting at its Hillside and Trenton warehouses. “People out there still need assistance, and The Salvation Army is doing all it can to reach those in need, but we still need the help of the army behind the Army, our fantastic volunteers,” said a member of The Salvation Army’s Community Relations Team. These volunteer opportunities will be available into the foreseeable future. Interested volunteers …

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Poll: Which 12-12-12 Performer Are You Most Looking Forward to Watching?

Some of the biggest names in music will come together to perform during Wednesday's Sandy Relief show. Which musician is your favorite?

On Wednesday, some of the most influential musicians of our time will take the stage at Madison Square Garden to perform in a sold-out show that will benefit the victims of Superstorm Sandy. Performing in the 12-12-12 Concert For Sandy Relief will be acts ranging from native New Jersey rockers Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi to pop stars Alicia Keys and legendary artists such as The Rolling Stones.  In this Patch Poll, we're asking which of the headlining artists will have you planted firmly in front of your television. 

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Hurricane Sandy

Storm Recovery Help Still Available In Union County

Loans are available and there are two Disaster Recovery Centers still open.

The following is a press release sent by the County of Union. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents and small business owners that they may still be eligible for help recovering from the effects of Superstorm Sandy. “If you are still dealing with storm-related damages, I encourage you to contact the agencies that are offering these resources and find out if you are eligible,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Both FEMA and our partners in the business community are here to lend a helping hand.” For qualified small businesses, the nonprofit Union County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC) is offering a Storm Recovery Loan program consisting of loans of up to $15,000 at 2 percent for five years, …

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Hurricane Sandy

Superstorm Sandy: One Month Later

Patch takes a look back at some of the images and videos of the damage caused by the massive storm both in Union County and at the Jersey Shore.

It's been one month since "the perfect storm" tore through new Jersey, toppling trees, pulling down power lines, damaging homes and causing widespread power outages that lasted for days, and in some cases, weeks. Over the course of the last 30 days since Superstorm Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore and many areas inland, New Jerseyans have showed their strength and unity, vowing to rebuild and joining together to help each other through local and statewide initiatives. The following is a compilation of images and videos from Union County and the Jersey Shore, depicting the aftermath, the cleanup and the efforts by local residents to be part of the relief effort. One video was shot by Rutgers University student Brittany McDyer of Cranford …

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