Who protects our nature preserves?

Iquestion the recent damages to the Edith Stevens Preserve in Edison. It is bad enough that humans caused the wetlands degradation from the adjoining Fenix Woodland Estates building site. The violations and harmful ecological damages happened on more than one occasion. Adding insult to injury, preventive measures do not appear to be initiated or applied. Furthermore, cleanup efforts are not happening. Likewise, critical restoration of the sensitive wetlands is overdue and "not on the radar" at this time.

When you check the regulations and building codes, it seems that the Edison Township ordinances are clear in water runoff and storm-water containment. Moreover, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection spells out the wetlands protection and the remediation needed, especially after a disturbance. Is this builder at Woodlands Estate thumbing his nose at the administrative officials? Is he mocking the protective safeguards "on the books"? Is he "downplaying" the concerns of the Edison Wetlands Association? Perhaps the developer Fenix is rushing to build the 12 homes and let the homeowners worry about drainage, saturated basements and mold problems?

As these problems worsen, I am anxious to see what issues get addressed. Also, will there ever be corrective action? Even more important, who protects our natural preserves?
Robert Takash
President
Edison Greenways
Group Inc.
Appointed Member
Edison Open Space
Advisory Committee