Latest news with #DEP
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
After storms cause massive subway flooding, MTA chief calls on NYC to grow sewer capacity
MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber is calling on New York City to build up its sewer system after massive subway flooding during Monday's storm. He spoke to CBS News New York's Dick Brennan about what happened and how to fix things for future storms. Video from the West 28th Street station in Chelsea showed water gushing from a drain and completely flooding the platform. "This manhole cover was levitating about this high because there was the water pressure actually exploded it out," Lieber said. Out of the subway system's over 490 total stations, about 20 were put out of service during the storm. "That's no excuse for those 20 stations that were unavailable, had bad conditions. But this is not going to knock out the whole system and we were ready to go the next morning," Lieber said. He said hundreds of people worked overnight to make sure the trains were back up and running for the Tuesday morning commute. During those storms, the subway system got hit with a double whammy — torrential rain from above and a sewer system that couldn't handle it below. New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala says they've done a good job to maintain the sewer system, but climate change is sending storms nobody could have expected. "Addressing storm water resilience to fix this underground infrastructure is going to be the work of tens of years, decades. We put out our report last spring that estimated a total cost of roughly $30 billion," Aggarwala said. But Lieber says the city has to step up and pay up to fix their sewers. "Because the rainfalls are going to keep happening, we need them to grow the capacity so it doesn't back up into the subways," he said. Lieber says the city could focus area by area if the money is there. "There is no quick solution to the big issue, but you can do it in a localized way," he said. In the meantime, Lieber says the MTA is hardening its infrastructure. One of the improvements to fight subway flooding the so-called step-up into the station. By placing a raised platform at the entrances to underground subway stations, the water then has to rise higher before it goes cascading down the steps into the station. Lieber says the MTA already spent $8 billion on resiliency after Hurricane Sandy and has spent close to $1 billion from the new capital budget. He says the system has a knack for bouncing back and is hoping to be ready when the next storm hits.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Phillips 66's Bayway refinery partially shut after power outage, sources say
NEW YORK (Reuters) -Phillips 66 has partially shut its 258,500 barrel-per-day Bayway refinery in Linden, New Jersey, after rainstorms in the region caused a power outage at the plant, three sources familiar with the matter said. Phillips 66 confirmed the power outage, but declined to provide more details. A computer that monitors emissions from the refinery's flare stack was damaged during flooding, according to a report filed with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Tuesday. All other monitoring equipment was functioning normally, the report said. There was no major damage to critical infrastructure, and the refinery's flares were working properly after the overnight power outage, the Linden Police Department posted on Facebook on Tuesday. Another report filed with the DEP on Tuesday noted that the sewer system at the refinery was leaking unknown amounts of residual oil into the Morses Mill Creek. Phillips 66 was actively purchasing refined products from the New York Harbor spot market since Tuesday, two market participants said.
Reuters
16-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Phillips 66's Bayway refinery partially shut after power outage, sources say
NEW YORK, July 16 (Reuters) - Phillips 66 (PSX.N), opens new tab has partially shut its 258,500 barrel-per-day Bayway refinery in Linden, New Jersey, after rainstorms in the region caused a power outage at the plant, three sources familiar with the matter said. Phillips 66 confirmed the power outage, but declined to provide more details. A computer that monitors emissions from the refinery's flare stack was damaged during flooding, according to a report filed with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on Tuesday. All other monitoring equipment was functioning normally, the report said. There was no major damage to critical infrastructure, and the refinery's flares were working properly after the overnight power outage, the Linden Police Department posted on Facebook on Tuesday. Another report filed with the DEP on Tuesday noted that the sewer system at the refinery was leaking unknown amounts of residual oil into the Morses Mill Creek. Phillips 66 was actively purchasing refined products from the New York Harbor spot market since Tuesday, two market participants said.
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Thousands Warned To Go Inside If They Start Coughing
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Thousands of Americans in northern and central Maine were under an air quality alert on Wednesday after state officials warned of unhealthy pollution levels from wildfire smoke. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported that fine particle pollution from smoke had pushed air quality into the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category, prompting warnings for residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and to stay alert for respiratory symptoms. Why It Matters The alert comes as smoke from Canadian wildfires has descended across the U.S. throughout the summer, creating hazy skies in some areas while blanketing other regions with smoke that is thick enough to cause physical symptoms. The most recent alert in Maine emphasized heightened risks for vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, people with asthma or heart diseases, and those working or exercising outdoors. A stock photo of a man coughing. A stock photo of a man coughing. Liubomyr Vorona/Getty What to Know The alert affects thousands from Allagash to Topsfield, including key cities such as Caribou, Houlton, Greenville, and Millinocket, and was scheduled to remain in effect until midnight. Smoke and particle pollution, primarily traced to wildfires burning in Canada, contributed to the degraded air quality, which officials said may persist until at least Thursday. "Smoke is expected to continue to impact Maine on Thursday. It should start to clear out later in the day," the air quality alert from the DEP said. State health authorities urged people experiencing coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, or chest discomfort to immediately limit outdoor exposure. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection issued the air quality alert for the following regions: Northwest Aroostook, Northeast Aroostook, Northern Somerset, Northern Piscataquis, Northern Penobscot, Southeast Aroostook, Central Piscataquis, Central Penobscot, Southern Piscataquis, and Northern Washington counties. Affected cities include Allagash, Clayton Lake, Madawaska, Fort Kent, Frenchville, Presque Isle, Caribou, Van Buren, Mars Hill, Ashland, Millinocket, Greenville, Lincoln, Dover-Foxcroft, and several others, covering much of the northern and central part of the state. Officials expected the highest concentration of smoke and particle pollution to begin dissipating by Wednesday evening. However, polluted air and moderate particle levels could linger into Thursday as the smoke plume gradually exits the region. Local and federal data confirmed the region was experiencing pollution levels classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, in which the Air Quality Index (AQI) measures between 101 and 150, meaning that susceptible individuals could experience adverse health effects, while the general public could also be affected with prolonged exposure." The AQI scale used for these alerts helps residents understand the severity of pollution. Officials warned that exposure to AQI considered unhealthy for sensitive groups may cause health effects for sensitive individuals and could begin to affect the general public with prolonged or strenuous outdoor exposure. For the remainder of Maine, particle and ozone levels were expected to remain in the moderate AQI range. What People Are Saying National Weather Service (NWS) Caribou in an air quality alert: "The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities." NWS meteorologist Alice Brennan told Newsweek: "Based on forecasting, [the smoke] should start to clear out a bit. The heaviest was definitely today and should start to gradually push out by tomorrow. There is a low-pressure system coming in that's going to bring a good chance for thunderstorms, especially north of I-95, so gusty winds, heavy rainfall, things like that." What Happens Next Air quality across Maine is expected to improve as denser smoke moves out by Wednesday evening. However, some particle pollution may persist into Thursday until wind patterns fully clear the region. State agencies are continuing to monitor the situation and will update forecasts and advisories as conditions change.
Politico
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Stop the rain
Good Tuesday morning! I hope you're dry. I've seen the state get slammed with some big, wet storms before. I was there for Sandy and Irene. Now I live far away, but the flooding from yesterday's storms brought back memories. The New Jersey Turnpike became the New Jersey Waterway. Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency in the evening. As of the time I put this newsletter to bed late last night, I had not seen reports of deaths from the flooding. Hopefully, it stayed that way. 'When heavy rainfall overwhelms our infrastructure and the ground's natural ability to absorb water, we see rapid rises in water levels in rivers, streams & underground springs we never notice,' DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette tweeted. 'When 16% of your State lies in a floodplain, that is an emergency.' FEEDBACK? Reach me at mfriedman@ WHERE'S MURPHY — In Berkeley Heights at 10 a.m. to tour storm damage, then Newark at 11 a.m. for a Greenway groundbreaking ceremony QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'How would you like to die?' — TV host and Republican activist Alex Zdan to GOP gubernatorial nominee Jack Ciattarelli, who answered 'peacefully.' HAPPY BIRTHDAY — Raj Mukherji, Michael Shapiro, Tom Bonier WHAT TRENTON MADE KABIR MOSS — ''Overwhelming outpouring of love' for N.J. political aide who died Tuesday,' by NJ Advance Media's Steve Strunsky: 'Kabir Moss's widow, Chelsea Mullin Smith, said the popular and New Jersey Democratic political operative was, 'incredibly masculine but also the sweetest person you could ever meet.' It was one of several descriptions of Moss as embodying traits that seemed particularly disparate in the world of politics, given by loved ones during a memorial service on Monday in Newark, where he died suddenly last week at age 37. Before more than 250 mourners gathered in the Chase Room at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, family, friends, elected officials, and college teammates described Moss as sincere but realistic; competitive yet compassionate; successful but not cravenly ambitious. As a legislative aide in Trenton, Moss stood out not just because of his 6-foot 4-inch frame, but for his belief in and commitment to the progressive policies he worked to advance, said the lawmakers he worked for. Smith, from whom Moss was separated after five years of marriage, read the Maya Angelou poem, 'When Great Trees Fall.' Newark and Essex County authorities are not investigating Moss's death, and his family did not disclose the cause. 'We will never make sense of this tragedy,' his brother and only sibling, Gabriel Moss, told the gathering.' SCI HIRES SECOND CONSECUTIVE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WITH BEER-RELATED NAME — 'NJ top watchdog agency finally has new leader, months after its CEO lasted just 4 days,' by The Asbury Park Press' Mike Davis: 'The state's top watchdog agency appointed a federal prosecutor as its next executive director more than seven months after an Asbury Park Press report detailing its last chief executive's dual residency and second full-time, out-of-state job prompted her swift resignation. Bruce P. Keller will take over as executive director of the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation on July 15, after serving in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey since 2015. Former U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger named Keller as special counsel to the front office in March 2022 after seven years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the office's criminal and special prosecutions divisions. Keller replaces Tiffany Williams Brewer, the commission's former chair who was appointed its chief executive officer in January. She resigned after four days on the job following a Press report that she declared a Maryland home as her primary residence on mortgage documents, voted in New Jersey and taught a full course load as an assistant professor at Howard University in Washington.' BRIEF BEGINS WITH 'I'M JAWN MORGAN' — 'Trial lawyers back up Norcross in appeal of dismissal,' by New Jersey Globe's David Wildstein: 'Saying the state's prosecution of Democratic powerbroker George E. Norcross III represents a dangerous assault on zealous lawyering and constitutionally protected legal conduct, the New Jersey State Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers has filed an amicus brief asking the appellate division to uphold the dismissal of criminal charges against two attorneys who were Norcross' co-defendants. Superior Court Judge Peter Warshaw dismissed a racketeering indictment in February, and the New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin is appealing the ruling. 'If the Attorney General could transform routine lawyering into criminal charges with no notice, effectively on a whim, because the lawyer's client or the lawyer's brother is out of favor with the prosecutor, then the rule of law will suffer for the same reasons Attorney General Platkin has voiced regarding the recent executive orders signed by President Trump,' the brief noted.' WAHTF? — 'NJ's officials must use mansion tax to restore affordable housing funds now,' by Edward Betha and Staci Berger for USA TODAY: 'New Jersey has taken a meaningful step by increasing taxes on luxury real estate transactions, but by failing to dedicate that revenue to affordable homes, state leaders have missed a critical opportunity to address one of our biggest challenges. The state's newly expanded mansion tax will generate more than $300 million a year from home sales over $1 million, with higher fees for more expensive properties. … The problem: none of that new revenue is being directed to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, or AHTF, New Jersey's only dedicated source of funding for affordable homes. Even worse, this year's budget raids the Trust Fund itself, diverting millions away from its legally intended purpose. That means fewer resources to build the affordable homes our communities desperately need, at a time when we are already facing a shortfall of nearly 290,000 homes for lower-income residents.' DUE TO BUDGET CUTS, NOAA CAN'T SAVE YOU — Murphy administration makes major changes to controversial sea-level rise rule, by POLITICO's Ry Rivard: In a concession to coastal mayors and developers, Gov. Phil Murphy's administration is making major changes to the sprawling rule package it proposed a year ago to protect New Jersey communities from sea-level rise. The Department of Environmental Protection on Monday said it is overhauling those rules before they take effect. Now, instead of preparing the state's 130 miles of coastline for 5 feet of sea-level rise, the rules will only require developers to plan for 4 feet. The changes come in part because local officials and the Murphy administration seem willing to gamble that the worst climate change projections won't come to pass. 'We are hearing from our coastal communities that they are comfortable with a higher level of risk,' DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette told reporters in a Monday morning virtual briefing. MAYBE THEY'RE JUST LIKE MY MOTHER — 'Amended NJ flood rules plan leaves environmentalists, business groups unsatisfied,' by New Jersey Monitor's Nikita Birukov: 'Business groups and shore residents had chaffed at the five-foot provision, arguing it would raise the price of construction in an already expensive state based on a scenario that modeling said had only a 17% chance of occurring. The amended proposal's reduction did little to assuage those concerns. 'They really have not addressed the serious concerns and the underlying problems with this rule. It seems to be more window dressing and still not based on the latest science,' said Ray Cantor, deputy chief government affairs officer for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.' BIDDING ADEW — Justin Dews is leaving as chair of the governor's Clemency Advisory Board. The Murphy administration adviser, who was recently named to a leadership post in the Mikie Sherrill campaign for governor, will be replaced by Bishop Joshua Rodriguez. Gov. Phil Murphy said Dews has 'served as an invaluable leader, guiding its work with dedication and vision.' Murphy started the board in 2024 to review clemency applications and advise him on actions to take. At the end of last year, Murphy issued 33 pardons and commuted three sentences in what was expected to be the first in a wave of clemency actions before he leaves office next year. Dews said he is leaving 'out of an abundance of caution' to shield the board from perceived political conflicts. He noted that the board recommended, and Murphy granted, more pardons and commutations than all his predecessors in the last 30 years combined. 'This is a remarkable achievement that is the result of a process guided by fairness, not favor,' Dews said in a statement. 'The fact that the Board has operated apolitically is a point of pride and essential to its credibility and integrity.' Rodriguez, a Jersey City church leader, said leading the clemency board 'is both a solemn responsibility and a sacred opportunity — to advance justice, extend mercy, and help restore lives.' — Dustin Racioppi —'Where do New Jersey's lawsuits against Trump administration actions stand?' TRUMP ERA WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET OUT THEIR CHECKBOOKS TO ATTEND A PRICEY SHINDIG AT A WATERFRONT MANSION — 'Obama's blunt message for Democrats: 'Toughen up',' by CNN's Arlette Sanchez: 'Former President Barack Obama issued a call to action for Democrats at a private fundraiser in New Jersey on Friday evening, urging those frustrated by the state of the country under President Donald Trump to 'stand up for the things that you think are right.' 'I think it's going to require a little bit less navel-gazing and a little less whining and being in fetal positions. And it's going to require Democrats to just toughen up,' Obama said at the fundraiser, according to excerpts of his remarks exclusively obtained by CNN. 'You know, don't tell me you're a Democrat, but you're kind of disappointed right now, so you're not doing anything. No, now is exactly the time that you get in there and do something,' he said. 'Don't say that you care deeply about free speech and then you're quiet. No, you stand up for free speech when it's hard. When somebody says something that you don't like, but you still say, 'You know what, that person has the right to speak.' … What's needed now is courage.'' HE IS THE CHAMPION, MY FRIENDS — 'Trump claims to have won another golf championship, his fifth this year, at his New Jersey club,' by The Palm Beach Post's Tom D'Angelo: 'The end of the golf season in South Florida does not mean the end of Donald Trump's claims on the course. The President has shifted his golf game from Trump International West Palm Beach to his course in Bedminster, N.J. But the change in scenery apparently has not slowed down the 79-year-old when it comes to declaring himself a champion. Trump boasted on his Truth Social website on Sunday, July 13, that he won the member-member championship at Bedminster with partner Tommy Urciuoli. … Trump has worked diligently on his golf game since starting his second term. In the first 10 weeks since the Jan. 20 inauguration, Trump had at least eight golf outings to his courses in Palm Beach County, Florida.' —'She and her family made military history. Then DEI became a 4-letter word' — 'Trio of House Dems press colleagues to support GOP-led crypto bill' —'24 states sue Trump admin to unfreeze more than $6 billion in education grants' LOCAL JCBOE — Jersey City lawmaker seeks to make school board mostly appointed, by POLITICO's Matt Friedman: Jersey City's school board, which has made headlines for dysfunction, would be mostly appointed instead of entirely elected under a new state proposal. State Sen. Raj Mukherji, a Democrat from Jersey City, in late June introduced legislation that would have voters elect one-third of the board members in New Jersey's third-largest school district. The mayor and City Council would each appoint a third of the members. 'This is in response to constituent concerns about the school budget and discord at our school board, and just the lack of collaboration between the public schools and the municipal government in managing the budget. Property taxpayers have shouldered that burden,' Mukherji said in a phone interview. The proposal, NJ S4686 (24R), would be phased in over three years and comes as Jersey City's school board struggles with a $1 billion budget following major cuts to its state aid. The board has also seen infighting, with recent jockeying over its leadership positions and staff controversies. While the legislation is aimed at Jersey City, it would also apply to Newark as written. GOIN' DOWN TO SOUTH SEASIDE PARK GONNA MERGE WITH FRIENDS OF MINE — 'South Seaside Park residents can leave Berkeley, but does Seaside Park want them?,' by The Asbury Park Press' Jean Mikle: 'Seaside Park must undertake a 'thorough review process' before any decision is made about a potential merger between the borough and the adjacent South Seaside Park neighborhood, Mayor John A. Peterson Jr. said. The mayor made his remarks in the wake of a unanimous New Jersey Supreme Court decision July 10 that said South Seaside Park — a 10-block section of the barrier island — can secede from Berkeley Township and join Seaside Park. … Peterson said Seaside Park's Borough Council has not yet had a chance to thoroughly review the Supreme Court decision, which found that rejecting South Seaside Park residents' secession petition would be 'detrimental to the economic and social well-being' of the neighborhood's residents. Peterson said he anticipates the borough will rely on professionals to determine the potential costs, as well as the benefits, of a merger with South Seaside. Seaside Park had a population of 1,436 according to 2020 U.S. Census data, with recent population estimates at about 1,500. South Seaside Park has about 500 residents.' CLIFTON — 'Scouts respond with good deed after North Jersey councilman had leg amputated,' by The Record's Matt Fagan: 'There's never been a doubt in Robin Gibson's mind that the city lives up to its slogan. The wife of city Councilman Bill Gibson said Clifton is, indeed, 'The City That Cares.' Her belief was further cemented by a good deed from a group of Troop 21 Scouts of St. Philip the Apostle Church. When the Scouts heard that the councilman was rushed to the hospital and had to have his leg amputated due to an infection last month, they quickly stepped forward and installed an access ramp to his home.' —'Mystery deepens on illegal Lakewood apartments. Ocean County fire marshal weighs in' —'[Howell] police officer fired last year following guilty plea in sex sting' —'Future of N.J.'s 'evil clown' sign in question after court ruling' —'Bridge replacement will help Jersey Shore drivers, but the massive project is likely years away' R.I.P. — 'Bob McLeod, Ex-Mayor And Judge Who Ran Against Pallone, Dies At 78' —"Tom Bianco elected Gloucester county commissioner' EVERYTHING ELSE THE BIRD SURVEILLANCE STATE — 'Did you know there are listening devices in the Meadowlands? Here's what they pick up,' by The Record's Roxxanne Boychuk: 'Over the course of any given year, more than 200 bird species live just west of Manhattan's spires in the Hackensack Meadowlands. Scientists have known that for a while, with the Meadowlands serving as a key stopover along the Atlantic flyway during spring and fall migration seasons. But now, using new technology, they are learning a lot more about bird behaviors among those different species hiding out in the Meadowlands. With the use of autonomous recording units, or ARUs, scientists can listen to bird frequencies to determine their behaviors, said Michael Turso, a wildlife biologist at the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute.' UMBRELLADEMIC — 'Flying beach umbrella injured N.J. woman at swim club, lawsuit says,' by NJ Advance Medai's Anthony G. Attrino: 'A Bergen County woman has filed a lawsuit against a local swim club, alleging she was struck and seriously injured by a flying beach umbrella near the pool. The 29-year-old Maywood woman states in court papers she was injured May 27, 2023, at the Hasbrouck Heights Swim Club, a private business located in the 100 block of Route 17 South. 'She was seriously and permanently injured by a flying umbrella, which was picked up by a wind gust,' states the suit.' —'NJ Transit bus driver charged in crash that seriously injured North Jersey police officer' —''The Office' reunion event is coming to North Jersey. What to expect at the convention' —'I went to the FIFA Club World Cup. What could go wrong at 2026 FIFA World Cup | Opinion'
