A push for keeping the Cooper River pristine prompts a call to action by New Jersey

Erik Sildorff with the Delaware RiverKeeper Network
Photo credit David Madden/KYW Newsradio
PENNSAUKEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Environmental activists used the 47th anniversary of adoption of the Federal Clean Water Act to urge New Jersey officials to designate a 2 mile stretch of the Cooper River for special protection.

That may seem a bit complicated, but Erik Sildorff with the Delaware RiverKeeper Network says it just makes sense.

"This recognition of the critical role of protection now instead of digging ourselves out of a deep hole later is a simple but powerful tool to protect both resources and to save taxpayer money," he said.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing the proposal, and a decision is expected early next year.