Science Mondays at Brookdale will continue on Monday, February 25, with a presentation by Doug O’Malley, interim executive director of Environment New Jersey (ENJ), who will discuss his organization’s recent report on the deteriorating water quality in our state. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Warner Student Life Center.

This is also a joint membership meeting of Brookdale’s Environmental Club and the N.J. Friends of Clearwater and the Jersey Shore (Monmouth) Group of the Sierra Club, and is open to the public.

ENJ has reported that industrial facilities in New Jersey each year dump 8.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals into the state’s waterways, making it the 12th worst polluted state in the nation. Scientists and environmentalists suspect that conditions have since worsened in our coastal communities when Hurricane Sandy’s floodwaters washed untold amounts of chemicals, sewage, fuel oil and debris into rivers and bays.

O’Malley will explain what regulatory actions should be taken by the state legislature and the DEP to reverse this deterioration. In particular, O’Malley will focus on Raritan River and Bay, the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers, and Barnegat Bay.

ENJ’s report summarizes discharges of cancer-causing chemicals, chemicals that persist in the environment, and chemicals with the potential to cause reproductive problems ranging from birth defects to reduced fertility. Among the toxic chemicals discharged by municipal and industrial facilities are arsenic, mercury, and benzene. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to cancer, developmental disorders, and reproductive disorders.

O’Malley’s presentation is hosted by Brookdale’s Environmental Club to encourage students to be involved in statewide and national debates on the importance of strong environmental regulations.  We welcome interested community to join us. Prior to the 6:30 p.m. start, there will be a cash buffet available beginning at 6:00 p.m.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Robert Macaluso at 732-857-5305.