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Riverkeeper marks decade of service
(by K. Darius Amos - January 03, 2008)
Unlike most leaders who have an unwavering need to delegate responsibility and manage from behind the scenes, Bill Sheehan takes a different approach. The face of local environmental conservation, Sheehan grasps the proverbial bull by the horn and gets his hands dirty when called upon regardless of the setting. He often sifts his bare hands through the muck of a river but also stands toe to toe with the suits in courtrooms.
For 10 years, Sheehan and a dedicated group of conservationists have gone through those motions all in the name of saving and preserving nature, particularly the area in and around the Hackensack River Watershed. The moniker Hackensack Riverkeeper has become synonymous with local conservation efforts, and the sheer site of the organization’s work and results are a rallying call for all interested in a clean environment.
Sheehan, commonly known as Captain Bill, founded Hackensack Riverkeeper in 1997 and has championed the wildlife and natural surroundings along the banks of the river — from as far north in Rockland County, N.Y. through central Bergen and the Meadowlands, to the salty waters of Newark Bay.
In celebration of its decade watching over and defending the watershed, Hackensack Riverkeeper will hold its Eighth Annual Awards Dinner and Sustainable Seafood Fest on Thursday, Oct. 11 at the Hilton in Hasbrouck Heights. At the dinner, Capt. Bill, the Riverkeeper staff and Gov. Jon Corzine will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In the beginning
The history of the Hackensack River Watershed can be traced back centuries ago when glaciers formed what scientists named Glacial Lake Hackensack. According to the Riverkeeper, the bedrock beneath the lake emerged and grew into the watershed.
Over the years (thousands of them), the land formations evolved into the present day area — bordered by High Tor Mountains to the north, Palisades to the east, Watchung hills to the west and Newark Bay to the south. In addition to landmasses, the river also spawned life. Trees and other greens grew richly along the banks, attracting animals and humans alike.
As more and more settlers made their home here, population and business and commerce also boomed. The waterways promoted the opening of ports and bridges, which allowed easy access for major shipping companies and other businesses.
The growing number of residents and property owners upped the demand for drinking water, prompting the formation of the Hackensack Water Company. Hackensack Water, constructed the Oradell Dam and Oradell Reservoir in the early 1920s, the first of four reservoirs built in the area, to meet the need for clean drinking water.
According to the Riverkeeper, using the upper watershed as a drinking water source and creating the dams split the Hackensack River into two unique water systems consisting of the freshwater supply above the dam and a salty and briny environment below. Also below the dam and along the banks in present-day Hackensack, Bogota, Ridgefield Park, Little Ferry and Teaneck until the Newark Bay, factories spilled untreated waste into the river. The Hackensack River became a dumping site for raw sewage and refuse, creating a contaminated environment that was harmful toxic to most living organisms. Logging and the use of ditches and dikes also changed the landscape of the watershed.
The Riverkeeper said that the abrupt and unnatural change to the river drastically altered the water’s chemistry, and various plant life and fish could not survive. The Meadowlands, which companies had attempted to drain, became a regional dumping ground, killing off the wildlife and further contaminating the water.
It wasn’t until the 1970s, when Congress passed the Clean Water Act, did any group attempt to protect the watershed. The legislation forced municipalities to treat their waste. The area improved temporarily, as pollutant-generating industries were replaced with cleaner and environmentally friendly businesses.
By the early 1990s, a handful of environmental advocacy groups were already in action, halting various development projects in the watershed area. Sheehan, who was already involved with conservation efforts, was attending a 1997 Waterkeeper Alliance Conference when he approached by the alliance president. The president, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., asked Sheehan for a proposal to create a new preservation program for the Hackensack River.
The proposal was eventually approved, and Sheehan was named executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper.
Turning the tide
Today, the Riverkeeper’s mission remains the same as it was 10 years ago: “Provide representation for the natural living resources of the Hackensack River.” Though portions of the river are still relatively polluted, other parts are making headway.
Environmental studies, such as a report released by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission earlier this year, revealed that readings recorded at the bottom of the river had far fewer metals from dumping than it did two decades ago. Mercury levels still remained about federal limits, but other metals, including chromium, copper and lead decreased by an average of 75 percent.
Birds, fish and other wildlife are also returning to the river. Researchers and catch-and-return fishermen have reported siting striped bass and other game fish in the waters. This summer osprey and bald eagles were seen nesting and feeding in the watershed.
Human consumption of the river’s fish and crustaceans is still prohibited. The reappearance of once-abundant wildlife does not equate to 100 percent safe waters, but preservationists remain positive about the river’s rehabilitation.
The Riverkeeper host several park clean-up programs along the river, including an Oct. 13 event in Hackensack’s Johnson Park. Sheehan and Riverkeeper Program Director Hugh Carola also host various eco-cruises, canoe and kayak tours and walks in and along the water.
Two days before that cleanup at this year’s Sustainable Seafood Fest, the Riverkeeper will honor Kennedy, the chair of the Waterkeeper Alliance. Under his tutelage, the alliance has grown into an international assembly of approximately 160 waterkeeper programs working on six continents.
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