Hugo Neu Corporation Sustainability Seminar Series: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Help Turn Dumping Grounds into Cleaner, Safer Neighborhoods

PRESENTATION ABSTRACT

Join staff from NJDEP’s Community Collaborative Initiative (CCI) as they share how the Illegal Dumping Camera Program works, what’s changed since the first pilot, and how residents, municipalities, and state agencies are teaming up to protect overburdened communities from becoming dumping grounds. You’ll hear how the program was redesigned with an environmental justice lens, a focus on equity and privacy, and a “tech + community” approach that builds trust instead of just adding surveillance.

PROJECT ABSTRACT

Illegal dumping isn’t just an eyesore, but it can drain city budgets, harms local waterways and wildlife, and sends a message that some communities don’t matter. In cities like Camden, millions of dollars are spent every year just to clean up and monitor chronic dumping sites. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Illegal Dumping Camera Program is changing that by pairing smart camera technology with strong community partnerships to deter dumping and restore neighborhood pride.

BIOGRAPHY

Korie Vee is currently pursuing a master's in public Affairs and Politics from the Rutgers Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. Korie earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Earth Science from Montclair State University, where she completed geology fieldwork in Montana and honors research on volcanic processes in Hawaii. Before joining the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2019, Korie worked in environmental education and field conservation with organizations such as the Middlesex County Department of Parks and Recreation, The Watershed Institute, and the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife. With a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in environmental education, community engagement, and regulation, Korie is driven by the goal of creating a positive impact on the environment and the communities that depend on it.

Tiffany Falcone is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Affairs and Politics from Rutgers Bloustein School. She double majored at Sacred Heart University to receive a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, as well as Chemistry. She also completed a term of service as an AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador prior to joining the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2017. With a strong academic foundation and experience in environmental education and regulation, she’s driven by the goal of creating a positive impact on the environment and society.

Katherine Dollman earned a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Wildlife Management from Delaware Valley University. During her studies, she participated in Arcadia University’s Arcadia in London study abroad program, where she focused on media, journalism, and multiculturalism. Additionally, she traveled to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for an ecotourism class, exploring the relationship between local communities and environmental conservation. Before joining NJDEP’s Community Collaborative Initiative in 2023, Katherine served with the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program. Her passion and commitment to creating a better environment continues to grow through her experiences meeting new people and exploring new locations.

Zoom Link:

Website:

https://www.stevens.edu/sustainability-seminar-series

Jointly Sponsored by:

HUGO NEU Corporation
WSP
HDR
NOMADICS
Brown and Caldwell
H2M Architects and Engineers
Dewberry

Contact:

Dr. Dibs Sarkar