Advisory Board | Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers

Advisory board members have worked on combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and water issues in New Jersey, and are based in or work with CSO communities. Advisory board members provide guidance on strategy, messaging, and advocacy. Members include:

Jose Amarte was born in New York City and raised in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He earned an associate’s degree from Middlesex College, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, cum laude, from Kean University before beginning professional work in legal studies. Amarte focuses on social activism during his free time, devoting special attention to environmental issues as a member of the local Board of Adjustment and the Perth Amboy Civic Trust. He enjoys outdoor activities, learning about history, and going to fairs.
Suzanne Aptman, New Jersey Future. (And Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers Program Manager). New Jersey Future is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that promotes sensible growth, redevelopment and infrastructure investments to foster vibrant cities and towns, protect natural lands and waterways, enhance transportation choices, provide access to safe, affordable and aging-friendly neighborhoods and fuel a strong economy.
Amy Goldsmith, Clean Water Action. Clean Water Action was founded to protect our environment, health, economic well-being, and community quality of life. Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups and coalitions, as well as campaigns to elect environmental candidates and solve environmental and community problems.
Michele Langa, Hackensack Riverkeeper and NY/NJ Baykeeper. Hackensack Riverkeeper defends the Public Trust resources of the Hackensack River Watershed through a fourfold strategy of environmental action, advocacy, education, and litigation. The organization works on behalf of the people and wildlife that depend on the river and its watershed for life. NY/NJ Baykeeper is the citizen guardian of the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary.
Nicole Miller, Newark DIG (Doing Infrastructure Green). Established in 2013, Newark DIG is committed to continuously improving the quality of life, health, and viability for the City of Newark and its residents. Its primary goal is the establishment of green infrastructure as the first line of defense to better manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality and resiliency to flooding, and reduce combined sewer overflows, with a focus on Passaic River and its tributaries.

Technical advisors provide technical advice on issues related to their area of expertise:

Rosana Pedra Nobre, The New York – New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP). HEP brings the benefits of the Clean Water Act to the people who live, work, and recreate on our shared waterways. Created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the request of the governors of New York and New Jersey, HEP is an ongoing effort to develop and implement a consensus driven plan to protect, conserve, and restore the estuary.
Chris Obropta, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resource Program (RCEWRP). RCEWRP is a statewide program with a mission to identify and address community water resources issues using sustainable and practical science-based solutions. For nearly a decade, the Water Resources Program has worked with CSO communities to provide technical support for green infrastructure planning and community facilitation. The Water Resources Program has played an integral role in the development of a number of municipal action teams across the state, facilitating collaboration among local governments, utility authorities, residents, and community organizations.