Shore Pollution Package

[Written by Erika Waddell, based on news stock footage]

(Anchor – in studio)
Polluted waters and empty beaches in New Jersey are making headlines across the country. Erika Waddell is live in Asbury Park, the center of all the controversy. Erika –

(Live shot – boardwalk in background)
As you can see behind me, the boardwalk is almost completely empty. Those who used to flock to the Jersey shore have decided to stay home or go elsewhere. Poor sewage treatment has had a devastating effect on the ocean and the city’s economy.

(Two people walking on empty street, desolate houses/hotels)
VO: The usually thriving beach town of Asbury Park has become a ghost town. Owners of concession stands and hotels have taken a hard financial hit.

(Hotel owner)
SOT: We have 40 rooms that are occupied anywhere from 80 to 90 percent on an average weekend. This past weekend we were down to about 10 percent.

(Close up on Ormond sign, older people on porch swing)
VO: Josh Smith owns The Ormond Accommodations, which typically brings in its most business in July. He says he’s losing about $4,000 a day.

(Hotel owner, few people on boardwalk)
SOT: Not only did we lose reservations, but we lost the people who had usually come down.

(Audience at meeting)
VO: Business owners aren’t the only ones feeling the loss. Residents feel they’re paying the price for the mayor’s negligence. Many gathered this evening to urge local politicians to take action.

(Man at mic, close-ups on concerned faces, different audience shots)
SOT: For the past 16 years the people and the government of Asbury Park have not only been negligent but I feel what they’ve done has been criminal (applause).

(Woman reading ‘Join the Fight’ pamphlet, close-up on it’s cover)
VO: Residents of Asbury Park are so fed up that they’re ready to take legal action. Local politicians admit they have a huge problem on their hands.

(Man in suit #1)
SOT: I feel very strongly that it’s been a cumulative effect. That every year over the last three or four years it’s gotten worse.

(Dirty water, foam in waves)
VO: But plant operators insist that they’re working as fast as they can to remedy the situation.

(Man in suit #2)
SOT: On Friday the new plant should be online and operating which will treat the waste much better than it is right now and discharge it farther out into the ocean.

(Live shot – boardwalk behind)
Business owners hope the sewage problem clears up immediately and wonder if the summer is even salvageable. Reporting live from New Jersey, Erika Waddell.