Swimmable waterways have long been the goal of the federal Clean Water Act, which was passed in 1972.

But more than 50 years later, older industrial cities like Camden and Philadelphia have struggled to reach that level of cleanliness because of outdated sewer systems.

Unlike modern infrastructure, which utilizes separate piping systems, older sewer systems send stormwater and sewage through the same underground pipes.

During heavy rain, this combined sewer/stormwater system can overflow, spilling raw sewage into the region’s rivers and streams. The overflow can also mean flooding in nearby communities.

As of 2018, there were 30 active combined sewer outfalls located within Camden and Gloucester City, according to the New Jersey DEP. Overflows discharge into three receiving streams: the Delaware and Cooper rivers and Newton Creek.

Camden’s main waterways, the Cooper and the Delaware rivers, often contain fecal bacteria levels that make it unsafe for humans to swim, fish or even kayak in.

Prior to the Clean Water Act, the Delaware River between Trenton and Philadelphia supported virtually no aquatic life at all. More than 50 years ago, regulations requiring facilities to treat wastewater before discharging it changed what was once a “stinky, ugly mess” into a place where hundreds of thousands visit its urban shorelines each year.

Swimming and kayaking are now permitted in much of the Upper Delaware River, which is regulated by the Delaware River Basin Commission. However, for a 27-mile stretch along Camden and Philadelphia, the commission restricts residents to boating and fishing.

Swimming in waterways polluted with bacteria and viruses can cause health problems such as gastrointestinal illnesses, skin rashes and respiratory problems. About 90 million illnesses caused by swimming, boating and fishing in polluted waters are reported each year in the United States.

“Decisionmakers in Camden have a responsibility to safeguard public health and protect our shared waterways,” said Lucia Osbourn, program director at the American Littoral Society. “Recreational use of the Delaware River in Camden is already a reality for many residents, and we cannot continue to pollute the very waters our communities rely on.”

Federal regulations require municipalities to reduce 85% of stormwater and sewage overflow.

Progress has been made. For instance, the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority, or CCMUA, is investing in infrastructure to divert millions of combined sewer discharges from the state’s waterways.

In an interview with WHYY News in May, Executive Director Scott Schreiber said that CCMUA is “fully committed” to restoring water quality to a level that allows people to recreate without getting sick.

According to Retirement Living’s State of Retirement and their study of best and worst states to retire, New Jersey ranks as the fourth worst state in the country to kick back, put your feet up, and retire.

According to the study, 58% of adults over 60 worry they will not have enough to retire comfortably.

A long time ago, they called it a “baby boom,” and they were right. As a result of that “baby boom,” there are more Americans hitting retirement age than ever before, so the lack of necessary monies to be comfortable in retirement is an understandable concern.

Where are the best places to retire?

Good old Wyoming ranks No. 1 in the country as the best state to retire to. If you are retired, you will need $573,800 to live a comfortable retirement. Wyoming has no state income tax and a strong economy. I just cannot see myself high in the saddle scurrying after bison in Wyoming.

West Virginia, Florida, and Montana round out the top 4 best places to retire.

Florida is a favorite of New Jersey retirees. You will need $685,000 to live in a comfortable retirement setting. Be forewarned, the study also points out that with the large influx of retirees headed to Florida, the cost of property and rentals is higher and continues to climb. That real estate will become overpriced and dig into that $685,000 quickly.

Where does New Jersey stack up?

You will need close to one million dollars to enjoy a comfortable retirement here in New Jersey, $964,000 to be exact. The Great Garden State ranks low in affordability with high real estate costs, the highest property tax rate in the country, and a high state income tax rate.

The good news is that New Jersey offers strong healthcare access and, believe it or not, a low violent crime rate. The pristine beaches, boardwalks and walkability are positive factors, but they do not necessarily offset the large amount of revenue you will need to sink into your retirement in New Jersey.

I have my own retirement plan; I want to work and play the hits” till I can’t no more.” Good luck to you.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host Big Joe Henry. Any opinions expressed are Big Joe’s own.

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After an unsuccessful 1-3-0 road trip, the Washington Capitals, who are losers of 7 of their last 9, are back home to lick their wounds and try to reverse the course of their season against the New Jersey Devils.

The Devils come into the game without their best player, Jack Hughes, who underwent surgery for a dinner-related injury. Yes, I repeat, Jack Hughes suffered an injury during a team dinner.

Meanwhile, the Capitals, who are still missing one of their best players, Pierre-Luc Dubois, are turning to Justin Sourdif to center the second line. The Capitals will also be without John Carlson due to injury.

Puck drop for tonight’s game is shortly after 7:00 pm. Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin have the call on Monumental Sports Network.

Lines

Washington Capitals

New Jersey Devils

Tunnel shenanigans

1st Period

Puck is dropped. Duhaime-Dowd-Frank and Fehervary-TVR get the start.

A notable NHL debut for the Devils.

Tom Wilson to the box for hooking Dawson Mercer at 1:23. Devils go to their first power play.

Jesper Bratt rings a point shot off the crossbar.

Declan Chisholm to the box for high-sticking, giving the Devils a 5-on-3 power play for 8 seconds.

Caps kill the 5v3. Now 1:52 of a 5v4.

Huge one-timer by Arseny Gritsyuk from the top of the right circle beats Thompson easily. Wow.

Anthony Beauvillier hooks Mercer between the legs at 7:02 and hauls him down. The Capitals are going to back to the penalty box. Capitals fans are booing. What a reverse of last year.

The Caps killed the penalty but the Devils were humming. The Caps need to stay out of the penalty box bad. This team is still great on the man advantage without Jack Hughes.

The Devils are outshooting the Capitals 9-3 with 9:46 into the game.

Martin Fehervary loses his balance and slams hard stomach-first into the end boards after being hooked by Jesper Bratt. Bratt immediately came over and checked on him. Fehervary is being helped off the ice and is leaving the game, at least for now, at 13:18.

Fehervary just returned to the ice with a few minutes to go. Great to see he’s all right.

Alex Ovechkin with a huge hit on Bratt along the end boards. He’s slow off the ice, but staying on the bench.

Luke Hughes with a pinpoint accurate shot past a screened Logan Thompson. This game is already going the wrong way.

At intermission: The Devils lead 2-0. The Devils outshot the Capitals 13 to 8. Just a horrible start when you need to turn things around.

2nd Period

Puck is dropped.

It is QUIET at Capital One Arena. You could hear a pin drop.

Hendrix Lapierre peels down the left wing, fires a shot, it’s stopped, he gets his own rebound, fires again, it’s stopped.

Devils with a rush down the ice, Thompson makes two big saves of his own consecutively on Bratt and then Hischier.

Brenden Dillon is no longer on the Devils bench.

Comment below. Refresh for live updates during the game. The thread will be closed shortly after the game is completed.