OPRA tracking number 322791
Dear New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,
On 9/21/22 an OPRA was filed and issued tracking number 322791. A response was given by the NJ DEP on 9/25/22 stating no such records existed.
Since then, we have obtained records from a municipal agency proving otherwise. On 9/2/21, a NJDEP Environmental Specialist named Victoria Vella sent an email from [email address] to a municipal agency containing a letter dated 9/1/22 signed by Yacoub Yacoub (NJDEP Bureau Chief of Field Operations) in reference to construction permits issued to the individuals and entity/company. Said email and attachments were also CC'ed to a [email address].
The email and the attached letter fall within the time frame mentioned in the original request, therefore we are requesting an explanation for why the NJ DEP gave false information about the existence of said records and refuse to release them without justification, which are clear violations of NJ OPRA.
In addition, we are again requesting for all communication from the NJ DEP to any municipal agency in reference to Sam Bonaccorso and Sons LLC, Salvatore Bonaccorso and/or Christian Cueto for the same time frame.
Good morning,
Our bureau chief who handled your request is out of the office until 10/12/22. He will respond to you when he returns to the office. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Dear Records, DEP [DEP],
Hello, I am seeking an update to your email dated 10/6/22. As the Bureau Chief that handled my request back at work and had the opportunity to review my request since I was improperly and falsely told said records do not exist?
Yours sincerely,
New Jersey Resident
Good morning,
He is currently going through emails and catching up. He actually retuned today and he is remotely working. He will respond as soon as he is able. Sorry.
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Thank you for your email. The original search was liberal seeking any emails with the NJDEP for the subject time period that contained "Bonaccorso" OR "Cueto" in the subject line or body text. I'm not sure why no responsive email records were identified. I searched two specified employees and identified emails on the matter. I'm doing a more global search and after review of the results, will respond.
Matthew J. Coefer, Chief Records Custodian
NJDEP – Office of Record Access
(609) 633-1339
N/A N/A:
The NJDEP has issued a revised response to your request (attached) identifying responsive records, which have been attached hereto, were located. Apologies for any inconvenience that resulted from the initial search not identifying the responsive records.
Matthew J. Coefer, Chief Records Custodian
NJDEP – Office of Record Access
(609) 633-1339