OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEYAbout the New Jersey Geological & Water Survey
Mission and Vision Statements
The mission of the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey (NJGWS) is to provide the highest level of service to the citizens of New Jersey, the regulatory community, academia, and industry. Through our scientific expertise in geology, hydrogeology, water supply, groundwater quality, water allocation and subsurface investigations, we provide geologic and water resource information. Our mapping efforts, research projects, scientific interpretations, licensing, and permitting ensures the protection of the environment and public health.
The vision of NJGWS is to embrace innovative ideas and proven scientific practices to ensure a healthy and well protected sustainable society and economy. NJGWS will inspire a new generation of scientific growth and be recognized as a principal leader and trustworthy voice for New Jersey’s citizens and environment.
A Message from the State Geologist
Since the mid-1800’s, the New Jersey Geological Survey has experienced many changes. The mission of the Survey has recently been expanded to include water resource planning and regulatory functions. These responsibilities have been added to the geoscience mapping, research and interpretive roles traditionally overseen at the Survey. While the Water Allocation and Well Permitting programs have always been supported by the Survey, these NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regulatory programs are now its direct responsibility. With this expanded role, the Survey will continue to provide governmental agencies, the business community and the public with information necessary to address environmental concerns and make economic decisions.
The Survey’s name has changed to reflect these added initiatives. Now known as the New Jersey Geological and Water Survey, it is organized into two Bureaus: the Bureau of Water Resources and Geoscience, led by Bureau Chief David Pasicznyk, will continue to meet the more traditional role of the Survey, and the Bureau of Water Allocation and Well Permitting, led by Bureau Chief Kathleen Burkhard, will manage the water regulatory program.
As the State Geologist, my direct functions have also expanded to include coordinating NJDEP input to the Delaware River Basin Commission, as well as providing information on issues associated with natural gas drilling processes such as hydraulic fracturing.
New initiatives include several alternative energy programs. A compilation of geothermal resources is supported by a grant from the USDOE to the Association of American State Geologists. The Survey has assisted in the State initiative to site offshore wind energy. In partnership with the neighboring states the Survey has assessed the potential for subsurface sequestration of carbon dioxide in geological formations.
Maps and reports are available to the public in printed and digital format through the Survey website. GIS data is available via electronic transfer from our Digital Geodata Series. A publications order form is available for download or upon request to: NJGWS Maps & Publications, PO 420, Mail Code 29-01, Trenton, N.J. 08625-0420. Unpublished information is provided at cost by writing to The State Geologist, N.J. Geological and Water Survey, PO 420, Mail Code 29-01, Trenton, N.J. 08625-0420. Staff are available to answer your questions 8:00AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday by calling 609-292-1185.
Organization, Staff, and Services
Office of the State Geologist
Steven Domber, State Geologist
Richard Dalton, Manager 4
Publications, Research Grants, Website, and Special Projects Group
The Publications and Special Operations Office is responsible for the creation, editing and publishing of various Survey reports, maps, educational information, and maintains the Survey’s website. This section also applies for and completes research grants related to data preservation and geospatial data, provides GIS and cartographic support to other Survey sections and outside agencies, coordinates geologic evaluations of projects submitted through the Office of Permitting and Project Navigation, and serves as the New Jersey Geographic Names Authority.
For general questions, please email.
David L. Pasicznyk, Bureau Chief
Geoscience Research & Support Section
The Geoscience Research Section is responsible for various activities for NJGWS and NJDEP. Our research scientists, geologists, and environmental specialists conduct monitoring, perform studies, and provide expertise in groundwater quality, geochemistry, borehole logging, and near-surface geophysics. This section is the NJDEP lead for seismic and vibracore offshore sand resource studies, new well and synthetic organic compound testing, and is home to the NJDEP Drilling Program.
Water Supply Modeling & Planning Section
The Water Supply Modeling and Planning Section is responsible for analyzing NJ’s water resources, infrastructure, and supply network, and initiating and developing long-term water-supply plans and policies. The goal is a comprehensive water resource management strategy for New Jersey’s groundwater and surface water supplies that ensures current and future availability and increases overall resiliency to respond to drought and climate change related stresses.
Geological Mapping & Coastal Geology Section
The Geological Mapping and Coastal Geology Section is responsible for the development of on-shore surficial and bedrock maps and off-shore geological maps. The mapping is partially funded by annual grants from the US Geological Survey. Other maps such as county-wide aquifer maps, historic fill, and karst maps, among others, are also produced. These geologic and coastal geology maps provide the basic data needed to address natural resource and environmental concerns within the DEP, governmental agencies, consulting professionals, academia, non-profit organizations, and the public use the maps as a tool for making environmental decisions and recommendations and for conducting scientific research.
Hydrogeology Analysis Section
The Hydrogeology Analysis Section is responsible for performing hydrologic evaluations of new water supply sources, including impacts to existing users and water supplies. This section also assesses the movement of saltwater and contaminants impacting the State’s water resources and utilizes computer models to characterize aquifers and delineate wellhead protection areas.
For general questions, please email.
Kathleen Burkhard, Bureau Chief
Water Allocation Section
The Water Allocation Section is responsible for regulating and tracking the use of surface and groundwater statewide, coordinating with the Bureau of Water System Engineering to ensure that water purveyors maintain adequate water supply, preparing monthly reports on all outputs, performing administrative reviews of all incoming water allocation permit applications, performing QA/QC analysis of all permits issued, monitoring the submission of all data required by the permits and handling all fees and billing, administering the Agricultural Water Usage Certification or Agricultural Water Use Registration program, and overseeing the development and implementation of all Regulations, Excess Diversion calculations and other requirements. It consists of two units:
Well Permitting Section
The Well Permitting Section is responsible for reviewing and issuing electronically submitted well permit applications for the construction and installation of residential, public, commercial, industrial, geothermal and remediation and monitoring wells, providing technical assistance to the Well Permitting Unit regarding technical construction deviations requested, the review of well records, well abandonment, conducting scheduled and unscheduled site inspections and taking any enforcement action as deemed necessary, and overseeing the licensing of well drillers and licensed pump installers. The Well Permitting Section is comprised of two units:
Environmental Analysis Unit
Water Allocation Technical Unit
Well Permitting Administration Unit
Well Permitting Technical. Examination & Licesnsing Unit
More information about the Water Allocation Section.
More information about the Well Permitting Section.