OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Under the New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Act, N.J.S.A. 58:12A-1 et seq., the Department is charged with assuming primary enforcement responsibility for the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Part of that responsibility is establishing the maximum permissible level of contaminants in drinking water which is delivered to consumers.

The rules governing the Department’s implementation of both the Federal and New Jersey Safe Drinking Water Acts may be found here:  NJ SDWA Rule Text June 1 2020 The rules incorporate the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, its maximum contaminant levels, and implements New Jersey’s discretionary changes to the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations which establish State specific maximum contaminant levels for various contaminants, including PFAS.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), previously referred to as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), that are man-made and used in industrial and commercial applications. PFOA was used as a processing aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers used in non-stick cookware and other products, as well as other commercial and industrial uses, based on its resistance to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. PFOS is used in metal plating and finishing as well as in various commercial products. Both PFOA and PFOS have been used in aqueous film forming foams for firefighting and training, and both compounds are found in consumer products such as stain resistant coatings for upholstery and carpets, water resistant outdoor clothing, and grease proof food packaging. PFNA has been historically used as a processing aid in the manufacturing of high-performance plastics that are resistant to harsh chemicals and high temperatures. Although the use of PFOA, PFOS, and PFNA has decreased substantially, contamination is expected to continue indefinitely because these substances are extremely persistent in the environment and are soluble and mobile in water.  [Source:  faq-pfas-in-drinking-water.pdf (nj.gov)]

More information on PFAS may be found at NJDEP| Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, (PFAS)

To qualify for an exemption from the Green Acres diversion process under N.J.S.A. 13:8C-53a, the proposed installation of treatment equipment, facilities or improvements on parkland must meet the following criteria:

• The drinking water well must be operated by a municipality, municipally owned and operated water utility or a municipal utility authority.
• The drinking water well must be pre-existing as of July 20, 2023.
• There is an exceedance or expected exceedance of a maximum contaminant level established by the Department under the Safe Drinking Water Act, N.J.S.A. 58:12A-1 et seq.
• The Department must approve the proposed project as reasonably necessary to address the exceedance or expected exceedance.
• The proposed project must be sited in such a manner as to minimize disturbance to the environment.
• The proposed project cannot substantially impact the use of the parkland for recreation and conservation purposes, including public access to the parkland.
• The governing body of the municipality in which the well is located must conduct a public hearing on the exemption request.

To qualify as “pre-existing” under N.J.S.A. 13:8C-53a, a well must have existed on the parkland prior to July 20, 2023.

Under N.J.S.A. 13:8C-53a, a municipality may apply for an exemption for a municipally owned and operated water systems, municipal water utility or municipal utilities authority.

Privately owned water systems are not eligible for the exemption.