NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Land Use Management
Division of Watershed Management m

Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period
Water Quality Management Planning rules
Proposed Readoption with amendments: N.J.A.C. 7:15

TAKE NOTICE that the Department of Environmental Protection (the Department) is extending the comment period for the proposed readoption with amendments of the Water Quality Management Planning rules, N.J.A.C. 7:15.  The proposed amendments would change the rules in numerous ways to, among other things, ensure better protection of water quality and improve predictability in implementation of the rules.  The amendments include reassignment of wastewater management planning responsibility to the County Boards of Chosen Freeholders; withdrawal and re-designation of wastewater service areas where the applicable wastewater management plan (WMP) is not in compliance with the mandatory update schedule contained in the rules; a requirement that municipalities pass an ordinance designed to assure septic system maintenance; and a requirement that updated WMPs address septic density in a manner that demonstrates compliance with a 2 mg/L (ppm) nitrate planning standard.  The proposed amendments also establish clear standards for delineating sewer service areas to protect environmentally sensitive areas as well as clear, environmentally protective standards for the review of WQM plan amendments. The latter include standards to address wastewater, water supply, nonpoint source pollution (including controls related to stormwater, riparian zones and steep slopes), and habitat of threatened and endangered species.

This proposal was published in the New Jersey Register on May 21, 2007 at 39 N.J.R. 1870(a).  The comment period for this proposal was originally scheduled to close on July 20, 2007.  The Department is extending the comment period by 31 days to Monday, August 20, 2007.  Written comments may be submitted by August 20, 2007 to:

Gary J. Brower, Esq.
Attention: DEP Docket No. 10-07-04/527
Office of Legal Affairs
Department of Environmental Protection
401 East State Street, 4th Floor
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0402

Please refer to the original proposal for detailed information regarding the proposed readoption with amendments.