Ranking

DEP ranks all projects on the basis of the total number of ranking points each project receives and places the projects on the Priority List according to their ranking. Ranking methodology is determined in the Intended Use Plans for Drinking Water and Clean Water projects. Additional priority points are provided for selected situations such as Sustainable Community Planning Activities, Project Discharge Categories, Water Use/Water Quality, Smart Growth Approvals, population, etc.

Pre-Planning Meeting

For new applicants or complex projects, Water Bank staff recommend participating in a Pre-Planning Meeting after completing project information in H2Loans, but before you design the project in order to learn about the program and approvals required. The Pre-Planning Meeting is open to applicants and their advisors, as well as relevant state and federal agencies that may be providing permits or funding. For projects with stormwater components a review by the DEP-Division of Water Quality Stormwater Management unit may be required.

Environmental Review

Applicants pursuing financing must submit a planning document, specifications, and plans for each project for technical review by the Environmental and Cultural Resources Reviewers. The planning document and application forms are submitted through NJWB’s online application system, H₂LOans (the specifications and plans are usually submitted later in the process).

The review is based on applicable State and Federal regulations. Comments based on the review will be issued to the authorized representative or applicant. A response is requested within 30 days to maintain the project schedule. Based on the initial review of the planning information, the project is assigned an environmental review level: 1, 2, or 3. Level 2 or 3 projects have more anticipated impacts and must therefore go through a more extensive review process.

The conclusions of the review of the planning document are conveyed to the public by issuance of an Environmental Decision Document that is communicated to all affected parties. In the Environmental Decision Document, the Environmental Reviewer summarizes project conditions, anticipated impacts, and any necessary mitigating measures. During the review of the specifications and plans, the Project Manager typically conveys comments from the Environmental and Cultural Resources Reviewers to the applicant or their representatives.

Cultural Resources Review

Each project is reviewed by the NJWB Cultural Resources Unit to determine its potential to affect historic properties. Often the planning documentation submitted through H2Loans provides sufficient information to conduct the CR review, but additional information may be requested. This review is generally conducted concurrently with the environmental review. Its purpose is to determine what type of cultural resource investigation is needed to attain compliance with applicable state and federal cultural resource laws. The review determines whether a project will require a cultural resources survey based on numerous factors, including its potential to affect significant prehistoric or historic archaeological or above-ground resources, and the degree to which such resources, if present, may have been disturbed or compromised by either natural or human forces. The CR Unit will communicate with the applicant regarding the need for a cultural resources survey, and the type of survey required.

Resilience Requirements

New to State Fiscal Year 2024!

New Resilience Requirements ensure that applicants seeking public funding assistance incorporate climate resilience when developing and justifying the selection of the most economical, effective, and practical project alternatives. These requirements include new mapping, consideration of climate change impacts, and resilience assessments. where applicable. To learn more about the standards and procedures, see the Building Resilient Water Infrastructure Climate Change Resilience Guidance.

Engineering Review

Applicants pursuing financing must submit a contract document, specifications, and plans for administrative and technical review by the Engineering Reviewer. Applicants can submit loan application documents at any time throughout the calendar year through the NJWB’s online application system, H2Loans.

The review is based on various applicable State, Federal, and EPA regulations. Comments based on the review will be issued to authorized representative or applicant. A response is requested within 15 days to maintain the project schedule.

A permitting review is required with all State permits approved before advertising. At the conclusion of the review process, an Authorization to Advertise will be issued for the contract. The Engineering Reviewer will act as the Project Manager and be the primary contact in the NJWB for the applicant and their representatives.

SED Review

Applicants pursuing financing must submit contract documents and utilization plans to demonstrate compliance with socially and economically disadvantages business (SED) utilization.

Reviewers provide technical assistance regarding the solicitation and utilization of socially and economically disadvantaged firms (SEDs) to project sponsors, engineering firms, municipalities, public and private water companies, contractors, project compliance officers and subcontractors. They also provide assistance in the development of contract documents, project sponsor and contractor SED utilization plans.

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