NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
\n<\/b>Land Use Management
\nDivision of Watershed Management<\/p>\n
Notice of Rule Proposal<\/strong> Public Notice<\/b> The Water Quality Management Planning rules, N.J.A.C. 7:15, were first adopted on October 2, 1989.\u00a0 They primarily implement the New Jersey Water Quality Planning Act, N.J.S.A. 58:11A-1 et seq., whose purpose is to maintain, and where attainable, restore the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the surface and ground water resources of the State.\u00a0 Accordingly, the rules prescribe water quality management policies, procedures and standards which protect public health; safeguard fish, aquatic life, and scenic and ecological values; and enhance domestic, municipal, recreational, industrial and other uses of water.\u00a0 These rules also establish a grant program to assist watershed management groups in carrying out watershed management activities, pursuant to the Watershed Protection and Management Act of 1997, N.J.S.A. 58:29-1 et seq. \u00a0The Department administers the Water Quality Management Planning rules as part of the \u201ccontinuing planning process\u201d required by the Federal Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. \u00a7\u00a7 1251 et seq., and the New Jersey Water Quality Planning Act.\u00a0 These rules serve two basic functions. \u00a0They establish the Department\u2019s general regulatory framework for water quality\/water resource planning and supplement other Department rules pertaining to wastewater management.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Department is proposing to amend the rules in numerous ways to, among other things, ensure better protection of water quality and improve predictability in implementation of the rules.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n The proposal is scheduled to be published in the New Jersey Public hearings concerning the proposal are scheduled as follows:<\/p>\n Friday, June 8, 2007 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm or close of testimony, whichever occurs first Monday, June 11, 2007 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or close of testimony, whichever occurs first Friday, June 15, 2007 from1:00 pm to 5:00 pm or close of testimony, whichever occurs first
\nWater Quality Management Planning, N.J.A.C. 7:15<\/p>\n
\nTake notice that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to readopt the Water Quality Management Planning rules, N.J.A.C. 7:15, with amendments, and to repeal N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.5, N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.7, N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.9 through N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.12, N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.21 and N.J.A.C. 7:15-7.\u00a0 The Department is proposing a repeal and new rules at N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.2, N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.13, N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.14, N.J.A.C. 7:15-6 and N.J.A.C. 7:15-8.\u00a0 Additionally, new rule is proposed at N.J.A.C. 7:15-1.6, and 1.7, N.J.A.C. 7:15-3.10, and N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.24 through N.J.A.C. 7:15-5.26.\u00a0 A statement of the proposal follows:<\/p>\n\n
\nRegister dated May 21, 2007.\u00a0 A copy of the proposal is
\navailable from: NJDEP<\/a> (PDF)<\/span>;
\nLexisNexis Customer Service at (800)223-1944 or https:\/\/www.lexisnexis.com\/hottopics\/njoal\/<\/a>;
\nor by contacting the Department at (609) 633-1441.\u00a0 Be
\nadvised that there may be a fee for obtaining a copy of the
\nproposal from some sources.<\/p>\n
\nGalloway Township Library
\n306 East Jimmie Leeds Road
\nGalloway, New Jersey<\/p>\n
\nLewis Morris County Park and Cultural Center
\n300 Mendham Road (County Road 510)
\nMorris Township, New Jersey<\/p>\n
\nNew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
\nPublic Hearing Room, 1st floor
\n401 East State Street
\nTrenton, New Jersey<\/p><\/blockquote>\n