{"id":8696,"date":"2024-09-13T09:05:03","date_gmt":"2024-09-13T13:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njpdes-stormwater\/?page_id=8696"},"modified":"2026-03-24T21:17:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T21:17:54","slug":"watershed-improvement-plan-resource-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/municipal-stormwater-regulation-program\/watershed-improvement-plan-resource-page\/","title":{"rendered":"Watershed Improvement Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][info-box-shortcode title=&#8221;Templates&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/113\/phase-1-watershed-inventory-report-template.docx\">Phase 1 &#8211; Watershed Inventory Report Template<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/113\/phase-2-watershed-assessment-report-template.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Phase 2 &#8211; Watershed Assessment Report Template<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"http:\/\/x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Phase 3 &#8211; Watershed Improvement Plan &#8211; <em>Coming Soon<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n<p>[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][info-box-shortcode title=&#8221;New Jersey Watershed Evaluation Tool (NJ-WET)&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/experience.arcgis.com\/experience\/f40f65d807bb4372bd92b48bb98f1972\/page\/Home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NJ-WET<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/113\/nj-wet-faq.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NJ-WET FAQ<\/a><\/div>\n<p>[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][info-box-shortcode title=&#8221;Resources&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/113\/watershed-improvement-plan-project-selection-tool.xlsx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">*WIP Project Matrix (See * below)<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"http:\/\/x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WIP Project Descriptions &#8211;<em> Coming Soon<\/em><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/113\/wip-frequently-asked-questions.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WIP Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/113\/pollutants-of-concern.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pollutants of Concern<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/municipal-stormwater-regulation-program\/tmdl\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TMDL Lookup Tool<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/gisdata-njdep.opendata.arcgis.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NJDEP Open Data<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/hydro.rutgers.edu\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">H&amp;H Database<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-button mt-auto\"><a class=\"btn btn-block btn-outline-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/113\/rutgers-cooperative-extension.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">**MS4 Technical Assistance Program for Municipalities &#8211; Rutgers Cooperative Extension (See ** below)<\/a><\/div>\n<p>[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<em>*Recommendations for additional water quality improvement projects may be sent to <a href=\"mailto:stormwatermanager@deptest.nj.gov\">stormwatermanager@deptest.nj.gov<\/a>. Please provide all documentation supporting their effectiveness with the submission for consideration.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>**NJDEP is funding a new technical assistance program with Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) to assist municipalities with many of the requirements in the recently renewed Tier A permit. This program can assist municipalities with:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Aiding in the development of the Watershed Improvement Plan,<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Helping municipalities better position themselves for stormwater funding opportunities,<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Aiding in the evaluation of long-term stormwater program improvements and solutions, such as stormwater utilities,<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Supporting MS4 and CSO Long-Term Control Plan compliance.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>For more information on the RCE Water Resources Program and how it can assist your municipality with permit compliance, click <a href=\"http:\/\/water.rutgers.edu\/Projects\/MS4\/MS4.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=&#8221;sky&#8221; border_width=&#8221;3&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1730119945868{border-color: #1E73BE !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<span class=\"TextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">A<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">Watershed Improvement Plan<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> (WIP) <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">is a plan<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">required<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> through the<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">M<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">S<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">4 permits<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> that <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">each permittee<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">will develop <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">during<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> the <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">current five<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">&#8211;<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">year <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">permit <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">cycle and will <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">ultimately result<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> in <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">water quality improvements and reduced flooding<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> across New Jersey<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">The plan will be organized in three phases.<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">Phase 1 is <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">to complete a stormwater inventory <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">by mapping required features. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">Phase 2 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">will <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">evaluate<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> the information f<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">ound in the first phase<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">determine<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> what <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">potential improvement project<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">s<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> may be implemented to address water quality and quantity <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">concerns. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">In<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> the final phase<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">, p<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">ermittees will <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">identify<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> which of the potential <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">quality and quantity <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">improvement <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">projects<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\"> they are choosing to implement<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW68764011 BCX0\">, and on what schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW68764011 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The purpose of the WIP is to identify opportunities to improve water quality, reduce MS4 contribution of pollutants to waterbodies with impairments and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), and to address stormwater flooding to protect human health and safety, and the environment.\u00a0 There are many water quality impairments and resulting TMDLs that affect subwatersheds in every municipality across New Jersey (Figure 1).\u00a0 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are 958 subwatersheds in New Jersey (Figure 2).\u00a0 These subwatersheds can also be described as HUC14s and are identified by their 14-digit Hydrologic Unit Codes.\u00a0 Each subwatershed may have multiple TMDLs and impairments for various parameters, such as Fecal Coliform, Total Phosphorous (TP), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), E. coli, Nitrogen, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Temperature, Turbidity, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and metals.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some of these impairments affect fish and aquatic biota, the intakes that supply our drinking water, and the rivers and coastal waters where many of us swim. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">At least a portion of every town in the state has a TMDL, an impairment, or the vast majority have both.\u00a0 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Some of these waters have no other discharges into them other than stormwater runoff.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The MS4 permits require that stormwater permittees develop or take part in the development of a regional WIP to identify water quality and quantity problems affecting their subwatersheds and determine what improvements can be made to reduce their contribution.\u202fThe Department recognizes that some sources of pollution and flooding are beyond a permittee&#8217;s jurisdiction, such as farmland, or county\/state\/federal properties, but this exercise will help identify those sources.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The MS4 Unit is finalizing guidance materials to assist permittees in completing WIP requirements.\u00a0 Please check back for future updates and contact us at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:stormwatermanager@deptest.nj.gov\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">stormwatermanager@deptest.nj.gov<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with any questions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1730119811127{border-radius: 2px !important;border-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;7964&#8243; img_size=&#8221;552&#215;714&#8243; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<strong>Figure 1.<\/strong> New Jersey\u2019s water quality impairments from the 2020 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, and the Department\u2019s 2018 and 2021 TMDL data by municipality.\u00a0 Areas with water quality impairments for which TMDLs have been developed are represented in yellow. Areas with water quality impairments for which no TMDLs have been developed yet are represented in blue. Green represents areas where both a TMDL and an impairment are present.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;8003&#8243; img_size=&#8221;552&#215;714&#8243; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<strong>Figure 2.<\/strong> New Jersey\u2019s water quality impairments from the 2020 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, and the Department\u2019s 2018 and 2021 TMDL data by HUC14.\u00a0 White areas represent subwatersheds with no TMDL or water quality impairment.\u00a0 Each subwatershed may have multiple TMDLs and impairments for various parameters, so the layers are transparent to show any overlaps.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][info-box-shortcode title=&#8221;Templates&#8221;] Phase 1 &#8211; Watershed Inventory Report Template Phase 2 &#8211; Watershed Assessment Report Template Phase 3 &#8211; Watershed Improvement Plan &#8211; Coming Soon [\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][info-box-shortcode title=&#8221;New Jersey Watershed Evaluation Tool (NJ-WET)&#8221;] NJ-WET NJ-WET FAQ [\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][info-box-shortcode title=&#8221;Resources&#8221;] *WIP Project Matrix (See * below) WIP Project Descriptions &#8211; Coming Soon WIP Frequently [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":453,"featured_media":8016,"parent":9996,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"fullwidth-title.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8696","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8696","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/453"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8696"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8696\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10153,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8696\/revisions\/10153"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/stormwater\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8696"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}