Municipal Stormwater Regulation

DIVISION: Water Quality - Watershed Permitting Element
GENERAL PHONE NUMBER: (609) 633- 7021
FAX NUMBER: (609) 984-2147
WEB SITE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The program was developed in response to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Phase II rules published in December 1999. The department issued final stormwater rules on February 2, 2004 and four NJPDES general permits authorizing stormwater discharges from Tier A and Tier B municipalities, as well as public complexes, and highway agencies that discharge stormwater from municipal separate storm sewers (MS4s). There are 462 Tier A municipalities and 100 Tier B municipalities.
The general permits address stormwater quality issues related to new development, redevelopment and existing development by requiring municipalities to implement a number of Statewide Basic Requirements (SBRs). All municipalities have a local stormwater coordinator and the department has case managers assigned to each municipality for compliance assistance (see below).

MONETARY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:

To offset some of the costs associated with permit requirements, the state had allocated $12 million in grant monies to municipalities and counties during fiscal years 04 and 05. Due to the fiscal constraints, there were no additional grants available for subsequent fiscal years. However, the department does provide below-market interest rate loans through the Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program to municipalities for capital improvements such as street sweepers, salt storage structures, and vehicle washing equipment.

PERMITTING RESPONSIBILITIES:

The program issues the Tier A and Tier B Municipal Stormwater General Permits to regulated municipalities and provides technical assistance and outreach. Municipal program case managers are assigned to all municipalities within the respective county and may be reached through our office.

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE:

A wide range of materials are available to assist municipalities in complying with program requirements including permits and permit summaries, guidance documents and materials, forms, and educational information. This information is available through our web site.