| DEP Reaches Water Reuse
Settlement with Gloucester County
County Will Construct Wastewater Reuse
System at Pitman Golf Course
(04/133) TRENTON - Settling water
allocation permit violations, Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today
announced that Gloucester County will pay the state $10,000
and create a wastewater reuse system to irrigate Pitman
Golf Course in Mantua Township.
"This settlement underscores the importance of protecting
New Jersey's water resources and identifying alternative
water supply strategies," said Commissioner Campbell.
"By developing a wastewater reuse system, Gloucester
County can continue to provide excellent recreation opportunities
at its golf course while adhering to the limits of its water
allocation permit."
The settlement agreement addresses the county's use of
more water than permitted to irrigate Pitman Golf Course,
which is located in an area with a significantly limited
potable water supply. The water allocation permit violations
occurred in the years 1999 to 2002. On July 28, 2003, DEP
issued a Notice of Violation to Gloucester County Parks
and Recreation, which owns and operates Pitman Golf Course.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Gloucester
County will work with Rowan University to construct a wastewater
reuse/reclamation project that will provide an alternate
irrigation source for the golf course. Reclamation of water
for reuse involves using highly treated, reclaimed wastewater
to offset withdrawals of potable ground and surface water.
To protect public health, treated water for use in public
areas such as golf courses is subject to stringent safety
requirements. Reuse reduces demand on public water supplies
and keeps water in the natural hydrologic system, which
can be extremely beneficial under drought conditions.
Gloucester County will tap into a wastewater line used
by Gloucester County Utilities Authorities, extract raw
sewage and treat the raw sewage at a small satellite plant.
The treated wastewater will then be used to irrigate Pitman
Golf Course. Gloucester County will begin operating the
wastewater reuse/reclamation project by July 31, 2009.
The implementation of the wastewater reuse/reclamation
project will enable Gloucester County to properly irrigate
the golf course without purchasing additional potable water
or violating the diversion limits outlined in its water
allocation permit.
The settlement agreement also contains a penalty in the
amount of $49,125.00. Gloucester County must pay $10,000
of the total penalty to settle its excess diversion of water
in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002. The remaining balance of
$39,125 will become due only if Gloucester County fails
to complete and implement the wastewater reuse/reclamation
project stipulated in the agreement.
DEP strongly supports alternative water supply strategies
to avoid water loss and supplement existing water supplies.
Commissioner Campbell recently solicited proposals for alternative
water supply strategy projects from over 400 water purveyors,
dischargers and agricultural users throughout the state.
Specifically, Commissioner Campbell requested strategies
for the injection of reclaimed water into the ground water
system, wastewater reuse for irrigation and aquifer storage
and recovery. DEP will evaluate the proposals submitted
and provide grants using funds secured from the 1981 Water
Supply Bond Fund.
The state of New Jersey regulates water allocation under
the Water Supply Management Act.
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