BUREAU OF WATERSHED PLANNING

Ken Klipstein, Bureau Chief
(609) 633-3812

The purpose of the Bureau of Watershed Planning (BWP) is to support the Division's mission by developing local partnerships and then working with those partners to achieve implementation of water quality management planning. BWP is also tasked with conducting public hearings and less formal meetings concerning TMDLs and recommended implementation plans. Where information in TMDLs is not specific enough to develop specific implementation strategies, BWP will work with local partners to gather required information and refine implementation plans.

As part of its overall implementation of water quality management planning, BWP provides education and outreach resources for local communities and educators. Because nonpoint source pollution is cited as a major cause of water quality impairment in many TMDLs, behavior change and education programs are a vital link in achieving water quality improvement goals. Through the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program, the Clean Water Raingers Publications, Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), the Urban Watershed Education Program, and other resources, state residents have many opportunities to learn about NJ waterways and their role in improving water quality.

In addition, the BWP will implement the 319(h) and 604(b) Grant Programs. This includes advertising grant availability, development of grant eligibility guidelines, grant application evaluation, lead role and maintaining the federal Grants Reporting and Tracking System (GRTS). Grants programs should be geared toward the development of specific action plans for watershed restoration and implementation of those plans and TMDLs in concentrated areas with the goal of producing measurable results.

BWP will also hold briefing meetings with identified stakeholders as interim work products are developed. BWP will coordinate interim work products with the Water Policy Office and Water Supply Administrator prior to holding briefings. The bureau will also participate in other related water supply studies including Ecological Flow Goals and Water Budgets.

Additionally, the BWP is assigned: to develop one Water Restoration Plan for each Watershed Management Area, working alone or with local partners; to develop and manage regional water supply studies; to assist local partners in the development or regional stormwater plans as requested; to provide Department representation on Greenwood Lake Commission and Lake Hopatcong Commission; to assist in outreach efforts for new initiatives including Source Water Protection, Endangered and Threatened Species Protection, and Highlands Protection; to manage assigned grants and perform required quarterly reporting; to manage the Division's Information Technology resources including equipment inventory tracking, replacement, and acquisition; to participate in Data Management Systems Development; to develop and complete DWM NJEMS integration in accordance with OIRM GANT Chart; and to coordinate work with other Bureaus, and inform them of progress in watershed planning, TMDL implementation, and regional water supply development.