transparent
transparent
topnav
gov
Services A-Z Departments/Agencies FAQs NJ Home
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection  
NJDEP Homedepheader
Bureau of Ground Water, Residuals, and Permit Administration
NJDEP Division of Water Quality
bluearrow  Ground Water Permitting Program
 
BlueArrow Types of Individual DGW Permits
BlueArrow Regulated Facilities
BlueArrow Applying for an Individual Permit
BlueArrow DGW Individual Permits
BlueArrow DGW General Permits
BlueArrow Frequently Asked Questions
bluearrow  Onsite WW Management Program
 
BlueArrow Homeowner Guidance
BlueArrow Permitting Information
BlueArrow Alternative Technology
BlueArrow Inspection Guidance
BlueArrow Professional Information
bluearrow  Residuals Management Program
 
BlueArrow Residuals, Biosolids, Sewage Sludge
BlueArrow Interactive Sewage Sludge Mapping Tool
BlueArrow Residuals General Permits
BlueArrow Residuals Application Forms and Checklists
bluearrow  Permit Administration Section
 
BlueArrow Permit Application Forms and Checklists
 
BlueArrow NJPDES Surface Water Discharge
BlueArrow NJPDES Stormwater Discharge
BlueArrow NJPDES Ground Water Discharge
BlueArrow NJPDES Significant Indirect User
BlueArrow NJPDES Residual Management
BlueArrow NJPDES Adjudicatory Hearing Requests and Stay Request Forms
BlueArrow N.J.A.C. 7:9A Alternate Design Treatment Works Approval
BlueArrow NJPDES Treatment Works
Approval
BlueArrow Municipal Finance Loan Applications
BlueArrow Additional Administrative Forms for NJPDES Program
BlueArrow NJPDES Monitoring Report Forms
BlueArrow NJPDES Permit Fees
BlueArrow Online NJPDES Permit Records Information
   
left bar Find Forms | Contact Us rightbar
 
Helpful Links
arrow
arrow
arrow
arrow
arrow
arrow
Professional Information

The location, design, construction, installation, repair and operation of individual septic systems in New Jersey are subject to the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (N.J.A.C. 7:9A) pursuant to the authority of the Realty Improvement Sewerage and Facilities Act (N.J.S.A. 58:11-23). These standards, by rule, integrate the elements of soils, geology and engineering, so that a relatively simple system will effectively remove disease-causing pathogens and chemical nutrients from domestic wastewater.

In New Jersey, the DEP develops the regulations, along with input from the State’s stakeholders.  The regulations are implemented and enforced by municipal and county Boards of Health. However, most Boards of Health contract local health departments to assist with local onsite wastewater management, which involves implementation of N.J.A.C. 7:9A, septic plan reviews, permitting and enforcement of health and environmental violations in accordance to the code. 

Unless a local health department has directed otherwise, residents do not need to obtain an approval from the DEP when repairing, altering or constructing their septic system. Residents only need a DEP approval when local authorities cannot approve a project in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:9A.

Featured Documentation for Local Health Departments

Do you need technical permitting information? There is a Frequently Asked Questions document to assist health departments in reviewing septic system applications. Installation and design documentation from manufacturers is also important to have during the review process. Please remember that guidance from the DEP is limited in applicability under N.J.A.C. 7:9A. From the left to right lists DEP's, Frequently Asked Questions, Technical Guidance for Inspecting Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (pdf) , and the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems.

Documents, Publications and Forms

FAQ Manual
Frequently Asked Questions and Guidance Regarding the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
Inspection Manual
Technical Guidance for Inspections of Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems
N.J.A.C. 7:9A
Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

  Title Type Format
Generic Treatment Works Approvals
arrow Select Fill Specifications (pdf)
Permit
pdf
arrow Gravel Alternative Specifications (pdf)
Permit
pdf
arrow Gravel Alternative Appendix 1 (pdf)
Permit
pdf
arrow Gravel Alternative Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet
excel
arrow Pinelands Pilot Study (pdf)
Permit
pdf
arrow Tire Chip Specifications (pdf)
Permit
pdf
arrow Chamber Disposal Field Specifications (pdf)
Permit
pdf
Voluntary Registration
arrow Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Professionals Voluntary Registration Form
Form
pdf

Alternate Design TWA Application Forms and Checklist

Septic Management Tips

  • Provide management continuity
  • Enforce regulations and program requirements through incentives
  • Conduct site and regional-scale evaluations
  • Require certification or licensing of service provides
  • Oversee system design review and approval
  • Issue installation and operation permits
  • Oversee system construction
  • Access property for inspection and monitoring
  • Inspect and monitor systems and the receiving environment
  • Finance the program through a dedicated finding source
  • Charge fees for management program services (e.g., permitting, inspections)
  • Provide financial or cost-share assistance
  • Issue and/or receive grants
  • Develop training for service providers and staff
  • Conduct public education and involvement programs
  • Hire, train, and retain qualified employees
  • Bookkeeping Equals Good Septic Management

    The Onsite Program has put together information about data management. Residents rely on government agencies to provide basic information about their septic system, especially during real estate transactions. Data collection and management are essential to program planning, development, and implementation. It is important that records be accessible. This means that information that goes into a record keeping system must be able to come out of the record keeping system. Each year the Onsite Wastewater Management Program collaborates with local health departments to obtain permit information to assist in managing nonpoint pollution on a statewide basis. Local governments can participate by making sure that the information collected will result in useful information that lends to public health, environmental protection, and at a minimum meets the program's clearly defined program goals.

    Data Elements

  • Permit Information
  • General Site Information
  • Site Evaluation Information
  • Treatment System Information
  • Facility Information
  • Service Report Data
  • Complains and Public Nuisance Data
  •  

     

    transparent
    transparent
    NJ Home

    Department:  NJDEP Home | About DEP | Index by Topic | Programs/Units | DEP Online
    Statewide: NJ Home | Services A to Z | Departments/Agencies | FAQs

    Copyright © State of New Jersey, 1996-2023

    Last Updated: June 1, 2023

    transparent
    transparent