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Frequently Asked Questions Generic Treatment Works Approvals Alternative Design Treatment Works Approval Forms EPA Guidance Information NJ Local Health Departments DEP's Landuse Regulation Program (LURP permits)

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

Frequently Asked Questions and Guidance Regarding the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

Technical Guidance for Inspections of Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems

Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

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

Alternate Design TWA Application Forms and Checklist

Septic Management Tips

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