(11/P24) TRENTON - The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting to discuss Atlantic County's draft sewer service area map on Wednesday, March 23, as part of a planning effort to update the Wastewater Management Plan for this county.

At issue will be a service area covering all cities and towns in Atlantic County.

The map to be discussed on March 23 is a preliminary working draft, developed in coordination with and reviewed by the DEP, Atlantic County and municipalities. It reflects proposed changes in wastewater service area designations to eliminate conflicts with Category One waters, wetlands, threatened and endangered species habitats and other unique and rare ecological communities.

The draft is subject to change in response to information provided by the public. The preliminary working draft map can be viewed at: http://www.aclink.org/GIS/mainpages/static_display.asp?gis_var=ssa.

This is a public information session where residents and developers can examine maps and ask questions concerning the proposed changes in sewer service area designation.

The meeting will take place at the Anthony Canale Training Center, 5033 English Creek Avenue in Egg Harbor Township between 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Another formal public comment process will take place prior to adoption.