[EXTERNAL]: Notice of Extension of Comment Period - Ground Water Quality Standards, N.J.A.C. 7:9C, and Remediation Standards, N.J.A.C. 7:26D

NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
DIVISION OF WATER MONITORING, STANDARDS AND PESTICIDE CONTROL
CONTAMINATED SITE REMEDIATION AND REDEVELOPMENT

Notice of Extension of Comment Period
Ground Water Quality Standards, N.J.A.C. 7:9C
Remediation Standards, N.J.A.C. 7:26D

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is extending the comment period on the proposal of amendments to the Ground Water Quality Standards at N.J.A.C. 7:9C that was published in the New Jersey Register on January 2, 2024 (56 N.J.R. 3(a)). The proposal indicated that written comments may be submitted by March 2, 2024. The public comment period is extended until Friday, April 5, 2024.

The Department is proposing to update the specific ground water quality criteria and/or practical quantitation levels (PQLs) for 73 constituents of Class II-A ground water based on United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methodologies and the best available scientific information. In addition, the Department is proposing to amend N.J.A.C. 7:9C-1.7(c)3i to enable the Department to update the specific ground water quality criterion for a constituent with a corresponding Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) in the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:10, when the Department determines that the weight of evidence approach specified at N.J.A.C. 7:9C-1.7(c)3ii would more appropriately address the risk posed by the constituent than the risk addressed by the health-based level used to establish the MCL. Lastly, the Department is proposing to amend the Remediation Standards at N.J.A.C. 7:26D-7.2(b) to reference N.J.A.C. 7:9C-1.7(c), instead of (c)5.

A virtual public hearing was held on January 30, 2024. A copy of the proposal and the supporting basis and background document are available on the Department's website at https://dep.nj.gov/rules/notice-of-rule-proposals/. The written comments may be submitted at https://dep.nj.gov/rules/rule-comment-form/.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is dedicated to protecting New Jersey's environment and public health. The agency prioritizes addressing climate change, protecting New Jersey's water, revitalizing its communities and managing and promoting its natural and historic resources.

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