Official Site of The State of New Jersey

The most recent municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit became effective on January 1, 2023. Because proper stormwater management advances the goals and purposes of the Highlands Act and the Regional Master Plan (RMP), Highlands Council grant funding is available to supplement NJDEP funding for permit compliance. While all Highlands municipalities are eligible for this funding, should requests exceed available funding prioirty will be given to conforming municipalities. Please see additional information below.

• Quick Guide: Navigating the MS4 Permit Changes in the Highlands (pdf)
• Model Scope of Work (SOW): Tier B to Tier A (pdf)
  To request grant funding from the Highlands Council to support compliance with the 2023-27 MS4 permit for any Highlands municipality transitioning from Tier B to Tier A
• Model Scope of Work (SOW): Tier A (pdf)
  To request grant funding from the Highlands Council to support compliance with the 2023-27 MS4 permit for any Tier A Highlands municipality.

Quick Start Steps

1. Apply for NJDEP grant funding.
2. Develop a timeline for completing permit requirements including all tasks, estimated costs and possible funding sources, keeping in mind that the Highlands Council can provide funding for any planning, design, and engineering work.
3. Contact your Highlands Council Liaison for additional information and guidance.

Useful links

• New Jersey Future MS4 Primer for Municipalities (pdf)
• NJDEP 2023 MS4 Tier A Permit Deliverables Timeline (pdf)
• NJDEP MS4 Stormwater Assistance Grants
• NJDEP MS4 Permit Templates, Forms and Guidance

Guidance documents for the development of these programs (including model scopes of work, ordinance amendments, mitigation planning guidance and BMP examples) are available below. 

• Highlands Region Stormwater Management Program Guidance (pdf)
• Appendix A: Model Scope of Work (pdf)
• Appendix B: Stormwater Structure Data Collection/Submission Suggested Protocol (pdf)
• Appendix C: Stormwater Infrastructure Mapping and Inventory Guidance Document (pdf)
• Appendix D: Highlands Stormwater Control Ordinance Amendments (pdf)
• Appendix E: Approach for Developing Municipal Stormwater Mitigation Plans in the Highlands Region (pdf)
• Constructed Examples of Best Management Practices (BMP) Projects (pdf)

 

June 2021 - Regional Stormwater Management Planning for the Highlands

Event Video (YouTube)

Presentations

• Welcome and Agenda
  Lisa J. Plevin, Highlands Council Executive Director; Kelley Curran, Senior Resource Management Specialist and Stormwater Planning Lea
• Highlands Regional Stormwater Management Planning
  Dr. Christopher Obropta, Ph.D., P.E., Rutgers Cooperative Extension Water Resources Program
• Highlands Council Grant Funding
  Herb August, Highlands Council Manager of Grants Administration
• Unlocking Green Infrastructure Financing
  David Zimmer, NJ I-Bank, Executive Director
• Sustainable Jersey Tools to Advance your Reduction Action Plans
  Anne Heasly, Sustainable Jersey, Program Manager of Policy and Planning
• Green Infrastructure in Bernardsville Borough
  Dr. Kristi MacDonald, Director of Science, Raritan Headwaters Association

September 2019 -  Mapping Your Municipal Stormwater Infrastructure

• Agenda (pdf)
• NJDEP Stormwater Mapping Tool Q&A (pdf)
• Highlands Stormwater Management Program Presentation (pdf)
• NJDEP MS4 Inventory and Mapping Assistance Presentation (pdf)

Highlands Council grants can cover planning, design, and engineering costs. Below are links to potential sources of implementation funding.

• USEPA Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program – Federal Credit Program for eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects
• USEPA Green Infrastructure Funding and Technical Assistance Opportunities 
• New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJ I-Bank) Green Infrastructure Applicant Guide
• NJDEP Grant and Loan Programs
• Sustainable Jersey Grants & Technical Assistance