Comprehensive Plan of Action Item #4
Require Post-Construction Soil Restoration

On January 5, 2011, Governor Chris Christie signed into law a measure that requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, through the State Soil Conservation Committee, to propose modifications to the exiting soil erosion and sediment control standards.  These modifications and standards will address soil compaction across the state, which is a contributing factor in stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution in New Jersey's waterways.  The modifications will ensure that soil is restored to the greatest extent possible through aeration and re-vegetation.   These modifications are designed to ensure cost-effective restoration of the optimal physical, chemical, and biological functions for specific soil types and intended land uses.

DEP (Bureau of Non Point Source Control, Division of Water Quality) participated on the Soil Compaction Subcommittee formed by the State Soil Conservation Committee to develop soil compaction standards. The new soil compaction standards will be included in the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey when they are readopted. Once adopted the soil compaction standards will be applied in Barnegat Bay for all new development that require soil erosion and sediment control approval from the local soil conservation district. The readoption notice is scheduled to appear in the January New Jersey Register for public review and comment.

Resources

• Soil Restoration Act (P.L.2010 Chap.113, approved 1/5/2011 (pdf)