This summer, the DEP plans to issue a draft general permit authorizing Reclaimed Water for Beneficial Reuse (RWBR) for restricted access applications. The general permit will allow RWBR restricted access activities via a simple authorization process. It is anticipated that facilities that had drought authorization to conduct restricted access RWBR activities will be eligible for coverage under this general permit.

In addition, the DEP will begin including general RWBR conditions for both restricted and public access applications in all NJPDES discharge to surface water and discharge to ground water permit renewals. This will ease the modification request process for those permittees who have decided to implement RWBR.

If you have questions or are interested in learning more about RWBR, please contact the RWBR Task Force by e-mail at RWBR@dep.state.nj.us, or by contacting Ben Manhas, Bureau of Point Source Permitting Region 1 at (609) 633-3869 or Joe Mannick, Bureau of Point Source Permitting Region 2 at (609) 292-4860.