Vol. 3 No. 3 Winter 1995
A Newsletter About New Jersey's Water Quality Programs

On August 25, 1995, the Division of Water Quality issued the final NJPDES surface water group flow modification which was first drafted on December 29, 1994 (see New Jersey Discharger, March 1995). This modification, which replaced effluent flow limitations with flow conditions, was based upon the division's determination that flow is a redundant parameter - since mass and concentration limits adequately protect receiving waters and designated uses.

In addition, the division determined the removal of permitted flow limitations would prevent unnecessary multiple violations (for example, mass/concentration violations and flow violations) from occurring, while maintaining the necessary controls needed for managing flow. For example, the division's Capacity Assurance Program, a program assisting treatment plant owners in planning the future needs of their service areas, is dependent upon maintaining accurate flow records.

Prior to finalizing the 253 modification actions, and at the request of four environmental groups and one private citizen, the division held a public hearing on April 4, 1995, in the DEP's public hearing room at 401 East State Street, Trenton. The hearing was attended by representatives from the Association of Environmental Authorities (AEA), many permittees and consultants, and one environmental group. The division assured interested parties that while the modification would reduce the number of contested permits and incidences of double violations (flow plus mass/concentration), it would be no less protective of the environment.

If you have any questions regarding the group flow modification, please contact Gwen Morris of the Bureau of Watershed Permitting at (609) 633-3869.