New procedure speeds review of septic systems

When a land development project involves more than 50 realty improvements in a single subdivision, New Jersey Law (N.J.S.A. 58~ 25.1) requires the DEP to certify the proposed water supply and sewerage facilities comply with applicable state standards. Within the DEP, the Division of Water Quality (DWQ) is responsible for certifying that septic systems comply with applicable standards, which in this case are the New Jersey Ground Water Quality Standards (N.J.A.C. 7:9-6). In the past, these certifications involved lengthy reviews, however, the DWQ has recently developed an expedited review process that takes a few days to a week in most cases.

Septic systems and nitrates

How does nitrate contamination occur?

To address various site concerns, the DWQ's approach involves specifying lot sizes that will allow nitrate contamination to dilute to the Ground Water Quality Standard compliance level of 10 parts per million. To set lot sizes, the DWQ has employed principles developed by the New Jersey Geological Survey to assess ground water recharge. Using these principles, which allow for a rapid assessment of nitrate dilution, one can easily calculate the optimum lot size needed to protect ground water from contamination. The calculation is easy to perform, and the results are scientifically accurate enough to protect the environment. As a result, the DWQ will approve any "50 or More Realty Improvement" subdivision having lot sizes calculated using this approach. The typical division review time on this type application can be less than a week and the cost to an applicant is minimal- usually a ten page set of calculations and tables is sufficient documentation.

An added benefit of this approach is that it can be employed by planners and municipalities to establish environmentally derived lot sizes during master plan and zoning processes. All that is needed is a properly prepared soils map such as those published by the United States Department of Agriculture.