 | Vol. 7 No. 1 Summer 1999 |
| A Newsletter About New Jersey's Water Quality Programs |
| Each septic system generates about 30 to 40 pounds per year of nitrate nitrogen which harms streams, aquifers and lakes, and poses health risks to humans. |
Technical Guidance For Sizing and Positioning of: Spray Irrigation Systems, Overland Flow Systems, Infiltration/Percolation Lagoon Systems, and Surface ImpoundmentsThis technical guide explains what a person should consider when constructing or operating these types of wastewater treatment systems. It is also a useful supplement to the regulatory requirements specified in N.J.A.C. 7:14A-7.10, 7.11, 7.12 and 7.13. The manual presents explanations of the current technology underlying the regulatory requirements, and provides an explanation of DEP policies and procedures.When pollutants are discharged to ground water, the treatment and control of the discharge is enhanced by several different types of engineered devices. The design and management of some of these devices and systems requires an understanding of engineering, agriculture, geology, and microbiology. This guide was developed to address the technical and information needs of the regulated community, their consultants, and other interested parties. | |
GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING GROUND WATER PROTECTION PROGRAM PLANSThis document provides the basic format and components needed in a Ground Water Protection Program Plan (GWPP). In order to demonstrate compliance with the Ground Water Quality Standards (GWQS), each NJPDES-DGW permit includes any or all of the following components: a monitoring well network; ground water monitoring parameters and a sampling/reporting schedule; a discharge/effluent monitoring program and limitations; and/or best management practices and preventative measures. These components collectively comprise a GWPP. A GWPP is used to present facts about what the facility does, or will do, to ensure compliance with applicable ground water protection standards. In the past, the GWPP was developed by the DEP and incorporated directly into a NJPDES permit using information supplied by the permittee during the application process. Over the past several years, however, the division has been encouraging permittees to develop their own GWPP, and has successfully issued more than 30 permits using this approach. This guide improves upon the existing guidance and updates existing GWPP information. | |
 | GUIDANCE FOR 50 OR MORE REALTY IMPROVEMENT CERTIFICATIONSThis document explains the procedure and rationale used by the division to review and ultimately approve applications for 50 or more Realty Improvement Certifications. When more than 50 units (using septic systems) are proposed for a single subdivision, the DEP is required by statute to review the development plan, and to certify that it can comply with the applicable water quality standards. |
| The development of rural land is occurring at a rapid pace throughout New Jersey. In areas that are not served by municipal sewers, residential homes rely on septic systems to dispose of their sanitary wastewater. Septic systems provide a safe and reliable method of disposing of residential wastewater when they are constructed and operated in accordance with accepted standards (N.J.A.C. 7:9A - "Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems"). These standards protect human health and the environment. Surface water quality is protected by distance setbacks from streams and wetlands while ground water is protected by distance setbacks from potable wells, and by relying on modern well construction requirements using protective casing. Each septic system generates about 30 to 40 pounds per year of nitrate nitrogen which harms streams, aquifers and lakes, and poses health risks to humans. As such, building lot density becomes very important-if building lots are too dense, the nitrate in wells and streams can exceed the levels considered safe under the New Jersey Water Quality Standards. The DEP's review is intended to establish a building lot density that can comply with the Ground Water Quality Standards for nitrate. This guide provides insight into and an explanation of this review process. | |