In 1992, the DEP began implementing the federally mandated NJPDES Stormwater Permitting Program. In the first phase, the program permitted industrial facilities with stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity. The intent was to eliminate or minimize the amount of pollutants entering our waters from industrial sources of stormwater/nonpoint runoff pollution. Over 2,500 industrial facilities have been permitted under this program.

In 1999, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted Phase II rules which extended stormwater permitting to municipal, county, state, and federal entities. The DEP is now developing NJPDES rule amendments to reflect the EPA requirements. Known as the "Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program (MSRP)," it will ultimately effect every municipality and county, as well as most state and interstate agencies, and many federal agencies.

Traditional point source discharges (pollutants discharged from pipes) have always been considered a major source of pollutants entering our waters. Regulatory efforts to control point source discharges over the past 25 years have been very successful, however, our waters are still being degraded by pollution from stormwater/nonpoint sources. It has been estimated that up to 60% of our existing water pollution problems are attributable to stormwater/nonpoint pollution. From an economic standpoint, impaired water quality impacts shellfish production, tourism at beaches and coastal communities, and increases drinking water treatment costs from surface water sources.

Many of our daily activities and lifestyles can be linked to stormwater/nonpoint pollution. Examples include discarded trash such as fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts and styrofoam cups; and other sources like used motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizer, pesticides, and pet droppings. These pollutants are picked up as water (from rain, snow melt, hoses, sprinklers, etc.) drains from streets, parking lots, and lawns and enters thousands of catch basins throughout New Jersey. From there, this harmful mix flows through a large system of pipes and channels - straight to our waterways untreated.

As stated earlier, this program will involve all municipalities, counties, most state and interstate agencies and many federal agencies. Regulated entities, who will be required to apply for a permit by March 2003, must work with their constituencies to develop and implement a Stormwater Program. All of the State's residents will be asked to participate by changing behaviors that contribute to water pollution.

To help develop and implement the Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program, an advisory group has been established with representatives from individual municipalities, NJ League of Municipalities, NJ County Planners Association, the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT), the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions, and the DEP. The DEP is also working closely with the New Jersey Quality Initiative Working Group of the NJDOT. This group has representation from all state and interstate transportation agencies. A Best Management Practice Subcommittee has also been formed which includes representatives of municipal and county public works departments, highway authorities, and the NJDOT.

It is anticipated that draft amendments to the NJPDES Rules will be available for public comment in the summer of 2002.

The DEP contemplates issuing four general permits to implement the MSRP: the Tier A Stormwater Permit (Tier A Permit); the Tier B Stormwater Registration Permit (Tier B Registration); the Public Complex Stormwater Permit (Public Complex Permit); and the Highway Stormwater Permit (Highway Permit). The MSRP has divided New Jersey municipalities into Tier A and Tier B. Tier A Municipalities are generally located within the more densely populated regions of the state or along the Atlantic Ocean. Tier B municipalities are generally located in more rural areas and in non-coastal regions.

The permits address stormwater quality issues related to new development, redevelopment and existing development by requiring the preparation of a stormwater program and implementation of specific permit requirements referred to as Statewide Basic Requirements.

The DEP will provide updates in this newsletter and on its website. For further information, please contact the Bureau of Nonpoint Pollution Control at (609) 633-7021, or write to:

Or check our website at:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dwq/nonpoint.htm