The Bureau of Pretreatment and Residuals prepared a new draft general NJPDES permit that will incorporate process and monitoring requirements for Phragmites reed bed sludge management systems. In these systems, sewage sludge is discharged into basins in which the reed grass Phragmites, or a similar species, is cultivated to facilitate the sludge drying and treatment process.

Reed grasses, which are typically planted in sand beds, have the ability to absorb water and convey oxygen to sludge, creating a favorable environment for further biological breakdown. Underneath the sand beds, is a series of porous pipes that collect water from the sludge and return it to the head of the treatment plant to be reprocessed. The remaining residue in the reed beds can be land applied as a soil conditioner.

Because this permit category requires similar monitoring and operating conditions, it is more amenable to a general permit regulatory approach. While this general permit will not supercede any existing individual permits, permittees holding such permits will be encouraged to apply. Permittees wishing to retain their individual permit may do so until the permit expires.

If you have any questions regarding this general permit, please contact Ruth Anne Rosenberg, Bureau of Pretreatment and Residuals, at (609) 633-3823 or Ruth.Rosenberg@dep.state.nj.us.