Office of Environmental Justice


interactive mapping tool
EJMAP

EJMAP tool allows users to visualize where OBCs, in accordance with the New Jersey Environmental Justice Law, N.J.S.A. 13:1D-157, are throughout the State, where existing facilities regulated under the EJ Law are located and what existing environmental and public health stressors currently impact these OBCs.

For details of underlying calculations behind the beta version of EJMAP, please read the accompanying EJMAP Technical Guidance.

Feedback on the tool and technical guidance, particularly related to the structure and functionality of the tool itself, can be shared to EJMAPFeedback@dep.nj.gov for consideration.

Environmental Justice Communities by three criteria diagram photo

Presence of Communities of Concern

Inclusive of all overburdened communities identified in the recently signed EJ law.

  • Low-Income: At least 35% of households qualify as low-income households; or
  • Minority: at least 40% of the residents identify as minority or as members of a state recognized tribal community; or
  • Limited English proficiency: at least 40% of the households have limited English proficiency

Once EJIC convenes, additional considerations not specified in the recently signed EJ law include, but are not limited to:

  • Carless households
  • Social vulnerability index
  • Low and moderate income (LMI)

Presence of Disproportionate Environmental and Public Health Stressor

Inclusive of all environmental and public health stressors identified in the recently signed EJ law.

Disproportionate quantity of sources of environmental pollution, including, but not limited to:

  • Concentration of stationary and mobile sources of air pollution
  • Contaminated sites
  • Waste transfer stations or other solid waste facilities
  • Recycling facilities
  • Water quality, water pollution from facilities, or combined sewer overflows; or
  • Conditions that may cause potential public health impacts, including, but not limited to, asthma, cancer, elevated blood lead levels, cardiovascular disease, and developmental problems

Once EJIC convenes, additional considerations not specified in the recently signed ation law include, but are not limited to:

  • Maternal and prenatal health stressors
  • Increased vulnerability to climate change stressors

Lack or Absence of Environmental and Public Health Benefits

The lack or absence of net improvements in social welfare that result from changes in the quantity or quality of ecosystem goods and services attributable to policy or environmental decisions. Once EJIC convenes, additional considerations not specified in the recently signed EJ law include, but are not limited to:

  • High quality parks
  • A large quantity of parks
  • Tree canopy resulting in reduced urban heat island effect
  • Safe bicycle and pedestrian corridors in populated communities, and
  • Green infrastructure
  • Access to healthy food
  • Access to quality public housing
  • Access to quality public transportation
  • Access to clean energy alternatives
  • Access to resources to mitigate climate change stressors

Read more about the statutory definition of Overburdened Communities.