Addressing Non-Point Source Pollution in New Jersey
Non-point source (NPS) pollution has been impacting the surface waters of New Jersey for many years. Addressing NPS pollution is a prime concern and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) will soon be implementing a number of requirements for municipal stormwater management through the New Jersey Department of Environment Protection (NJDEP).
The NJDEP has divided the entire State into 20 primary watersheds, and has set up a Public Advisory Committee (PAC) for each watershed as a forum to seek new ideas. The PAC is also a vital way for towns to become involved as a partner in the management of their watersheds. All municipalities are being encouraged to become involved with their particular watershed's PAC.
We at Lord Worrell & Richter, Inc. (LWR) have been actively addressing NPS pollution for many years. We recently receive the 2002 Stormwater Management Award from Watershed Region 19 (Rancocas Creek Watershed) for an innovative retrofit design that we completed in Willingboro Township, Burlington County. The firm has adapted this design and acquired 319 funding from the NJDEP to construct additional retrofits in the County. Our engineers, designers and environmental specialists continually refine our designs to remain at the forefront of stormwater management.
The tentative implementation schedule for the
USEPA's requirements for municipal stormwater management is as follows:
Summer of 2002: NJDEP Modifications to the Rule
Winter of 2002/2003: Final Rule and Permit Adoption
Spring of 2003: Regulated Entities to Submit Applications
2008: Full Implementation of the Rule
Willingboro Township was awarded first place in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Watershed Management Awards Program for this constructed wetland.