Taking another step forward in his efforts to protect New Jersey's drinking water and stop sprawl, Governor James E. McGreevey recently announced that he is formally proposing strengthened water protections for portions of stream segments in Hunterdon, Bergen, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

McGreevey proposed that the streams and river segments receive "Category One" (C1) designation, the highest form of water quality protection afforded by the state. This designation would prevent any measurable deterioration in existing water quality, limiting development impacts and discharges to the streams.

In total, the Governor has proposed C1 classifications for 35 waterbodies statewide in this round, following his earlier round of 15 C1 designations. Those 15 reclassifications were adopted last Earth Day, designating nine reservoirs and six stream segments that provide drinking water to more than 3.5 million residents - over 40 percent of New Jersey's population.

Ten tributaries to the Delaware River in Hunterdon County are being upgraded based upon "exceptional ecological significance." The natural drainages to the Oradell Reservoir and the Brick Township Reservoir are being upgraded based on "exceptional water supply significance." Portion of the Manasquan River and several tributaries including Marsh Bog Brook, Bear Swamp Brook, Mingamahone Brook, Timber Swamp Brook, and Squankum Brook are being proposed for Category 1 antidegradation designation based on "exceptional water supply significance" and to connect existing open space parcels. Category 1 designation will also be proposed for the tributaries that naturally drain to the Manasquan Reservoir. Additionally, segments of Lopatcong Creek, Pohatcong Creek and South Branch Rockaway Creek are proposed to be upgraded to FW2-Trout Production based upon fish assemblage data. Lopatcong Creek, Pohatcong Creek will also receive the C1 designation as part of this rulemaking, however, South Branch Rockaway Creek was already upgraded to C1 designation as part of a previous rulemaking. The use classifications such as FW2-TM or FW2-TP of different segments of different streams remain the same.

In his State of the State address, Governor McGreevey outlined ways to improve the overall quality of life in New Jersey, such as fighting sprawl, preserving open space and protecting our drinking water. The Governor has made New Jersey a leader in farmland preservation with over 112,000 acres permanently preserved, and has moved aggressively on his promise to improve 200 local parks.