NJ DEPARTMENT of ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Land Use Management
Water Monitoring and Standards

Notice of Rule Proposal
Surface Water Quality Standards N.J.A.C. 7:9B, Re-adoption with amendments

Public Notice
Take notice that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (Department) is proposing to re-adopt Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS), N.J.A.C. 7:9B with amendments. The SWQS govern the protection and enhancement of surface water quality and resources of the State of New Jersey.

The Department is proposing to amend the SWQS at N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.14, and 1.15. Several new definitions are proposed at N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.4. The Department is proposing several amendments to N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.5 to clarify the existing rule language and to recodify implementation policies regarding bacterial and temperature criteria. At N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.5(d) the Department is proposing antidegradation implementation requirements for NJPDES point source discharges. At N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.5(e)7, the Department is proposing to require monitoring for mercury and PCBs using the more sensitive USEPA approved methods. At N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.15, the Department is proposing to reclassify and/or upgrade the antidegradation designation of several streams based on the fish sampling data. The Department is also proposing criteria for toxic pollutants based on the updated USEPA 304(a) recommended criteria. View supporting documents.

The Department is also publishing a notice in the New Jersey Register seeking public comment on possible revisions to the Surface Water Quality Standards to establish an antidegradation policy for nonpoint source discharges. View the Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment.

The proposal and the notice seeking public comment on establishing riparian zones will be published in the New Jersey Register dated September 19, 2005. View the proposal(PDF).

Public hearing concerning the proposal is scheduled on:

Monday, October 24, 2005, from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM or close of testimony which ever occurs first and from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM or close of testimony which ever occurs first, at:

Department of Environmental Protection 401 East State Street Public Hearing Room First Floor Trenton, NJ 08625

NOTICE Please note that this public hearing has been changed to from October 24, 2005 to November 9, 2005. The time and location remain the same.

 

Comments should be submitted by November 18, 2005 to:

Gary J. Brower, Esq.
Attn. DEP Docket Number - 30-05-081545
Office of Legal Affairs
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
P.O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402