Soil restoration reduces over land flow of stormwater and allows for water to percolate into the ground, resulting in a reduction in the volume of stormwater runoff, which reduces the pollutant load to receiving waters while also increasing stormwater recharge to the groundwater. Promoting healthy soil leads to water quality improvements, habitat improvements for stream biota, and conservation of groundwater.

The Soil Restoration Act (P.L.2010 Chapter 113) was signed into law on January 5, 2011. Subsequently, the State Soil Conservation Committee, in consultation with Rutgers University, the New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture, and the DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, have developed standards that include soil restoration measures to address the potential soil compaction on all new construction regulated by New Jersey Soil Conservation Districts. The goal is to ensure soil is restored to the greatest extent possible through aeration and re-vegetation. DEP is developing a model ordinance that incorporates the soil restoration measures and standards.

• Action: Identify a path to expedite and implement the application of soil restoration measures and standards within the Barnegat Bay watershed for new development and redevelopment projects.
• Lead: DEP – Division of Water Monitoring and Standards, Division of Land Use Regulation
• Partners: State Soil Conservation Committee, Ocean County Planning, Municipal stakeholders, and the New Jersey Builders Association