Being able to dispose of wastewater is a key element in any development, redevelopment or expansion project. However, a process is underway in New Jersey that may remove properties from existing sewer service areas.

The New Jersey Water Quality Planning Act requires, among other things, that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection establish a planning process for wastewater management. NJDEP adopted the Water Quality Management Planning Rules, which were amended in 2008.

Counties are generally responsible for developing a Wastewater Management Plan which governs, in part, the distribution of sewer service within the County. Several counties (Bergen, Passaic, Union and Warren), however, have “opted out” and will not be issuing Wastewater Management Plans. In those cases, a regional utility authority or municipality establishes the plan for NJDEP approval.