Search

New Jersey DEP Announces Plans to Reclassify Rivers in Sussex County

Posted on 3/22/2019 by Lauren Scott

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced earlier this month a plan to upgrade the classification and regulations related to hundreds of miles of rivers and streams in Sussex County and beyond.
 
In a statement on March, 4, DEP Commissioner Catherine McCabe unveiled a proposal to reclassify parts of several major rivers and their tributaries to Category One. The Category One designation requires stringent water quality standards for any waste water discharged to the waterways. These areas will also be given 300-foot development buffers as part of the Flood Hazard Area Control Act to protect threatened and endangered wildlife in the area.
 
This reclassification includes parts of Wallkill, Paulinskill, and Pequest Rivers in Sussex and Warren Counties as well as other rivers throughout the state. In total, the DEP proposes to upgrade 734 waterway miles for their “exceptional ecological value” and 53 miles for their “exceptional fishery resources” with 38 miles overlapping in both categories. These changes will serve as amendments to the Surface Water Quality Standards Rule.
 
The new designations will also benefit many tributaries and streams feeding to the reclassified portions of the rivers, including a Wallkill River tributary in nearby Sparta, NJ, according to the rule proposal published in the New Jersey Register.
 
The classification system began in 1985 in order to protect bodies of water integral to wildlife habitats and trout production. The last time NJ waterways were reclassified was back in 2008, when the state designated 686 miles of rivers and streams to Category One.
 

Let Your Voice Be Heard

The reclassification poses more stringent regulations for companies that dispose wastewater in these areas. In fact, the Category 1 status prevents any degradation in water quality for the rivers, streams, and tributaries affected by the reclassification.
The DEP will hold a public hearing on April 8 at 1 p.m. in the NJ Forensic Science Technology Center Auditorium to discuss the changes. The period for public comments is open from now until May 3.
 

Environmental Training in Sparta, NJ 

Join Lion Technology in Sparta, NJ for expert-led training to simplify environmental and hazardous materials compliance. Reserve your seat now and take part in interactive workshops now approved for continuing education credits for Licensed Site Remediation Professionals (LSRPs).

Network with professionals from a wide range of industries who know the challenges you face. You will develop a step-by-step approach to identify and comply with the hazmat transportation and EPA hazardous waste, air, water, and chemical regulations that impact your facility.  Join us for one of our other upcoming courses and stay up to date on the latest regulations while learning close to home.  
See the full schedule of workshops at Lion.com/Sparta.
 

Tags: DEP, environment, New Jersey, NJ, river, Sussex County

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I can take what I learned in this workshop and apply it to everyday work and relate it to my activities.

Shane Hersh

Materials Handler

Our instructor was very dynamic and kept everyone's interest. Hazmat shipping can be a dry, complicated topic but I was engaged the entire time.

Kimberly Arnao

Senior Director of EH&S

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

Very witty instructor, made the long times sitting bearable. One of the few training courses I can say I actually enjoyed.

John Hutchinson

Senior EHS Engineer

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.