Environmental
March ’06

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Governor Corzine has selected Lisa Jackson as the new DEP Commissioner.  Ms Jackson has been working at the DEP ad fit the Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement and the Assistant Commissioner of Land Use.  Prior to working at DEP Ms, Jackson worked for the federal Environmental Protection Agency.  Ms. Jackson has a strong technical background with degrees in chemical engineering.

Sewers and Septics

Water Quality Management Plans are required for the entire state.  The Department of Environmental Protection proposed modifications to most of the state’s Water Quality Management Plans that would have resulted in the revocation of sewer service areas and a change in the review threshold for septic systems.  If adopted, the impact would have been a ban on development in most parts of the state.  NJBA members submitted thousands of postcards and comments in opposition to these proposals, which DEP eventually withdrew.  It is likely however that a new proposal dealing with sewer service areas and septic systems will be issued in the near future. 

Threatened and Endangered Species

The protection of threatened and endangered species is intensifying in New Jersey.  Over the past few years, DEP has developed and began to use the Landscape methodology, a new mapping approach to identify habitats in need of protection.  This approach has resulted in more areas being designated as habitat in need of protection.  DEP is also working on new rules that will regulate habitats not currently addressed by other regulations.  These rules will expand DEP's control over disturbances to protected species' habitat to the entire state.

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