News Archive

First Lady Tammy Murphy and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today kicked off Climate Week by announcing the release of the Summary of Climate Change in New Jersey, an important resource developed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to help teachers throughout the state understand and incorporate climate science into their lesson plans. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is announcing the start of a 30-day public comment period for the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) for New Jersey.

The Department of Environmental Protection today announced the launch of an online mapping tool that will help the public, stakeholders and government officials advance work that is needed to bolster the resilience of New Jersey’s coastal areas to climate change.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of my friend and partner in climate policy, Joseph Fiordaliso."

To recognize the start of National Preparedness Month and the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, State Police Superintendent and Director of Emergency Management Patrick J. Callahan and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today urged the public to practice responsible planning for before, during and after hurricanes and other extreme weather events that have become more frequent as a result of climate change. 

New Jersey’s premier program to honor environmental protection leaders in a variety of categories is accepting nominations through Sept. 10 for the 24thAnnual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Program, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and BASF Corp. have reached a revised, final settlement agreement that secures natural resource restoration and resolves state-based natural resource damage claims for natural resource injuries at and related to the Ciba-Geigy Superfund Site in Toms River, Ocean County.

New Jersey is fortunate to have an engaged community of environmental advocates who work hard to improve and protect our natural resources while holding government and private sector actors accountable to our environmental values.

The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking recruits for its 24th year of the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program that helps protect New Jersey watersheds while creating environmental career opportunities for young people, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection today launched its third annual Youth Inclusion Initiative summer program to engage young people from overburdened communities that have disproportionately less open space by providing hands-on training and exposure to career opportunities within the environmental field, announced Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette.

Governor Phil Murphy today announced the Administration’s upcoming adoption of the landmark Inland Flood Protection Rule to better protect New Jersey’s communities from worsening riverine flooding and stormwater runoff. The rulemaking has been filed with the Office of Administrative Law and will become effective upon publication in the New Jersey Register next month. A courtesy copy of the rule and additional information are available here.

TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Shawn M. LaTourette today announced eight new environmental enforcement actions targeting polluters across the State whose toxic legacies continue to threaten public health, safety, and the environment. They also announced that settlement agreements had been reached in two other environmental justice cases.

Governor Phil Murphy today announced a proposed investment of nearly $100 million for projects to develop or update parks and preserve open space, including a new initiative to fund construction of inclusive playgrounds for differently abled children.

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection has charged itself with damaging habitat for threatened and endangered birds that it was supposed to protect. The work was designed to create habitat for one species of bird, but actually wound up destroying habitat for two others. The department acknowledged it sent a violation notice and threatened penalties against its own Division of Fish and Wildlife regarding unauthorized work in February and March at the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area in Clayton, Gloucester County.

On the first day of Earth Week, Governor Phil Murphy today announced the final adoption of regulations to implement New Jersey’s landmark Environmental Justice (EJ) Law. The EJ Law and implementing rules are the first in the nation aimed at reducing pollution in historically overburdened communities and communities of color that have been subjected to a disproportionately high number of environmental and public health stressors.

Following through on the Murphy Administration’s recent outline of six pillars that will serve as the foundation for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today announced $70 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceed awards to help reduce the upfront costs of electric trucks, buses, and equipment in overburdened communities. The state agencies also announced a series of sessions in April for the public to comment on possible future investments with RGGI funds.

TRENTON – From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at Mill Hill Park in Trenton, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette will host an event to announce and congratulate the state’s inaugural recipients of the Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program.

Local governments and eligible nonprofit organizations interested in acquiring open space, creating or rehabilitating parks, completing stewardship projects, or creating inclusive playgrounds are invited to apply for Green Acres grant and loan funding, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the winners of the 23rd Annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, as well as the recipients of the Richard J. Sullivan Award and the inaugural James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader Award, honoring the memory of the former Governor and Congressman.

Today, the Fish and Game Council voted to approve emergency regulations amending the Game Code and adopting a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan (CBBMP) to control the black bear population and reduce the threat of dangerous encounters between bears and humans through regulated hunting and non-lethal management measures.

To protect public safety and support a healthy wildlife population, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the New Jersey Fish and Game Council will discuss the approval of the State’s Comprehensive Bear Management Policy (CBBMP) and consider amendments to the Game Code at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, November15.

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the Department has awarded additional funding to continue helping communities implement inclusive initiatives that increase recreational access to coastal resources for individuals with disabilities.

State Accuses Defendants of Deceptive Business Practices in Concealing the Risks Posed by Oil and Gas for Decades, Driving Ongoing Use of Fossil Fuels

View Complaint: 2022-1018_NJ-Climate-Complaint-FILED.pdf

As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Super Storm Sandy, the NJDEP has created a microsite to remember the storm, complete with resources to better prepare for future storms. You can find out more at the following link:

Four regional groups have released regional climate action plans in advance of the 10th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Climate Resilience announced today. The “Resilient NJ” plans are an outgrowth of a National Disaster Resilience Competition award to New Jersey intended to advance regional planning in areas most impacted by Sandy. The plans set forth resilience actions across 24 communities in the four regions.

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the Administration’s intent to propose an Inland Flood Protection Rule to better protect New Jersey’s communities from worsening riverine flooding and stormwater runoff.

Resilient Northeastern NJ -- a partnership between the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Jersey City,  Hoboken, Bayonne, Newark, Hudson County, Ironbound Community Corporation, HOPES CAP, Inc. and Arcadis -- is seeking feedback on a proposed action plan to address current climate-related challenges, as well as to better prepare the Hudson County region for changing conditions.

Join the NJ WasteWise Business Network and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Sustainability for a webinar covering topics such as the societal benefits of reuse, plastic film pelletizing and recycling, etc. 

To mark Climate Week, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities announced the selection of additional research projects designed to ensure environmentally responsible development of wind energy off New Jersey’s coastline.

Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 307, increasing New Jersey’s offshore wind goal by nearly 50 percent to 11,000 megawatts (MW) by 2040. The Executive Order, which increases the state’s current goal of 7,500 MW, also directs the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to study the feasibility of increasing the target further.

The Department of Environmental Protection is urging New Jersey residents to check trees on their property for signs of beech leaf disease and report their findings to the New Jersey Forest Service, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today. Beech leaf disease was first detected in Bergen and Essex counties in summer 2020 and is now confirmed in 10 additional counties.

This is to inform you that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is publishing a Preliminary Notice in the September 19, 2022 New Jersey Register (NJR) seeking public comment on a proposed Water Quality Management (WQM) Plan amendment.

Join us Saturday, September 24, 2022 for National Public Lands Day (NPLD) on the Wharton State Forest (WSF)! NPLD is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country.

6 small areas within the five listed Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) that were closed in May 2022, have reopened as of Tuesday, September 6, 2022.  

Please join us on Saturday, September 17, 2022  for our 5th Annual Delaware River Cleanup in Hunterdon and Mercer Counties! The NJ State Park Service is co-sponsoring our 5th Annual Delaware River Cleanup to help tackle the litter along the shores of our Wild and Scenic Delaware River.  This year's cleanup includes 15 cleanup sites from the Reigelsville Boat Launch in Holland Township, Hunterdon County all the way downstream to the freshwater tidal section in Hamilton Township in Mercer County.

TRENTON, N.J. (August 31, 2022) – Today, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) released information on the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive (BRI) Program for public feedback. Established by the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), the Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program is a $300 million tax credit program designed to compensate developers of redevelopment projects located on brownfield sites for remediation costs.

The Brownfields Redevelopment Incentive Program covers specific costs associated with brownfield remediation and redevelopment., including the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination, as well as building and structural remediation activities.

Wilmington, DE – The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced today 36 Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund awards totaling $14 million, which includes $4.9 million in funds made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Grantees have committed $14.2 million in match, for a total conservation impact of $28.2 million that will restore and protect our land and water resources.

“The Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund has been critical to The Nature Conservancy’s work restoring New Jersey’s waterways and aquatic wildlife" said Eric Olsen, Director of Conservation, The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey. “The continued funding for this program will help us restore rivers to ensure migratory fish and aquatic wildlife can adapt to changing climate conditions into the future.”

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will host the first in a series of virtual public stakeholder meetings at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2022, launching a Visitor and Vehicle Use Survey to develop an access and use plan for Wharton State Forest, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced. At 124,350 acres, Wharton State Forest is the largest tract of land within the New Jersey State Park system, receiving more than 800,000 visitors annually. The new survey seeks input on what types of recreation the public enjoys at the forest, what areas of the forest are most important to users, and the routes they use to access those activities.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is pleased to invite Cumberland County residents to attend a community engagement session in Bridgeton regarding environmental justice with DEP Deputy Commissioner Sean Moriarty and EPA Region 2 Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor for Equity Olivia Glenn.

The next public meeting of the Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI) will be held on September 8, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft teams. A call-in number is also available if you are only able to access the meeting by phone.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) today opened a 30-day period for people to provide public comment on the Hurricane Ida Recovery Action Plan, which details how the State proposes to utilize $228,346,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to help households and communities recover from Hurricane Ida. The public comment period will run through September 16, 2022 and will include in-person public hearings in Manville and Newark, which were among the municipalities hardest hit by Hurricane Ida. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing a request for a Federal Consistency Certification from Ørsted Ocean Wind to develop a commercial-scale, offshore wind energy facility within Lease Area OCS-0498 off the coast of New Jersey (Ocean Wind 1).

The project includes up to 98 wind turbine generators, inter-array cables, up to three offshore substations, two onshore substations with connections to the existing electrical grid, and onshore export cable systems making landfall in Ocean County, NJ, and Cape May County, NJ.

Funding is available for urban rain garden natural resource restoration projects in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary! This competitive grant solicitation is to provide funds to design and construct urban rain gardens and similar small-scale types of bioretention facilities that use soils and vegetation to improve stormwater quality and reduce runoff. The application is due Monday, November 7, 2022. 

Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette today testified before a joint meeting of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee about the importance of addressing climate change and coastal resilience in New Jersey.

Commissioner LaTourette was one of several speakers to address both committees on what the state can do to address the worsening effects of climate change.

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife is asking the public to be alert for deer that may be affected by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) and to report any suspected cases. Sick or dead deer are often seen in or near water. Other symptoms may include: difficulty standing, drooling, lethargy, respiratory distress, foam from the mouth or nose, and swelling of the face, tongue and neck.  

TRENTON – Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and Commissioner of Environmental Protection (DEP) Shawn M. LaTourette announced today that DEP has filed a lawsuit against Monsanto Co. and two other corporate defendants over extensive damage to New Jersey’s natural resources caused by contamination from toxic chemical compounds known as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls).

New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued a statewide drought watch as of August 9, 2022, and the Murphy Administration is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state. 

Leveraging proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Governor Murphy has announced an additional $10.8 million investment to further protect residents, the environment and the economy from the worsening impacts of climate change. The latest round of proceeds will be used to increase the number of electric trucks and buses that traverse communities overburdened by air pollution and expand the number of community fast-charging locations, Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said.

The NJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has announced that reimbursement funding is available for all New Jersey counties for treatment of the spotted lanternfly. The funding amount can be as much as $15,000 and possibly more. The funds will be given to municipalities for costs they accrue for chemical treatment activities associated with spotted lanternfly control.

The Department is advising the public that a rule-making proposal with an amendment to rules governing Marine Fisheries has been published in the August 1, 2022, NJ Register. This begins a 60-day comment period. The Department is proposing an amendment to expand authority of the Commissioner to modify gear types and gear restrictions by Notice of Administrative Change, so that when changes are made to Federal or multi-state regional fishery management plans, the Department can act promptly to maintain compliance.

Trenton, NJ (July 21, 2022) - Late last week in a 220-206 vote, the House passed the Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act (DRBCA), included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Coalition applauds the made in order amendment that was offered by Rep Evans (PA), Rep Fitzpatrick (PA) and Rep Blunt Rochester (DE) to the NDAA. 

Join the New Jersey State Park Service for this outing! It is part of a series of FREE leisurely after-work ambles this summer along the Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath & nearby areas.

As a reminder, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will be conducting a virtual public hearing concerning the recently proposed amendments to the Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) published in the New Jersey Register on July 5, 2022 at 54 N.J.R. 1239(a).

The number of invasive plants and animals is increasing and there is work to be done! See how to recognize and remove pests that have been creeping into our yards and local habitats.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection published an Adoption Notice in the July 18, 2022, New Jersey Register (NJR) for a WQM plan amendment.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is pleased to invite Passaic County residents to attend a community engagement session regarding environmental justice with DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and EPA Region 2 Administrator Lisa Garcia.

For Immediate Release July 14th: The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is working with the State Police to investigate vandalism to harmful algal bloom monitoring buoys in several northern New Jersey lakes, specifically the detaching of buoys from anchor lines, Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.

TRENTON – At noon today, July 13, via Microsoft Teams, New Jersey State Fire Warden/Forest Fire Service Chief Greg McLaughlin will provide updates on the status of the Maple Branch wildfire and two other recent wildfires at Wharton and Brendan T. Byrne state forests, current fire restrictions in the state, as well as this past weekend’s deployment of Forest Fire Service firefighters to Texas to assist with wildfire suppression efforts.

For Immediate Release - July 13, 2022 - The Department of Environmental Protection has launched a pilot workforce development program to help the State of New Jersey develop the next generation of environmental protection, conservation and stewardship leaders while also providing an avenue for young adults from open space-constrained communities to engage with nature as they provide valuable stewardship services to the public through seasonal jobs at DEP.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) expects licensees to conduct their programs with meticulous attention to detail and high standards of safety and compliance.  To avoid future problems and reduce potential risk, to the public and environment, that may result from delayed decommissioning of inactive facilities and sites, please remember that you must comply with the Decommissioning Timeliness Rules. 

Take notice that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Monitoring, Standards and Pesticide Control is proposing amendments to the Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) at N.J.A.C. 7:9B.

Wharton State Forest was severely impacted by a wildfire in June 2022 that was started by an illegal campfire set along the Mullica River. As a result, all recreational trails along the Mullica and Batsto Rivers between Atsion and Batsto Village suffered significant damage.

As you probably have heard, Wharton State Forest was severely impacted earlier this week by a wildfire that was started by an illegal campfire set along the Mullica River. As a result, all recreational trails along the Mullica and Batsto Rivers between Atsion and Batsto Village are closed indefinitely.  This includes all hiking and mountain biking trails. In addition, the Mullica and Batsto Rivers are also closed in this area as is the Mullica River Campground.

What are your top climate change solutions? The NJ DEP's Office of Environmental Justice has an annual source of money that’s dedicated to addressing climate change. We want to know how YOU think New Jersey should invest this public money in projects that reduce emissions, provide clean energy, and increase equity across the state.

Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, is an invasive planthopper native to China, India, and Vietnam; it is also established in South Korea, Japan and the U.S. It was first discovered in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in Berks County in 2014 and has spread to other counties in PA, as well as the states of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Ohio.

This insect has the potential to greatly impact agricultural crops and hardwood trees. SLF feeds on the plant sap of many different plants including grapevines, maples, black walnut, and other important plants in NJ. While it does not harm humans or animals, it can reduce the quality of life for people living in heavily infested areas.

Furthering the Murphy Administration’s commitment to reduce air pollution in overburdened communities, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette helped unveil the prototype of an electric ambulance that will be purchased with New Jersey Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction proceeds and housed in the City of Paterson.

Complaint seeks compensation for natural resource damages; Ford disposed of toxic paint sludge, other contaminants at mining site that includes state-recognized tribal lands. 

The roses are in bloom! Come join our trail interpreter at lunch time, bring a bag lunch and plan to take time to smell the roses! Enjoy these beautiful early summer blossoms with us and then afterward we will walk the D&R towpath to East Millstone to visit the newly restored Bridge Tenders Station. Upon returning to the Colonial Park Gardens, we’ll pass through the area’s outstanding arboretum. 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has adopted new and amended Air Pollution Control rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-21.2, 21.3, and 21.5, 7:27A-3.2, 3.5, 3.10, and 7:27E. The adopted rules have three major components to require sources to monitor and report their emissions of methane and halogenated gases.

The draft proposal of the Environmental Justice (EJ) Regulations, which are required to implement the EJ Law, is published and available for public comment. All comments must be received by Sunday, September 4, 2022, with the applicable N.J.A.C. citation, commenter’s name and affiliation following the comment.

New Jersey today opened a new trail at the Bulls Island Recreation Area where visitors may enjoy the subtle sounds and stunning vistas of the Delaware River, the Department of Environmental Protection announced. During a ceremonial event this morning, DEP’s Deputy Commissioner for Legal, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Sean Moriarty and Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites John Cecil cut the ribbon to the new 1.3-mile trail in Delaware Township, Hunterdon County.

Want to be involved in New Jersey’s coordinated effort to fight climate change? This webinar will explain NJ's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and how you can have a say in how NJ will invest millions to fight climate change over the next three years.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is publishing Preliminary Notices in the June 6, 2022 New Jersey Register (NJR) seeking public comment on proposed Water Quality Management (WQM) Plan amendments. 

Join the search Spring-Summer blooms on native shrubs and trees in our Pineland woods and our Tree Nursery. This is a short easy 1.5 mile walk on several connecting trails that cover both upland and wetland habitat.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is pleased to invite Highlands Region residents to attend a community engagement session regarding environmental justice with DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia.

Commissioner visits Jersey Shore and North Jersey lake communities in unofficial start to summer season ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Have you seen turkey hens and their poults?  Then let us know in the NJ Fish and Wildlife’s Turkey Project's Wild Turkey Brood Sighting Survey!

This survey information is used as a measure of wild turkey productivity both in New Jersey and nationally as a means of estimating how well turkeys did raising broods each year.  

The Columbia dam removal project is complete and the project area is again open for recreation following additional welcomed improvements to the area.

Save the date for the next NJDEP Quarterly Brownfield Roundtable Meeting! Topics to be discussed include a Proposed Brownfield Tax Incentive Program, food deserts, Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund, and more. 

Register today for a public information session on the recently announced Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program where you will learn more about applicant eligibility, project types, and the application process. This grant program will invest $15 million in projects across New Jersey that create, restore and enhance salt marshes, sea grass beds, forests, and urban parks that sequester atmospheric carbon in the fight against climate change. 

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection posted the Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Freshwater Recreational Response 2021 Summary Report. This report summarizes HAB investigations, data, and monitoring enhancements during the 2021 season as well as comparisons to past seasons.

Rockingham’s Annual Children’s Day is finally returning, in-person, after a two-year pause! Come one, come all and bring your young ‘uns (and your inner child)! The historic site, which served as General George Washington’s final wartime headquarters, will be offering FREE activities and demonstrations of 18th-century life with support from the Montgomery High School Live Historians Club and the Rockingham Association.

Register today for a public information session on the recently announced Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program where you will learn more about applicant eligibility, project types, and the application process. This grant program will invest $15 million in projects across New Jersey that create, restore and enhance salt marshes, sea grass beds, forests, and urban parks that sequester atmospheric carbon in the fight against climate change. 

Next week on May 4, 2022, NJ takes a stand to Get Past Plastic. Make sure you have your reusable bags ready for your next shopping trip.

Join the Delaware Township Environmental Commission, Kingwood Township Environmental Commission, D&R Canal State Park, and the New Jersey AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors Program, planting native trees and plants at Bulls Island Recreation Area, Hunterdon County, Delaware Township. Help restore approximately 0.5 acres of degraded and compacted landscape along the new Inlet Trail at Bulls Island Recreation Area!

Take a 1-2 mile hike with our Park Naturalist! Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, an Atlantic white cedar swamp, pine barrens habitats and a northeastern hardwood forest await you.

This public meeting will be held virtually using Microsoft Teams. There will also be a call-in phone number available. Topics covered include current water supply conditions, legislation & regulation updates, and harmful algal blooms (HAB). 

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is pleased to invite Ocean County residents to attend a community engagement session regarding Environmental Justice with DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia. 

Celebrate Arbor Day at New Jersey's FIRST State Forest, Bass River State Forest, on Saturday, April 30, 2022! Join our seasonal naturalist for free educational activities for the whole family between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Interpretive Center (just past campsite #13).

Join us on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City for a wide variety of fun family-friendly activities to celebrate the establishment of DEP! Attractions include food trucks, lawn games, education programs, face painting, slides/obstacle course, wildlife trailer, giveaways, fossil digging, arts and crafts, science experiments, a freshwater fish mobile aquarium, and more! 

Join the New Jersey State Park Service on Sunday, April 24 at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. for a six-mile hike on the West Pine Plains Natural Area which is part of Bass River State Forest and home to the “Pygmy Pines” the world’s largest acreage of this globally rare forest community. 

Late winter and early spring bring a different type of "hunting" season to New Jersey: shed hunting! During March and April bucks young and old experience a drop in testosterone, causing their antlers to "shed" and lay along the floors of our woods. Currently, it is the prime time to go hunting for deer antler sheds. (NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, R3 News)

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has adopted new and amended Air Pollution Control rules at N.J.A.C. 7:27-8, 16, 17, 21, 22 and at 7:27A-3. The adopted rules have three major components to address air contaminants in New Jersey through its permitting and emissions statement programs. 

State’s complaint seeks compensation for natural resource damages that occurred over decades in overburdened Bergen County community.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today urged the public to get ready for the state’s plastic bag and polystyrene foam food-service container law that takes effect Wednesday, May 4, 2022 by stocking up on reusable bags and visiting the DEP’s "Get Past Plastic" website. He also reminded food-service businesses that another provision of the law requires that single-use plastic straws to be distributed only at the customer’s request has been in effect since late last year.

Join the Forest Resource Education Center (FREC) for a pleasant evening stroll to celebrate spring blossoms! This is an easy 1.5 mile walk through the State Tree Farm property. A maximum 20 people are permitted. The event shall be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. 

This advisory affects any property owner with a subsurface sewage disposal system (also known as septic systems, or septic tanks) or multiple systems for which the aggregate wastewater design flow is in excess of 2,000 gallons per day (GPD), regulated in accordance with the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:14A-1 et seq., and the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems, N.J.A.C. 7:9A-1 et seq.

Subsurface sewage disposal system permits are generally issued for campgrounds, schools, and commercial establishments, that are not single-family homes. Local public health departments oversee the location, design, construction, installation, alteration, repair, and operation of single-family home septic systems with design flows of less than 2,000 GPD. The Department recommends that subsurface sewage disposal system owners follow the guidelines in this advisory.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is publishing a Preliminary Notice in the April 4, 2022 New Jersey Register (NJR) seeking public comment on the following proposed Water Quality Management (WQM) Plan amendment. 

i-Tree is a set of tools designed to help communities maximize the benefits they receive from trees.  The United States Forest Service (USFS) wants to hear from YOU to help inform what the future may hold for i-Tree.  Please lend your voice by attending one of their 3 virtual Town Hall listening sessions in April 2022.

Watershed and Land Management, Notice of Rule Proposal (Coastal Zone Management Rules)

PUBLIC NOTICE:
Take notice that the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is proposing amendments to the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Rules, N.J.A.C. 7:7. The Department is proposing to amend the boundaries reflected on coastal wetland maps applicable to Lower Alloways Creek Township in Salem County.