Thursday, February 10, 2005

County Hosts Municipal Stormwater Conference

The Atlantic County Department of Regional Planning and Development presented an overview of the state's Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program for local officials and municipal program coordinators at a conference held today at the Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing.

The Municipal Stormwater Regulation Program addresses non-source pollutants that run off impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots and enter storm inlets and accompanying stormwater systems, eventually making their way to surface waters such as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, bays and surrounding waterways. The program is a critical component of the broader watershed management based initiatives that serve to protect drinking water, ensure the existence of healthy ecosystems and a sustained quality of life for residents.

"Given Atlantic County's significant environmental resources, it is appropriate that we are gathered here today to ensure the protection of our waterways for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations," stated County Executive Dennis Levinson.

The conference, which was attended by approximately 75 individuals, addressed the new stormwater management rules, permit regulations and regional plans affecting the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff. Representatives from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) explained the regulatory requirements at county and municipal levels. Strategies for implementation were also discussed.

"While these new regulations present us with additional costs, we have an opportunity to coordinate our efforts and resources to comply in a cost effective and efficient manner," added Levinson.

In addition to outlining the details of the stormwater program, the conference introduced the supporting roles that consulting engineers and planners, the Atlantic County Utilities Authority and non-profit agencies, can play in helping the county's 23 municipalities meet their stormwater obligations.

Representatives from the Pinelands Commission reported on the commission's progress to develop a model stormwater control ordinance for Pinelands area communities that would help them reconcile the stormwater requirements of the Pinelands Commission and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

County officials emphasized the importance of working together. "Our goal is to make complying with these new regulations as painless as possible," concluded Levinson. "And this conference is the first step in that direction."

For more information, please contact Joe Maher, Department Head, Regional Planning and Development, at (609) 645-5898.

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