Jefferson Township, NJ - News and Information

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

IN THE MATTER OF: Long-term Precipitation Deficit, Depleted Reservoir Storage, and Severely Depleted Ground Water Levels and Stream Flows.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY, WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY. In accordance with the Water Supply Management Act (N.J.S.A. 58:1A‑1 et seq.) and the Water Supply Allocation Permits Rules (Rules) adopted pursuant thereto at N.J.A.C. 7:19‑1 et seq., the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (Department) has determined that a potentially critical water supply situation could develop in the Northeast Drought Region (all or parts of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris and Passaic Counties).

This determination is based upon a relative lack of precipitation, above-average temperatures and water supply demands, rapidly declining storage in certain principal water supply reservoirs, severely depleted ground water levels and stream flows, and upcoming scheduled maintenance at regional water systems. Based on the above, a Drought Watch was issued for the Northeast Drought Region on August 5, 2010. The cooperation of the general public and all water users to use water wisely is being requested at this time.

In the event that water supply conditions worsen, the Department may designate a Drought Warning for a portion of or for the entire State. During a Drought Warning, the Department may exercise its non-emergency powers and call for action to be taken by water suppliers to avoid or lessen the impact of a potential water emergency. Before ordering the implementation of any of the Drought Warning requirements provided under N.J.A.C. 7:19-11.6, the Department must provide notice of and hold a public hearing. At the public hearing, the Department will receive input concerning the severity of the situation, its impact on regional water supplies, and available options.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing has been scheduled for August 25, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., in the Millburn Free Library which is located on 200 Glen Avenue
in Millburn , New Jersey, to afford the public an opportunity to be heard on this matter. This public hearing will be held before a Hearing Officer of the Department to assess the severity of current conditions and to examine and discuss all available water supply management options. The Department and all interested persons shall have an opportunity to present and submit information in support of or in opposition to this matter. Although not required, interested persons may be represented by counsel. In response to this Notice, any person may submit written comments relating to this matter on or before August 25, 2010 to: Mr. Steve Doughty, Hearing Officer, Mail Code 401-03, NJDEP\Water Supply, PO Box 420, Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0420.