Ocean County Sewer Map Could Shape Future Development

A critical component of Ocean County's Development Plan is waiting in the wings while residents get a chance to weigh in. You may be wondering, what does a sewer system have to do with you? Why should you care? Believe it or not, you should and there's a lot riding on it.

The County's sewer service area maps are a top priority. They can essentially determine where sewers are located, where new ones can be built and it has a major impact on where new development and growth can occur. The Department of Environmental Protection is currently accepting public comment about the maps which were recently on display at a public hearing. Environmentalists are concerned there could be extra pollution in the Barnegat Bay. It's something the planning department is reviewing closely and making sure all the T's are crossed and the I's are dotted.

Ocean County Planning Director Dave McKeon says some of the additional areas that were added include New Egypt and Plumstead where there aren't any sewers. The County's Wastewater Management Plan is currently in development to coincide with the maps.

McKeon says "the new service areas exclude large environmentally sensitive areas and the rule limits development intensity to what sewer treatment plants and natural systems can handle." This past winter, the governor signed legislation that required submission of updates within 180 days, but provided a two-year deadline extension for most other requirements of the rule.

McKeon also says "just because an area is fit for sewers on the map doesn't necessarily mean one will go there. There are plenty of outside factors to consider and are working to make sure there aren't any issues.

Ocean County's proposed sewer service areas cover 124,820, acres or 30 percent of the county's land area. The proposed area is 33,087 acres smaller than the pre-existing maps; lands removed include environmentally sensitive areas (44 percent), preserved open space (25 percent), and land identified for preservation on municipal master plans.

The DEP comments are being accepted in writing from now until Tuesday, July 10th. You can mail them in at the following contact address:

WQM Program Docket

Division of Coastal and Land Use Planning Mail Code 401-07C

NJ Department of Environmental Protection

P O Box 420

Trenton, NJ 08625-0420