New Jersey Administrative Code
Title 5 - COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Chapter 21 - RESIDENTIAL SITE IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
Subchapter 7 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Appendix B

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 18, September 16, 2024

DEP Stormwater Management Rules Referenced in N.J.A.C. 5:21-7: N.J.A.C. 7:8-5 and 6 and other Relevant Portions of the Stormwater Rules

Definitions of words and terms used in N.J.A.C. 7:8-5 and 6

"CAFRA Planning Map" means the geographic depiction of the boundaries for Coastal Planning Areas, CAFRA Centers, CAFRA Cores and CAFRA Nodes pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:7E-5B.3.

"CAFRA Centers, Cores or Nodes" means those areas within boundaries accepted by the Department pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:8E-5B.

"Compaction" means the increase in soil bulk density.

"Core" means a pedestrian-oriented area of commercial and civic uses serving the surrounding municipality, generally including housing and access to public transportation.

"Department" means the Department of Environmental Protection.

"Designated Center" means a State Development and Redevelopment Plan Center as designated by the State Planning Commission such as urban, regional, town, village, or hamlet.

"Design engineer" means a person professionally qualified and duly licensed in New Jersey to perform engineering services that may include, but not necessarily be limited to, development of project requirements, creation and development of project design and preparation of drawings and specifications.

"Development" means the division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any building or structure, any mining excavation or landfill, and any use or change in the use of any building or other structure, or land or extension of use of land, for which permission is required under the Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.

In the case of development on agricultural land, development means: any activity that requires a State permit; any activity reviewed by the County Agricultural Boards (CAB) and the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC), and municipal review of any activity not exempted by the Right to Farm Act, N.J.S.A. 4:1C-1 et seq.

"Drainage area" means a geographic area within which stormwater runoff, sediments, or dissolved materials drain to a particular receiving waterbody or to a particular point along a receiving waterbody.

"Environmentally critical area" means an area or feature which is of significant environmental value, including, but not limited to: stream corridors; natural heritage priority sites; habitats of endangered or threatened species; large areas of contiguous open space or upland forest; steep slopes; and well head protection and groundwater recharge areas. Habitats of endangered or threatened species are identified using the Department's Landscape Project as approved by the Department's Endangered and Nongame Species Program.

"Empowerment Neighborhoods" means neighborhoods designated by the Urban Coordinating Council "in consultation and conjunction with" the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority pursuant to N.J.S.A. 55:19-69.

"Erosion" means the detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity.

"Impervious surface" means a surface that has been covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water.

"Infiltration" is the process by which water seeps into the soil from precipitation.

"Municipality" means any city, borough, town, township, or village.

"Node" means an area designated by the State Planning Commission concentrating facilities and activities which are not organized in a compact form.

"Nutrient" means a chemical element or compound, such as nitrogen or phosphorus, which is essential to and promotes the development of organisms.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, political subdivision of this State and any state, interstate or Federal agency.

"Pollutant" means any dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, filter backwash, sewage, garbage, refuse, oil, grease, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, medical wastes, radioactive substance (except those regulated under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended ( 42 U.S.C. §§ 2011 et seq.)), thermal waste, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, industrial, municipal, agricultural, and construction waste or runoff or other residue discharged directly or indirectly to the land, ground waters or surface waters of the State, or to a domestic treatment works. "Pollutant" includes both hazardous and nonhazardous pollutants.

"Recharge" means the amount of water from precipitation that infiltrates into the ground and is not evapotranspired.

"Sediment" means solid material, mineral or organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by air, water or gravity as a product of erosion.

"Site" means the lot or lots upon which a major development is to occur or has occurred.

"Soil" means all unconsolidated mineral and organic material of any origin.

"State Development and Redevelopment Plan Metropolitan Planning Area (PA1)" means an area delineated on the State Plan Policy Map and adopted by the State Planning Commission that is intended to be the focus for much of the State's future redevelopment and revitalization efforts.

"State Plan Policy Map" is defined as the geographic application of the State Development and Redevelopment Plan's goals and Statewide policies, and the official map of these goals and policies.

"Stormwater" means water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land's surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, or is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewage or drainage facilities or conveyed by snow removal equipment.

"Stormwater runoff" means water flow on the surface of the ground or in storm sewers, resulting from precipitation.

"Stormwater management basin" means an excavation or embankment and related areas designed to retain stormwater runoff. A stormwater management basin may either be normally dry (that is, a detention basin or infiltration basin), retain water in a permanent pool (a retention basin), or be planted mainly with wetland vegetation (most constructed stormwater wetlands).

"Stormwater management measure" means any structural or nonstructural strategy, practice, technology, process, program, or other method intended to control or reduce stormwater runoff and associated pollutants, or to induce or control the infiltration or groundwater recharge of stormwater or to eliminate illicit or illegal nonstormwater discharges into stormwater conveyances.

"Tidal Flood Hazard Area" means a flood hazard area, which may be influenced by stormwater runoff from inland areas, but which is primarily caused by the Atlantic Ocean.

"Urban Coordinating Council Empowerment Neighborhood" means a neighborhood given priority access to State resources through the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority.

"Urban Enterprise Zones" means a zone designated by the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority pursuant to the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones Act, N.J.S.A. 52:27H-60 et seq.

"Urban Redevelopment Area" is defined as previously developed portions of areas:

1. Delineated on the State Plan Policy Map (SPPM) as the Metropolitan Planning Area (PA1), Designated Centers, Cores or Nodes;

2. Designated as CAFRA Centers, Cores or Nodes;

3. Designated as Urban Enterprise Zones; and

4. Designated as Urban Coordinating Council Empowerment Neighborhoods.

"Waters of the State" means the ocean and its estuaries, all springs, streams, wetlands, and bodies of surface or ground water, whether natural or artificial, within the boundaries of the State of New Jersey or subject to its jurisdiction.

"Wetlands" or "wetland" means an area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as hydrophytic vegetation.

SUBCHAPTER 5. DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MEASURES

7:8-5.1 Scope

(a) This subchapter establishes design and performance standards for stormwater management measures for major development intended to minimize the adverse impact of stormwater runoff on water quality and water quantity and loss of groundwater recharge in receiving water bodies.

(b) The standards specified in this subchapter do not apply to major development if alternative design and performance standards that are at least as protective as would be achieved through this subchapter when considered on a regional stormwater management area basis are applicable under a regional stormwater management plan adopted in accordance with this chapter or a water quality management plan adopted in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:15.

7:8-5.2 Stormwater management measures for major development

(a) Stormwater management measures for major development shall be developed to meet the erosion control, groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quantity, and stormwater runoff quality standards at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5. To the maximum extent practicable, these standards shall be met by incorporating nonstructural stormwater management strategies at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3 into the design. If these measures alone are not sufficient to meet these standards, structural stormwater management measures at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.7 necessary to meet these standards shall be incorporated into the design.

(b) The development shall incorporate a maintenance plan under N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.8 for the stormwater management measures.

(c) Stormwater management measures shall avoid adverse impacts of concentrated flow on habitat for threatened and endangered species as documented in the Department's Landscape Project or Natural Heritage Database established under N.J.S.A. 13:1B-15.1 47 through 15.150, particularly Helonias bullata (swamp pink) and/or Clemmys muhlnebergi (bog turtle).

(d) The following linear development projects are exempt from the groundwater recharge, storm-water runoff quantity, and stormwater runoff quality requirements at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5:

1. The construction of an underground utility line provided that the disturbed areas are revegetated upon completion;

2. The construction of an aboveground utility line provided that the existing conditions are maintained to the maximum extent practicable; and

3. The construction of a public pedestrian access, such as a sidewalk or trail with a maximum width of 14 feet, provided that the access is made of permeable material.

(e) A waiver from strict compliance from the groundwater recharge, stormwater runoff quantity, and stormwater runoff quality requirements at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5 may be obtained for the enlargement of an existing public roadway or railroad, or the construction or enlargement of a public pedestrian access, provided that the following conditions are met:

1. The applicant demonstrates that there is a public need for the project that cannot be accomplished by any other means;

2. The applicant demonstrates through an alternatives analysis, that through the use of nonstructural and structural stormwater management strategies and measures, the option selected complies with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5 to the maximum extent practicable;

3. The applicant demonstrates that, in order to meet the requirements at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5 existing structures currently in use, such as homes and buildings would need to be condemned; and

4. The applicant demonstrates that it does not own or have other rights to areas, including the potential to obtain through condemnation lands not falling under (e)3 above within the upstream drainage area of the receiving stream, that would provide additional opportunities to mitigate for requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5 that were not achievable on-site.

N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3 Nonstructural stormwater management strategies

(a) To the maximum extent practicable, the standards in N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5 shall be met by incorporating nonstructural stormwater management strategies at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.3into the design. The persons submitting an application for review shall identify the nonstructural strategies incorporated into the design of the project. If the applicant contends that it is not feasible for engineering, environmental, or safety reasons to incorporate any nonstructural stormwater management strategies identified in (b) below into the design of a particular project, the applicant shall identify the strategy and provide a basis for the contention.

(b) Nonstructural stormwater management strategies incorporated into site design shall:

1. Protect areas that provide water quality benefits or areas particularly susceptible to erosion and sediment loss;

2. Minimize impervious surfaces and break up or disconnect the flow of runoff over impervious surfaces;

3. Maximize the protection of natural drainage features and vegetation;

4. Minimize the decrease in the "time of concentration" from pre-construction to post-construction. "Time of concentration" is defined as the time it takes for runoff to travel from the hydraulically most distant point of the drainage area to the point of interest within a watershed;

5. Minimize land disturbance including clearing and grading;

6. Minimize soil compaction;

7. Provide low-maintenance landscaping that encourages retention and planting of native vegetation and minimizes the use of lawns, fertilizers and pesticides;

8. Provide vegetated open-channel conveyance systems discharging into and through stable vegetated areas; and

9. Provide other source controls to prevent or minimize the use or exposure of pollutants at the site in order to prevent or minimize the release of those pollutants into stormwater runoff. These source controls include, but are not limited to:

i. Site design features that help to prevent accumulation of trash and debris in drainage systems;

ii. Site design features that help to prevent discharge of trash and debris from drainage systems;

iii. Site design features that help to prevent and/or contain spills or other harmful accumulations of pollutants at industrial or commercial developments; and

iv. When establishing vegetation after land disturbance, applying fertilizer in accordance with the requirements established under the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., and implementing rules.

(c) Any land area used as a nonstructural stormwater management measure to meet the performance standards in N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5 shall be dedicated to a government agency, subjected to a conservation restriction filed with the County Clerk's office, or subject to Department approved or equivalent restriction that ensures that measure or an equivalent stormwater management measure approved by the reviewing agency is maintained in perpetuity.

(d) Guidance for nonstructural stormwater management strategies is available in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual available from the Department through the address listed at N.J.A.C. 7:8-1.3.

7:8-5.4 Erosion control, groundwater recharge, and runoff quantity standards

(a) This section contains minimum design and performance standards to control erosion, encourage and control infiltration and groundwater recharge, and control stormwater runoff quantity impacts of major development.

1. The minimum design and performance standards for erosion control are those established under the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq. and implementing rules.

2. The minimum design and performance standards for groundwater recharge are as follows:

i. The design engineer shall, using the assumptions and factors for stormwater runoff and groundwater recharge calculations at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.6, either:

(1) Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the site and its stormwater management measures maintain 100 percent of the average annual pre-construction groundwater recharge volume for the site; or

(2) Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that the increase of stormwater runoff volume from pre-construction to post-construction for the two-year storm is infiltrated.

ii. This groundwater recharge requirement does not apply to projects within the "urban redevelopment area," or to projects subject to (a)2iii below.

iii. The following types of stormwater shall not be recharged:

(1) Stormwater from areas of high pollutant loading. High pollutant loading areas are areas in industrial and commercial developments where solvents and/or petroleum products are loaded/ unloaded, stored, or applied, areas where pesticides are loaded/unloaded or stored; areas where hazardous materials are expected to be present in greater than 'reportable quantities' as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 40 CFR 302.4; areas where recharge would be inconsistent with remedial action work plan or landfill closure plan; and areas with high risks for spills of toxic materials, such as gas stations and vehicle maintenance facilities; and

(2) Industrial stormwater exposed to "source material." "Source material" means any material(s) or machinery, located at an industrial facility, that is directly or indirectly related to process, manufacturing or other industrial activities, which could be a source of pollutants in any industrial stormwater discharge to groundwater. Source materials include, but are not limited to, raw materials; intermediate products; final products; waste materials; by-products; industrial machinery and fuels, and lubricants, solvents, and detergents that are related to process, manufacturing, or other industrial activities that are exposed to stormwater.

iv. The design engineer shall assess the hydraulic impact on the groundwater table and design the site so as to avoid adverse hydraulic impacts. Potential adverse hydraulic impacts include, but are not limited to, exacerbating a naturally or seasonally high water table so as to cause surficial ponding, flooding of basements, or interference with the proper operation of subsurface sewage disposal systems and other subsurface structures in the vicinity or downgradient of the groundwater recharge area.

3. In order to control stormwater runoff quantity impacts, the design engineer shall, using the assumptions and factors for stormwater runoff calculations at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.6, complete one of the following:

i. Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that for stormwater leaving the site, post-construction runoff hydrographs for the two, 10, and 100-year storm events do not exceed, at any point in time, the pre-construction runoff hydrographs for the same storm events;

ii. Demonstrate through hydrologic and hydraulic analysis that there is no increase, as compared to the pre-construction condition, in the peak runoff rates of stormwater leaving the site for the two, 10, and 100-year storm events and that the increased volume or change in timing of stormwater runoff will not increase flood damage at or downstream of the site. This analysis shall include the analysis of impacts of existing land uses and projected land uses assuming full development under existing zoning and land use ordinances in the drainage area;

iii. Design stormwater management measures so that the post-construction peak runoff rates for the two, 10 and 100-year storm events are 50, 75 and 80 percent, respectively, of the pre-construction peak runoff rates. The percentages apply only to the post-construction stormwater runoff that is attributable to the portion of the site on which the proposed development or project is to be constructed; or

iv. In tidal flood hazard areas, stormwater runoff quantity analysis in accordance with (a)3i, ii and iii above shall only be applied if the increased volume of stormwater runoff could increase flood damages below the point of discharge.

(b) Any application for a new agricultural development that meets the definition of major development at N.J.A.C. 7:8-1.2 shall be submitted to the Soil Conservation District for review and approval in accordance with the requirements of this section and any applicable Soil Conservation District guidelines for stormwater runoff quantity and erosion control. For purposes of this section, "agricultural development" means land uses normally associated with the production of food, fiber and livestock for sale. Such uses do not include the development of land for the processing or sale of food and the manufacture of agriculturally related products.

7:8-5.5 Stormwater runoff quality standards

(a) Stormwater management measures shall be designed to reduce the post-construction load of total suspended solids (TSS) in stormwater runoff generated from the water quality design storm by 80 percent of the anticipated load from the developed site, expressed as an annual average. Stormwater management measures shall only be required for water quality control if an additional one-quarter acre of impervious surface is being proposed on a development site. (Department of Community Affairs Note: Consistent with N.J.A.C. 7:8-4.2, municipal stormwater management plan and elements, the Residential Site Improvement Standard requirements only are triggered by residential developments that disturb one or more acres of land.) The requirement to reduce TSS does not apply to any stormwater runoff in a discharge regulated under a numeric effluent limitation for TSS imposed under the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) rules, N.J.A.C. 7:14A, or in a discharge specifically exempt under a NJPDES permit from this requirement. The water quality design storm is 1.25 inches of rainfall in two hours. Water quality calculations shall take into account the distribution of rain from the water quality design storm, as reflected in Table 1 below. The calculation of the volume of runoff may take into account the implementation of non-structural and structural stormwater management measures.

(b) For purposes of TSS reduction calculations, Table 2 below presents the presumed removal rates for certain BMPs designed in accordance with the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual. The BMP manual may be obtained from the address identified in N.J.A.C. 7:8-1.3 or found on the Department's website at http://www.njstormwater.org. The BMP manual and other sources of technical guidance are listed in N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.9(a). TSS reduction shall be calculated based on the removal rates for the BMPs in Table 2 below. Alternative removal rates and methods of calculating removal rates may be used if the design engineer provides documentation demonstrating the capability of these alternative rates and methods to the review agency. Where the Department is not the review agency, a copy of any approved alternative rate or method of calculating the removal rate shall be provided to the Department at the address at N.J.A.C. 7:8-1.3.

(c) If more than one BMP in series is necessary to achieve the required 80 percent TSS reduction for a site, the applicant shall utilize the following formula to calculate TSS reduction:

R = A + B-(AXB)/100

where

R = total TSS percent load removal from application of both BMPs, and

A = the TSS percent removal rate applicable to the first BMP

B = the TSS percent removal rate applicable to the second BMP

(d) If there is more than one onsite drainage area, the 80 percent TSS removal rate shall apply to each drainage area, unless the runoff from the subareas converge on site in which case the removal rate can be demonstrated through a calculation using a weighted average.

(e) Stormwater management measures shall also be designed to reduce, to the maximum extent feasible, the post-construction nutrient load of the anticipated load from the developed site in stormwater runoff generated from the water quality design storm. In achieving reduction of nutrients to the maximum extent feasible, the design of the site shall include nonstructural strategies and structural measures that optimize nutrient removal while still achieving the performance standards in N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5.

(f) Additional information and examples are contained in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, which may be obtained from the address identified in N.J.A.C. 7:8-1.3.

(g) In accordance with the definition of FW1 at N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.4, stormwater management measures shall be designed to prevent any increase in stormwater runoff to waters classified as FW1.

(h) Special water resource protection areas shall be established along all waters designated Category One at N.J.A.C. 7:9B and perennial or intermittent streams that drain into or upstream of the Category One waters as shown on the USGS Quadrangle Maps or in the County Soil Surveys, within the associated HUC 14 drainage. These areas shall be established for the protection of water quality, aesthetic value, exceptional ecological significance, exceptional recreational significance, exceptional water supply significance, and exceptional fisheries significance of those established Category One waters. These areas shall be designated and protected as follows:

1. The applicant shall preserve and maintain a special water resource protection area in accordance with one of the following:

i. A 300-foot special water resource protection area shall be provided on each side of the waterway, measured perpendicular to the waterway from the top of bank outwards, or from the centerline of the waterway where the bank is not defined, consisting of existing vegetation or vegetation allowed to follow natural succession is provided.

ii. Encroachment within the designated special water resource protection area under (h)1i above shall only be allowed where previous development or disturbance has occurred (for example, active agricultural use, parking area or maintained lawn area). The encroachment shall only be allowed where applicant demonstrates that the functional value and overall condition of the special water resource protection area will be maintained to the maximum extent practicable. In no case shall the remaining special water resource protection area be reduced to less than 150 feet as measured perpendicular to the top of bank of the waterway or centerline of the waterway where the bank is undefined. All encroachments proposed under this subparagraph shall be subject to review and approval by the Department.

2. All stormwater shall be discharged outside of but may flow through the special water resource protection area and shall comply with the Standard For Off-Site Stability in the "Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey," established under the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq. (see N.J.A.C. 2:90-1.3) .

3. If stormwater discharged outside of and flowing through the special water resource protection area cannot comply with the Standard For Off-Site Stability in the "Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey," established under the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., (see N.J.A.C. 2:90-1.3) , then the stabilization measures in accordance with the requirements of the above standards may be placed within the special water resource protection area, provided that:

i. Stabilization measures shall not be placed within 150 feet of the waterway;

ii. Stormwater associated with discharges allowed by this paragraph shall achieve a 95 percent TSS post construction removal rate;

iii. Temperature shall be addressed to ensure no impact on receiving waterway;

iv. The encroachment shall only be allowed where the applicant demonstrates that the functional value and overall condition of the special water resource protection area will be maintained to the maximum extent practicable;

v. A conceptual project design meeting shall be held with the appropriate Department staff and Soil Conservation District staff to identify necessary stabilization measures; and

vi. All encroachments proposed under this section shall be subject to review and approval by the Department.

4. A stream corridor protection plan may be developed by a regional stormwater management planning committee as an element of a regional stormwater management plan, or by a municipality through an adopted municipal stormwater management plan. If a stream corridor protection plan for a waterway subject to this subsection has been approved by the Department, then the provisions of the plan shall be the applicable special water resource protection area requirements for that waterway. A stream corridor protection plan for a waterway subject to this subsection shall maintain or enhance the current functional value and overall condition of the special water resource protection area as defined above in (h)1i. In no case shall a stream corridor protection plan allow reduction of the Special Water Resource Protection Area to less than 150 feet as measured perpendicular to the waterway subject to this subsection.

5. This subsection does not apply to the construction of one individual single family dwelling that is not part of a larger development on a lot receiving preliminary or final subdivision approval on or before February 2, 2004, provided that the construction begins on or before February 2, 2009.

7:8-5.6 Calculation of stormwater runoff and groundwater recharge

(a) Stormwater runoff shall be calculated in accordance with the following:

1. The design engineer shall calculate runoff using one of the following methods:

i. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) methodology, including the NRCS Runoff Equation and Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph, as described in Section 4, National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4), dated July 2002, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. This methodology is additionally described in Technical Release 55-Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds (TR-55), dated June 1986, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. Information regarding the methodology is available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service website at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/water/quality/common/neh603/4content.html or at Natural Resources Conservation Service, 220 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey 08873; (732) 537-6040; or

ii. The Rational Method for peak flow and the Modified Rational Method for hydrograph computations.The rational and modified rational methods are described in "Appendix A-9 Modified Rational Method" in the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in New Jersey, July 1999. This document is available from the State Soil Conservation Committee or any of the Soil Conservation Districts listed at N.J.A.C. 2:90-1.3(a)4. The location, address, and telephone number of each Soil Conservation District is available from the State Soil Conservation Committee, PO Box 330, Trenton, NJ 08625, (609) 292-5540.

2. For the purpose of calculating runoff coefficients and groundwater recharge, there is a presumption that the pre-construction condition of a site or portion thereof is a wooded land use with good hydrologic condition. The term "runoff coefficient" applies to both the NRCS methodology at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.6(a)1 i and the Rational and Modified Rational Methods at N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.6(a)1 i. A runoff coefficient or a groundwater recharge land cover for an existing condition may be used on all or a portion of the site if the design engineer verifies that the hydrologic condition has existed on the site or portion of the site for at least five years without interruption prior to the time of application. If more than one land cover have existed on the site during the five years immediately prior to the time of application, the land cover with the lowest runoff potential shall be used for the computations. In addition, there is the presumption that the site is in good hydrologic condition (if the land use type is pasture, lawn, or park), with good cover (if the land use type is woods), or with good hydrologic condition and conservation treatment (if the land use type is cultivation.)

3. In computing pre-construction stormwater runoff, the design engineer shall account for all significant land features and structures, such as ponds, wetlands, depressions, hedgerows, or culverts, that may reduce pre-construction stormwater runoff rates and volumes.

4. In computing stormwater runoff from all design storms, the design engineer shall consider the relative stormwater runoff rates and/or volumes of pervious and impervious surfaces separately to accurately compute the rates and volume of stormwater runoff from the site. To calculate runoff from unconnected impervious cover, urban impervious area modifications as described in the NRCS Technical Release-55, Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds or other methods may be employed.

5. If the invert of the outlet structure of a stormwater management measure is below the flood hazard design flood elevation as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:13, the design engineer shall take into account the effects of tailwater in the design of structural stormwater management measures.

(b) Groundwater recharge may be calculated in accordance with the following:

1. The New Jersey Geological Survey Geological Survey Report GSR-32 A Method for Evaluating Ground-Water-Recharge Areas in New Jersey, incorporated herein by reference as amended and supplemented. Information regarding the methodology is available from the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual; at New Jersey Geological Survey website at http:// http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/, or at New Jersey Geological Survey, 29 Arctic Parkway, PO Box 427, Trenton, NJ 08625-0427; (609) 984-6587.

7:8-5.7 Standards for structural stormwater management measures

(a) Standards for structural stormwater management measures are as follows:

1. Structural stormwater management measures shall be designed to take into account the existing site conditions, including, for example, environmentally critical areas; wetlands; flood-prone areas; slopes; depth to seasonal high water table; soil type, permeability and texture; drainage area and drainage patterns; and the presence of solution-prone carbonate rocks (limestone).

2. Structural stormwater management measures shall be designed to minimize maintenance, facilitate maintenance and repairs, and ensure proper functioning. Trash racks shall be installed at the intake to the outlet structure as appropriate, and shall have parallel bars with one-inch spacing between the bars to the elevation of the water quality design storm. For elevations higher than the water quality design storm, the parallel bars at the outlet structure shall be spaced no greater than one-third the width of the diameter of the orifice or one-third the width of the weir, with a minimum spacing between bars of one inch and a maximum spacing between bars of six inches. In addition, the design of trash racks must comply with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:8-6.2(a).

3. Structural stormwater management measures shall be designed, constructed, and installed to be strong, durable, and corrosion resistant. Measures that are consistent with the relevant portions of the Residential Site Improvement Standards at N.J.A.C. 5:21-7.3, 7.4 and 7.5 shall be deemed to meet this requirement.

4. At the intake to the outlet from the stormwater management basin, the orifice size shall be a minimum of two and one-half inches in diameter.

5. Stormwater management basins shall be designed to meet the minimum safety standards for stormwater management basins at N.J.A.C. 7:8-6

(b) Stormwater management measure guidelines are available in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual. Other stormwater management measures may be utilized provided the design engineer demonstrates that the proposed measure and its design will accomplish the required water quantity, ground water recharge and water quality design and performance standards established by this subchapter.

(c) Manufactured treatment devices may be used to meet the requirements of this subchapter, provided the pollutant removal rates are verified by the New Jersey Corporation for Advanced Technology and certified by the Department.

7:8-5.8 Maintenance requirements

(a) The design engineer shall prepare a maintenance plan for the stormwater management measures incorporated into the design of a major development.

(b) The maintenance plan shall contain specific preventative maintenance tasks and schedules; cost estimates, including estimated cost of sediment, debris, or trash removal; and the name, address, and telephone number of the person or persons responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance (including replacement). Maintenance guidelines for stormwater management measures are available in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual. If the maintenance plan identifies a person other than the developer (for example, a public agency or homeowners' association) as having the responsibility for maintenance, the plan shall include documentation of such person's agreement to assume this responsibility, or of the developer's obligation to dedicate a stormwater management facility to such person under an applicable ordinance or regulation.

(c) Responsibility for maintenance shall not be assigned or transferred to the owner or tenant of an individual property in a residential development or project, unless such owner or tenant owns or leases the entire residential development or project.

(d) If the person responsible for maintenance identified under (b) above is not a public agency, the maintenance plan and any future revisions based on (h) below shall be recorded upon the deed of record for each property on which the maintenance described in the maintenance plan must be undertaken.

(e) Preventative and corrective maintenance shall be performed to maintain the function of the stormwater management measure, including repairs or replacement to the structure; removal of sediment, debris, or trash; restoration of eroded areas; snow and ice removal; fence repair or replacement; restoration of vegetation; and repair or replacement of nonvegetated linings.

(f) The person responsible for maintenance identified under (b) above shall maintain a detailed log of all preventative and corrective maintenance for the structural stormwater management measures incorporated into the design of the development, including a record of all inspections and copies of all maintenance-related work orders.

(g) The person responsible for maintenance identified under (b) above shall evaluate the effectiveness of the maintenance plan at least once per year and adjust the plan and the deed as needed.

(h) The person responsible for maintenance identified under (b) above shall retain and make available, upon request by any public entity with administrative, health, environmental or safety authority over the site, the maintenance plan and the documentation required by (f) and (g) above.

(i) Nothing in this section shall preclude the municipality in which the major development is located from requiring the posting of a performance or maintenance guarantee in accordance with N.J.S.A. 40:55D-53.

7:8-5.9 Sources for technical guidance

(a) Technical guidance for stormwater management measures can be found in the documents listed at (a)1 and 2 below, which are available from Maps and Publications, Department of Environmental Protection, 428 East State Street, PO Box 420, Trenton, New Jersey, 08625; telephone (609) 777-1038.

1. Guidelines for stormwater management measures are contained in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual, 2002 as amended. (Department of Community Affairs Note: The effective version of the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual is the April 2004 edition.) Information is provided on stormwater management measures such as:

i. Bioretention systems;

ii. Constructed stormwater wetlands;

iii. Dry wells;

iv. Extended detention basins;

v. Infiltration structures;

vi. Manufactured treatment devices;

vii. Pervious paving;

viii. Sand filters;

ix. Vegetative filter strip, and

x. Wet pond.

2. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Stormwater Management Facilities Maintenance Manual, as amended.

(b) Additional technical guidance for stormwater management measures can be obtained from the following:

1. The "Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control" in New Jersey promulgated by the State Soil Conservation Committee and incorporated into N.J.A.C. 2:90. Copies of these standards may be obtained by contacting the State Soil Conservation Committee or any of the Soil Conservation Districts listed in N.J.A.C. 2:90-1.3(a)4. The location, address, and telephone number of each Soil Conservation District may be obtained from the State Soil Conservation Committee, PO Box 330, Trenton, New Jersey 08625, 609-292-5540;

2. The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Service, 732-932-9306; and

3. The Soil Conservation Districts listed in N.J.A.C. 2:90-1.3(a)4. The location, address, and telephone number of each Soil Conservation District may be obtained from the State Soil Conservation Committee, PO Box 330, Trenton, New Jersey 08625, 609-292-5540.

SUBCHAPTER 6. SAFETY STANDARDS FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BASINS

7:8-6.1 Scope

(a) This subchapter sets forth requirements to protect public safety through the proper design and operation of stormwater management basins. This subchapter applies to any new stormwater management basin.

(b) The provisions of this subchapter are not intended to preempt more stringent municipal or county safety requirements for new or existing stormwater management basins. Municipal and county stormwater management plans and ordinances may, pursuant to their authority, require existing stormwater management basins to be retrofitted to meet one or more of the safety standards in N.J.A.C. 7:8-6.2(a), (b) and (c)1 for trash racks, overflow grates, and escape provisions at outlet structures.

N.J.A.C. 7:8-6.2Requirements for trash racks, overflow grates and escape provisions

(a) A trash rack is a device designed to catch trash and debris and prevent the clogging of outlet structures. Trash racks shall be installed at the intake to the outlet from the stormwater management basin to ensure proper functioning of the basin outlets in accordance with the following:

1. The trash rack shall have parallel bars, with no greater than six-inch spacing between the bars;

2. The trash rack shall be designed so as not to adversely affect the hydraulic performance of the outlet pipe or structure;

3. The average velocity of flow through a clean trash rack is not to exceed 2.5 feet per second under the full range of stage and discharge. Velocity is to be computed on the basis of the net area of opening through the rack; and

4. The trash rack shall be constructed of rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant material and designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 lbs./ft sq.

(b) An overflow grate is designed to prevent obstruction of the overflow structure. If an outlet structure has an overflow grate, the grate shall comply with the following requirements:

1. The overflow grate shall be secured to the outlet structure but removable for emergencies and maintenance;

2. The overflow grate spacing shall be no greater than two inches across the smallest dimension; and

3. The overflow grate shall be constructed of rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant material and designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 lbs./ft sq.

(c) Stormwater management basins shall include escape provisions as follows:

1. If a stormwater management basin has an outlet structure, escape provisions shall be incorporated in or on the structure. Escape provisions include the installation of permanent ladders, steps, rungs, or other features that provide easily accessible means of egress from stormwater management basins. With the prior approval of the reviewing agency pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:8-6.3(a), a free-standing outlet structure may be exempted from this requirement;

2. Safety ledges shall be constructed on the slopes of all new stormwater management basins having a permanent pool of water deeper than two and one-half feet. Safety ledges shall be comprised of two steps. Each step shall be four to six feet in width. One step shall be located approximately two and one-half feet below the permanent water surface, and the second step shall be located one to one and one-half feet above the permanent water surface. See N.J.A.C. 7:8-6 Appendix A for an illustration of safety ledges in a stormwater management basin; and

3. In new stormwater management basins, the maximum interior slope for an earthen dam, embankment, or berm shall not be steeper than three horizontal to one vertical.

7:8-6.3 Variance or exemption from safety standards

A variance or exemption from the safety standards for stormwater management basins may be granted only upon a written finding by the appropriate reviewing agency (municipality, county or Department) that the variance or exemption will not constitute a threat to public safety.

Appendix A:

Illustration of safety ledges in a new detention basin.

Depicted is an elevational view.

Data in image