April 15, 2020

Updates on the CSO Long Term Control Plans

We hope this newsletter finds you well during these challenging times. Like all of us, our utilities and municipalities have been impacted by COVID-19. The Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers campaign has learned that due to the impacts of COVID-19, Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, Middlesex County Utilities Authority, Camden County Utilities Authority, and the municipal permit holders they serve, have requested a 90-day extension for the Long Term Control Plans (LTCPs)submittal deadline. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is evaluating these requests and possibly additional requests from the other combined sewer overflow (CSO) permit holders. This would move the deadline for the CSO LTCPs from June 1, 2020 to Sept. 1, 2020. The Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers campaign will follow the progress of these requests and will include an update in our May newsletter and post updates on our Facebook page and Twitter feed .

Keep Our Sewer Clean During COVID-19

The coronavirus is changing the world rapidly but some things remain the same—toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed. Anything else clogs our sewers during a time when our water infrastructure is already in need of repair. Learn more here.

Regional Options Under Consideration to Stop Sewage Overflows

From the outset of the combined sewer overflow permits issued in 2015, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) encouraged collaboration between waste water treatment plants and their member municipalities (whose sewage they treat). Of the 25 permits issued, 9 were issued to waste water treatment plants and 16 to municipalities, resulting in 9 regional collaborations. Municipalities and waste water treatment plants have been working on water quality monitoring, modeling of the sewer systems and public participation. Regional alternatives will include upgrades like sewer treatment plant expansion and regional storage tanks. What does this mean for the final Long Term Control Plans? Learn more here.

Save the Date: CSO Long Term Control Plan Workshop

Join us on Tuesday, June 9, 10:00am -12:00pm. Newark DIG is hosting the CSO LTCP Review Workshop in partnership with Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers and the Jersey Water Works CSO Committee. The purpose of the workshop is to assist with reviewing the CSO Long Term Control Plans using Newark’s plan as a model for the environmental/engineering specs, green infrastructure specifications, local jobs impact, and financial analysis. You will learn how to evaluate the alternatives proposed and submit comments. This event is free and will be recorded.

Lessons Learned at New Jersey Future's Redevelopment Forum

Stormwater 2020: Smooth Sailing or Choppy Waters?

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) published long-awaited, important amendments to the state’s stormwater management rule ( N.J.A.C. 7:8 ) on March 2. The most notable change in the rule is a requirement that green infrastructure practices be used to meet the standards for water quality, quantity and recharge. Learn more here.

Stronger than the Storm: Planning for Climate Change

As our climate changes and storms worsen, much of New Jersey’s infrastructure is at risk. New Jersey Future’s 2020 Redevelopment Forum’s afternoon breakout session, Stronger than the Storm: Building the Infrastructure We Need for a Changing Climate, examined ways in which communities can not only make transportation, energy, and water systems resilient, but also redesign them to take advantage of new technologies and changing community needs to build climate-ready and future-ready infrastructure. Learn more here.

Green Streets, Complete Neighborhoods

How do you ensure your town’s streets are not just for cars, but for people, bikes, wheelchairs—and even water? And when bike lanes are seen as “white lanes” and a sign of gentrification, how can you build social equity into a city’s pedestrian safety plans? Learn more here.

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Upcoming Events

CSO Long Term Control Plan Review Online Workshop When: June 9 @ 10:00 am -12:00 pm

About This Campaign

Sewage-Free Streets and Rivers is an action-oriented campaign that empowers community organizations to engage residents and small business owners to shape the  solutions  that will be adopted in July 2020 to reduce localized flooding and the raw sewage dumped into our waterways. It is organized by its  partners  and an  advisory board , with the support of  New Jersey Future .

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