Guidance for 50 or More Realty Improvement Certifications

Abstract

Development of rural land is occurring at a rapid pace throughout the State of New Jersey. In areas that are not served by municipal sewers, residential homes rely on septic systems to dispose of their sanitary wastewater. Septic systems provide a safe and reliable method for disposing of residential wastewater when they are constructed and operated in accordance with the accepted standards.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (Department) has modern regulations for septic system design and construction at N.J.A.C. 7:9A, called the “Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems.” These rules authorize construction of onsite sewage systems that are protective of human health and the environment, particularly as they affect surface and ground water. Surface water quality is protected by distance setbacks from streams and wetlands. Ground water is protected by requiring sufficient distance between the disposal system and the water table, and by relying on modern well construction requirements. These regulatory measures effectively protect water bodies and wells against contamination from human disease organisms.