| Lower Raritan Watershed Management Area |
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| Problem Statements, Goals, Objectives and Strategies |
Links to Lower Raritan WMA Subcommittees:
Committee Mission Statements, Problem Statements, Goals, Objectives and Strategies – DRAFT
Formulating the subcommittee goals, objectives, strategies, and tasks enhances our ability to improve the capacity of the project to address essential challenges using a wide range of options for defining the overall strategic targets based on prioritized issues. It has also provided us with a unique opportunity to refine the management model being created as a effective, cutting-edge system to incorporate important and necessary utilization criteria consistent with reliable data in a way that can also account for any significant shortfalls in resource availability. Furthermore, it offers fresh opportunities to consolidate the foundations of the programmatic functions to date, harness the driving forces at work within the planning arena, focus increased attention on the need for constructive stakeholder engagement while balancing the risk-benefit complex within the given operational matrix. The compelling and forward looking nature of this synthesis, and the challenge of seeking new techniques for impacting the process in a positive manner, underline the certainty that success will yield mutually beneficial rewards if we bear in mind the relevant criteria contained in “Characteristics of a Watershed Management Plan” finalized by the Basin Council on 7/25/01, including: “The plan should be easy to understand…by different audiences….” - Steering Committee
Mission Statement:
Provide overall coordination of the watershed planning process for the WMA, with staff. Includes representatives of counties, municipalities and watershed organizations, each sub-committee chair, and two representatives to the Raritan Basin Council.
Education and Outreach Subcommittee
Mission Statement:
Work with staff and volunteers to develop watershed management plan components in education and outreach, implement public education/outreach efforts and generate involvement in watershed planning, awareness of watershed issues and interest in plan implementation.
Problem Statement:
Many people do not understand or are not aware of the impacts that many of their activities have on our water resources. Efforts by local municipalities, government agencies and environmental groups to inform and involve the public have not been coordinated and are currently insufficient. In addition, current literature that explains and describes water resources problems and potential solutions to them is not readily available, nor is it easy to read and understand for the general public.
Education and outreach efforts needed to generate action necessary to improve and maintain water quality and water resources within the watershed have not been consistently and widely available.
| Goal | Objective | Strategy |
| RBEO-G1. Residents, landowners and businesses who are educated and informed about the basic aspects of water resources and critical watershed management issues in the Raritan River Basin and are moved to help solve those issues. | RBEO-O1A. By 2010, 50% of Raritan Basin residents understand the critical water resources and watershed issues in the Basin. associations) and additional programs as the need is identified. | RBEO-S1A1. Ensure that stakeholder groups understand the critical issues that affect them. |
| RBEO-S1A2. Improve education of residential communities through library-based information, news media, neighborhood meeting presentations and other similar opportunities to reach larger groups of people through low-cost approaches. | ||
| RBEO-S1A3. Develop tool kits for target groups (e.g., educators, farmers, businesses) that contain materials specific to the needs of each group that will build community awareness, appreciation and understanding of the watershed and its importance with stakeholders. | ||
| RBEO-S1A4. Implement a media campaign to generate awareness of critical water resources issues in the Basin. | ||
| RBEO-S1A5. Improve education of students (and through them, their parents) about water and Raritan Basin issues through increased training of teachers using existing programs (e.g., Project WET, NJ Audubon Society’s WATERS curriculum, teacher training programs offered by watershed | ||
| RBEO-O1B. Raritan Basin residents, both in general and within specific interests such as schools, business, environmental, government, agricultural, recreational and landowners, understand basic water resource issues and are able to apply the concepts in their lives. | RBEO-S1B1. Improve education of business, commercial and major landowners through expansion of existing programs of educational and outreach organizations (e.g., Rutgers Cooperative Extension, 4-H, watershed associations, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil Conservation Districts) and additional programs as the need is identified. Encourage business, commercial and major landowners to implement watershed stewardship and ‘good housekeeping’ practices. | |
| RBEO-S1B2. Improve education of residents and homeowners (especially those within or near riparian areas and significant ground water recharge areas) through replication and expansion of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association’s River Friendly Resident program or other similar programs. Encourage residents and homeowners to take personal actions beneficial to the watershed. | ||
| RBEO-S1B3. Improve education of municipal officials (elected and appointed) through direct presentations, presentations at conferences/conventions, education of those the officials rely upon for information (e.g., municipal staff and volunteers). Use Basin Strategy RB-S5 | ||
| RBEO-S1B4. Improve education of a variety of stakeholders through the use of demonstration sites and examples regarding property landscaping and maintenance, stormwater management, septic system management, etc., that focus on the key land management needs of each category of stakeholders. | ||
| RBEO-O1C. During plan implementation, organizations providing watershed –related education programs shall be aware of opportunities to coordinate their efforts to maximize educational benefits. | RBEO-S1C1. Evaluate the status of environmental education programs and activities in the Basin. Status shall be re-evaluated every 2 years thereafter. | |
| RBEO-S1C2. Develop and implement a mechanism to ensure communication and coordination among all groups involved in environmental education in the WMA. | ||
| RBEO-G2. Stakeholder participants are thoroughly educated and informed about Raritan Basin issues and watershed management techniques. | RBEO-O2A. Stakeholder participants involved in Plan implementation thoroughly understand Raritan Basin issues and watershed management techniques. | RBEO-S2A1. Develop and implement educational programs and activities that address the needs of stakeholder participants in the Raritan Basin. Participants will have a better understanding of the watershed management issues and techniques through various media channels, including news articles, web site, technical reports and educational programs. |
| RBEO-O2B. Stakeholder participants involved in Plan implementation have a core competence in the application of watershed management techniques to Raritan Basin issues. | RBEO-S2B1. Develop and implement training opportunities for stakeholder participants involved in plan implementation. This will include, but is not limited to workshops, demonstration projects, field trips, etc. (Action steps include field trips, demonstration projects, workshops, seminars, training calendar of other organization’s events). | |
| RBEO-G3. The population of the Raritan Basin supports implementation of the Raritan Basin Watershed Management Plan. | RBEO-O3A. Public support for watershed management activities is sufficient to ensure implementation of the Raritan Basin Watershed Management Plan. | RBEO-S3A1. Implement campaign targeted to all key stakeholder interest groups that can influence plan implementation, to develop support and address concerns. |
| RBEO-S3A2. Implement a campaign to generate public and media support for plan implementation, including regular press releases and press contacts on key stories that help show the need for watershed management (same as Strategy 1a4 above). | ||
| RBEO-S3A3. Develop a support network for plan implementation through 1:1 contact with key decision makers and influential leaders in the community. | ||
| RBEO-O3B. Sufficient public involvement exists to support a steady annual increase in the number of successful stakeholder-driven implementation projects. | RBEO-S3B1. Coordinate and promote participation in implementation projects that will interest a larger variety of stakeholders, resulting in their active involvement. | |
| RBEO-S3B2. Expand opportunities for incentive-based involvement (e.g., college credits, high school service requirements, AmeriCorps, internships, corporate service days, corporate sponsorship). | ||
| RBEO-G4. Government decision-makers of the Raritan Basin understand watershed management issues and tools, know the Raritan Basin Watershed Management Plan and its benefits, and support Plan implementation | RBEO-O4A. Municipal and county officials receive background training/education to support municipal and county planning and management actions that support the implementation of the watershed management plan. In addition, officials are knowledgeable regarding available tools and ordinances to implement the plan recommendations in their communities. | RBEO-S4A1. Organizations and individuals that work with municipal officials will develop and implement a program to engage governments at all levels to implement all appropriate strategies and actions in their regulations, programs and activities. |
| RBEO-S4A2. Provide ordinance tools to municipalities and counties to assist in effective implementation of the plan strategies and actions. Use Basin Strategy RB-S5 | ||
| RBEO-S4A3. Provide municipal training and information to assist in effective implementation of the plan strategies and actions. Use Basin Strategy RB-S5 | ||
| RBEO-S4A4. Develop and implement a program that provides municipalities with the ability to use their master plans to implement watershed management plan recommendations. Use Basin Strategy RB-S5 | ||
| LREO-G1 A strategic marketing plan shall be developed for the Lower Raritan WMA. | LREO-O1A. Develop an approach that will ensure cooperation and acceptance of the goals, objectives and strategies of the Lower Raritan watershed management plan. The approach shall motivate stakeholders to take action and implement the strategies of the watershed management plan. | LREO-S1A1. By December 2003, an approach for marketing the watershed management plan shall be developed which identifies effective means of education and outreach to various target groups, the most effective tools for marketing the watershed management message to various target groups, and also effective tools to evaluate the success and/or failure of the subcommittee’s activities. |
Land Management and Open Space Subcommittee
Mission Statement:
Identify watershed problems that may be caused by existing land uses. Identify and prioritize management practices that may solve these problems. Identify opportunities for open space preservation that would help protect critical watershed resources. Develop management plan strategies to deal with these issues.
Problem Statement:
Impairment to surface water quality is
often caused by pollutants and sediment contained in runoff to surface
water. Impairment of ground water
quality is often caused by the infiltration of polluted runoff and by the
direct introduction of pollutants below the land surface. Land use affects the proportion of
precipitation that runs off the land or that infiltrates into the ground. Many land use activities are not well
managed with respect to stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution,
resulting in surface water and ground water impairments. A comprehensive and viable plan to manage
land use and to reduce pollutant loading and sediment carried in runoff does
not exist.
Water resource protection is not consistently recognized as a benefit provided by open space, and not all open space is equally valuable for water resource protection. Methods to identify and prioritize open space categories and parcels for water resources protection are not in place in the Lower Raritan WMA. Coordination among existing open space preservation efforts is necessary to protect water resources in an economical and effective manner.
| Goal | Objective | Strategy |
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LRLM-G1a. Protect lands that enhance and maintain the integrity of water resources in the Lower Raritan WMA. |
LRLM-O1A. Land use and management practices will maintain ground water at a level that sustains year round stream base flows while providing for both human needs and basic ecosystem functions in the Lower Raritan WMA. |
See: Basin
Strategy RB-3: Water Supply
Budgets and Allocations LRLU-S1A1: Water Budgets - Aquifers LRLU-S1B1: Water Budgets – Ground Water LRSW-S1A2: Improve Effectiveness of Existing
Stormwater Management Systems LRSW-S1B2: Regulation of Stormwater from New Developments |
| LRLM-O1B. Following implementation of the watershed management plan, stream ecosystems will sustain healthy populations of target plant and wildlife species. | LRLM-S1B1. Develop and implement programs to protect stream ecosystem health. The programs shall include voluntary and regulatory requirements. | |
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LRLM-O1C. By 2004, a system that: Quantifies, to the extent possible, the relationship
between open space preservation and water resources protection, Provides criteria and guidance for land acquisition, land
protection and land management decisions, and Identifies appropriate
management of all lands will be adopted for use within the WMA to protect and improve the water resources of the Lower Raritan WMA.
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LRLM-S1C1. Develop open space preservation criteria for the Lower Raritan WMA. | |
| LRLM-S1C2. Enable municipalities to adopt appropriate water resources protection criteria while expanding their open space planning capacity. | ||
| LRLM-S1C3. Increase the amount of protected open space in the WMA. An additional 5% of land identified by the Raritan Basin Water Resources Protection (Open Space) Criteria will be protected by 2010. | ||
| LRLM-S1C4. Develop and implement a program requiring management/stewardship of open space areas. | ||
| LRLM-G2. Land will be managed so that negative impacts to water resources are minimized. |
LRLM-O2A. The potential impacts of different land
uses and management methods will be understood by 2004.
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LRLM-S2A1. Quantify sources of different pollutant loading based on land use type and geographic location to the extent feasible. Determine what is specifically attributable to land uses as nonpoint source pollution. |
| LRLM-S2A2. Identify relevant, appropriate and effective methods to reduce and better control pollutant contributions from various land use types. | ||
| LRLM-S2A3. Implement projects to mitigate NPS loadings from land uses that contribute to violations of WQS. | ||
| LRLM-S2A4. Implement a monitoring system to track implementation and success of BMPs. | ||
| LRLM-O2B. Nutrient loading in the Lower Raritan WMA will be at a level that causes no adverse impacts to water designated for human consumption, recreation purposes or wildlife health following the implementation of the watershed management plan. Where standards are currently met, there shall be no degradation. | LRLM-S2B1. Identify geographic areas that contribute to nutrient-related water quality impairments in the WMA or where increasing trends exist. | |
| LRLM-S2B2. Formulate and implement a nutrient reduction plan, including voluntary and regulatory components, that effectively minimizes the addition of nutrients to the environment where nutrient-related water quality impairments exist or where trends indicate that impairments are likely to exist within the next ten years. | ||
| LRLM-S2B3. Develop and implement a program requiring inspection and maintenance of on-site septic systems. | ||
| LRLM-O2C. Sediment loading and turbidity in the Lower Raritan WMA will be at a level that causes no adverse impacts to water designated for human consumption, recreation purposes or wildlife health following the implementation of the watershed management plan. Where standards are currently met, there shall be no degradation. | LRLM-S2C1. Identify geographic areas that contribute to sediment-related water quality impairments in the WMA or where increasing trends exist. | |
| LRLM-S2C2. Formulate and implement a sediment reduction plan, including voluntary and regulatory components, that effectively minimizes the addition of sediments to the environment where sediment-related water quality impairments exist or where trends indicate that impairments are likely to exist within the next ten years. | ||
| LRLM-S2C3. Improve enforcement of existing erosion and sediment control regulations and review existing regulations to identify potential improvements. | ||
| LRLM-O2D. Loadings of pesticides, heavy metals, road salts, deicing agents and other pollutants in the Lower Raritan WMA will be at a level that causes no adverse impacts to water designated for human consumption, recreation purposes or wildlife health following the implementation of the watershed management plan. Where standards are currently met, there shall be no degradation. | LRLM-S2D1. Identify geographic areas that contribute to pesticide, heavy metal and other water quality impairments in the WMA or where increasing trends exist. | |
| LRLM-S2D2. Formulate and implement pollutant reduction plans, including voluntary and regulatory components, that effectively minimize the addition of pesticides, heavy metals, road salts, deicing agents and other pollutants to the environment where water quality impairments exist or where trends indicate that impairments are likely to exist within the next ten years. | ||
| LRLM-O2E. Fecal Coliform loading in the Lower Raritan WMA will be at a level that causes no adverse impacts to water designated for human consumption, recreation purposes or wildlife health following the implementation of the watershed management plan. Where standards are currently met, there shall be no degradation. | LRLM-S2E1. Identify geographic areas that contribute to fecal coliform water quality impairments in the WMA or where increasing trends exist. | |
| LRLM-S2E2. Formulate and implement fecal coliform reduction plans, including voluntary and regulatory components that effectively minimize the addition of pathogens to the environment where water quality impairments exist or where trends indicate that impairments are likely to exist within the next ten years. | ||
| LRLM-O2F. By 2006, municipalities and other stakeholders will be provided with policy guidelines, methods (BMPs), implementation guidelines and maintenance protocols to achieve the goals and objectives stated in the Lower Raritan WMA watershed management plan. |
LRLM-S2F1. Develop and implement a plan to educate
municipal officials regarding: nonpoint source control issues and methods their role in controlling nonpoint source pollution their role in implementing the actions recommended in the Lower Raritan plan. |
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| LRLM-S2F2. Develop and implement a plan to educate municipal officials and other groups regarding E&S control issues and their implementation through local actions. | ||
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LRLM-S2F3. Educate the public (e.g. golf
courses, landscapers, agricultural community) regarding: nonpoint source control issues and methods their role in controlling nonpoint source pollution their role in implementing the actions recommended in the Lower Raritan plan. |
Land Use Planning, Wastewater and Water Supply Subcommittee
Mission Statement:
Identify issues where future land uses and the public and private availability and management of wastewater and water supplies affect the health of Lower Raritan watersheds.Develop strategies for the management plan to address these issues.
Problem Statement:
Water resource management is often thought of as an issue for the future. There are land use trends in the Lower Raritan that overextend the availability or use and management of water supplies and wastewater. The safe, reliable yield of ground and surface water supplies in the Lower Raritan is not known. The water balance is also not known and is not considered in sufficient depth in development review. In addition, there is no way to anticipate or predict when and by whom sewage treatment capacity will be reached. It is unknown if the current sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity is adequate to serve the needs of potential buildout scenarios. Municipalities do not consider the environmental impacts (e.g. development suitability of soils, impervious cover) of development in sufficient depth on a whole municipality or watershed basis. There currently is no method for determining when a municipality has cumulatively reached a level of development that is triggering negative environmental impacts to water resources.
| Goal | Objective | Strategy |
| LRLU-G1. The quality and quantity of ground water will be maintained, improved and protected. | LRLU-O1A. By 2012, there shall be no additional degradation or depletion of aquifers from new development or redevelopment. 30% of municipalities in the Lower Raritan will adopt such requirements by 2008; 100% of municipalities will adopt such requirements by 2014. | LRLU-S1A1. Characterize and assess the existing quantity status and establish water budgets for aquifers in the Lower Raritan WMA. |
| LRLU-S1A2. Develop and implement aquifer quantity protection programs so that there is no depletion of aquifers. | ||
| LRLU-S1A3. Develop and implement aquifer quality protection programs so that there is no degradation of aquifers. These programs will address various sources of aquifer contamination as identified by the Raritan Basin Project technical reports, including salt water intrusion. | ||
| LRLU-O1B. By 2012, new development and redevelopment will not diminish the quality and quantity of ground water. 30% of municipalities in the Lower Raritan will adopt such requirements by 2008; 100% of municipalities will adopt such requirements by 2014. |
LRLU-S1B1. Characterize and assess: the existing status of ground water quantity the safe yield ground water budgets desired future conditions of ground water supplies in the Lower Raritan WMA. |
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| LRLU-S1B2. Develop and implement ground water quantity protection programs so that there is no depletion of groundwater and the desired future conditions identified in LRLU-S1B1 can be met. | ||
| LRLU-S1B3. Develop and implement ground water quality protection programs so that there is no degradation of ground water. These programs will address various sources of groundwater contamination as identified by the Raritan Basin Project technical reports. | ||
| LRLU-S1B4. Develop and implement programs to reduce peak daily and average annual per capita water withdrawals through water conservation and re-use. | ||
| LRLU-G2. The quality and quantity of surface water will be maintained, improved and protected. | LRLU-O2A. By 2012, new development and redevelopment will not diminish the quality and quantity of surface water. 30% of municipalities in the Lower Raritan will adopt such requirements by 2008; 100% of municipalities will adopt such requirements by 2014. | LRLU-S2A1. Characterize and assess surface water quantity by determining surface water budgets for each subwatershed. Determine a desired future condition. |
| LRLU-S2A2. Develop and implement surface water protection programs and, where necessary, surface water pollution control plans (TMDLs) so that the desired future conditions identified in LRLU-S2A1 and throughout the Lower Raritan watershed management plan can be met. | ||
| LRLU-S2A3. Develop and implement programs to reduce peak daily and average annual per capita water withdrawals through water conservation and re-use. | ||
| LRLU-G3. Integrate water resource related considerations into land use planning and management. All bodies governing land use will consider the environmental impacts of development on water resources on a whole municipality and a watershed basis. Sound land use planning will protect ground water and surface water resources. | LRLU-O3A. By 2004, municipalities shall help protect environmental resources and mitigate environmental impacts by requiring a thorough examination of environmental impacts from applicants for development or redevelopment projects. | LRLU-S3A1. Develop, enact and implement land use ordinances and regulations to require and enable municipalities to consider the cumulative environmental impacts and benefits of proposed land development or redevelopment projects, protect environmental resources to the maximum extent possible and mitigate unavoidable impacts. This assessment shall be submitted to the municipality for review during the subdivision approval process. Municipalities shall consider individual and cumulative impacts of withdrawals, discharges and recharges on natural resources and existing water users. |
| LRLU-S3A2. Develop and distribute a policy and planning toolbox for municipalities and developers that can be used to control the impacts of development. Develop programs using the toolbox that will ensure that municipalities will have the knowledge necessary to evaluate site plan applications for environmental impacts. | ||
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LRLU-S3A3. Identify
and implement municipal ordinances requiring site plan provisions to: prevent the net increase in NPS pollutant loadings from
new development require low impact development designs require minimum disturbance of natural vegetation minimization of stormwater flow increases set NPS standards for different zones establish special performance standards (above and beyond soil erosion and sediment control, stormwater management and other standards) for NPS control from new developments in highly sensitive watersheds |
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| LRLU-S3A4. Adopt site plan provisions mandating minimum disturbance of lands that have attributes likely to exacerbate NPS loadings if developed, such as highly erodible soils, steep slopes, acid producing soils. | ||
| LRLU-S3A5. Create a system of financial or other incentives for incorporating BMPs, reducing NPS loads, etc. beyond current standards in development and redevelopment projects. | ||
| LRLU-S3A6. Train municipal and consultant professional planners and engineers and other pertinent land development entities in environmentally-sensitive zoning and site design techniques, such as low impact development and smart growth methods, including the economic benefits of such methods. | ||
| LRLU-S3A7. Provide a review and assessment of land use management decisions that have regional and WMA-wide impacts with state, county and local planning agencies. | ||
| LRLU-G4. Development of new infrastructure will be accomplished in ways that preserve and protect water resources. | LRLU-O4A. By 2012, development will be limited to the sustainable capacity of the wastewater infrastructure and the receiving water bodies. The wastewater infrastructure shall be managed to maintain, protect and improve water resources. | LRLU-S4A1. Implement and enforce wastewater capacity limits within the Lower Raritan WMA so that entities within the WMA will not be permitted to exceed their wastewater capacity limits. |
| LRLU-S4A2. Develop and coordinate planning for new or expanded wastewater treatment facilities on a watershed basis; the affected municipalities and counties shall be involved in the process. | ||
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LRLU-S4A3. Develop and implement zoning
provisions and ordinances and resolutions regulating the siting, design,
density and maintenance of septic systems in order to maintain no additional net negative impact to
water resources. These provisions
shall include, but not be limited to: - location of individual septic systems away from surface
waters. - density of individual septic systems. - location of individual septic systems away from highly sensitive ground water recharge areas such as geologic faults, excessively drained soils, wellhead protection areas. |
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| LRLU-O4B. By 2012, development will be limited to the sustainable capacity of the water supply and its infrastructure. The water supply infrastructure shall be managed to maintain, protect and improve water resources. | LRLU-S4B1. Implement and enforce water supply capacity limits for suppliers based on the water budgets developed for the WMA so that entities within the WMA will not be permitted to exceed their water supply capacity limits. | |
| LRLU-S4B2. Develop and coordinate planning for new or expanded water supply facilities and sources on a watershed basis; the affected municipalities and counties shall be involved in the process. | ||
| LRLU-O4C. By 2012, new and existing transportation infrastructure shall have no net negative impact on water resources. | LRLU-S4C1. Amend ordinance and construction codes to mandate that transportation infrastructure additions or improvements incorporate BMPs and other design features to protect water resources (including quantity, quality and hydrologic characteristics) while maintaining safety and durability of roads and other infrastructure. | |
| LRLU-S4C2. Develop and implement a program of activities so that runoff from transportation infrastructure does not harm water resources. |
Legal, Institutional and Implementation Subcommittee
Mission Statement:
Identify opportunities and obstacles regarding legal authorities,
institutional capacity and implementation techniques (including regulatory and
non-regulatory approaches). Develop
strategies for the management plan to address these issues.
Problem Statement:
As a novel policy tool, collaborative watershed planning is not yet widely accepted by local policy makers and constituents. In part, this is because it is unclear how a watershed plan will interact with existing laws and policies that would compel many to participate. Capacities and resources for implementing a watershed plan also must be identified. Because watershed boundaries do not match political boundaries, means for communicating and coordinating action across boundaries must be adopted.
| Goal | Objective | Strategy |
| LRLI-G1. An effective and publicly acceptable legal and institutional structure for implementation of the watershed management plan shall be created. | LRLI-O1A. By 2004, understand municipal, county and state capabilities for watershed management in the Lower Raritan WMA to guide watershed strategy development and implementation. | LRLI-S1A1. Identify and fill organizational shortfalls in county and municipal government agencies and authority to implement key strategies of the watershed management plan. Procedures and criteria shall be developed to assure implementation entities are adequately funded and have adequate staff and capital resources to carry out the responsibilities required by the watershed management plan. |
| LRLI-S1A2. Identify and fill regulatory shortfalls in county and municipal government agencies and authority to implement key strategies of the watershed management plan. Procedures and criteria shall be developed to assure implementation entities have adequate legal authority to carry out the responsibilities required by the watershed management plan. | ||
| LRLI-S1A3. Recommend and implement state, county and municipal master plan amendments to achieve consistency with the watershed management plan. | ||
| LRLI-O1B. By 2004, 50% of the municipalities and all four counties in the Lower Raritan will be formally participating in and coordinating their efforts for implementation of the watershed plan. | LRLI-S1B1. The watershed management plan shall be implemented through binding agreements and resolutions that identify explicit objectives, responsibilities and timelines. The agreements shall provide for adequate funding and legal authority. | |
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LRLI-S1B2. Identify and provide incentives for
counties and municipalities to implement the watershed management plan. Provide municipalities with estimates of
the long-term costs of different types of development. Provide municipalities with economic and
environmental rationales for: Implementing BMPs Protecting open space Protecting water resources. |
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| LRLI-S1B3. Develop a manual explaining existing laws and regulations, model programs, model regulations, resolutions and ordinances, institutional incentives and economic rationales for implementation of the watershed management plan. | ||
| LRLI-O1C. By 2005, municipalities and counties in the Lower Raritan WMA will have routine communication regarding impacts of local decisions and planning on watersheds. |
LRLI-S1C1. Develop and implement a process that
facilitates regular communication: between those responsible for implementation of the Lower
Raritan Watershed Management Plan and county and municipal officials, between those responsible for implementation of the plan
and the public, and among municipalities and counties regarding local activities to implement the plan and other decisions affecting water resources.
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Stormwater and Flooding Subcommittee
Mission Statement:
Identify needs and strategies to develop an institutional
framework for a regional, watershed-based approach to stormwater management related
to future development of infrastructure and land use changes. In addition, identify strategies for
managing stormwater from existing infrastructure and land uses. Management of existing and future stormwater
must be coordinated on a watershed basis.
These strategies should include setting priorities for planning and
implementation, identifying infrastructure needing retrofitting and new
alternative approaches, and identifying responsible parties for and costs
associated with watershed based stormwater planning and implementation. In addition, identify areas where flooding
may be reduced as a result of stormwater management.
Problem Statement:
Stormwater is not managed on a watershed basis. Most people do not understand why stormwater should be managed on a watershed basis. Existing stormwater management plans are not developed to assure that the design and construction of all new stormwater discharges are coordinated with watershed objectives. Complete information on current stormwater collection and management systems does not exist. There is a lack of existing, time-tested stormwater management systems and incentives to retrofit existing systems.
| Goal | Objective | Strategy |
| LRSW-G1. Stormwater collection and discharge systems that produce no further deterioration of the physical characteristics or functions of receiving waterbodies in the watershed. | LRSW-O1A. Identify existing stormwater induced alterations to the physical characteristics or functions of receiving water bodies in subwatersheds of the Lower Raritan WMA and initiate measures to prevent alteration to the physical characteristics of the receiving water bodies. |
LRSW-S1A1.
Characterize and assess existing stormwater management
systems to identify: stormwater induced alterations to the physical
characteristics of receiving water bodies caused by existing
stormwater systems and, existing stormwater management facilities that impact physical characteristics or functions of receiving water bodies. |
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LRSW-S1A2. Improve the effectiveness of
existing stormwater management systems to protect and restore watershed
health through restored base flows and controlled storm flows. Establish
methods, priorities and projects for retrofit of existing systems to
accomplish the following: Reduce stormwater runoff rates Reduce stormwater runoff volume Increase groundwater infiltration Increase groundwater recharge |
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| LRSW-O1B. Identify potential future stormwater induced alterations to the physical characteristics or functions of receiving water bodies in subwatersheds of the Lower Raritan WMA to prevent alteration to the physical characteristics of the receiving water bodies. By 2006, no net increase in the peak flow conditions/stormwater discharge volume for each HUC-14 subwatershed. | LRSW-S1B1. Develop and implement procedures and requirements for characterization and assessment of storm water induced alterations to the physical characteristics of receiving water bodies that may be caused by proposed or anticipated storm water systems. Include requirements for design changes or mitigation of impacts if the system is determined to impact water quality. | |
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LRSW-S1B2. Improve the effectiveness of new
stormwater management systems to protect and restore watershed health through
restored baseflows and controlled storm flows. Require regulation of stormwater from new development and
redevelopment to accomplish the following: Achieve post-development hydrologic conditions that result
in no additional alteration to the physical characteristics and functions of
the receiving water bodies Maintain ground water recharge at specified levels on a
municipal or county basis Achieve no net increase in stormwater volume Minimize the extent to which systems short circuit the beneficial effects of riparian areas
for flow control Achieve no net detrimental change in post development
ground water infiltration rate and volume from pre-development conditions Protect and utilize natural drainage features Require additional performance criteria to critical or
sensitive areas Require alteration of project designs, where necessary so that the specified criteria are met |
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| LRSW-S1B3. Develop criteria for impervious surface control and relate the criteria to impact to the physical characteristics of streams. The criteria should include limits for impervious surfaces for different land uses. Develop and implement institutional methods (voluntary or regulatory) to minimize impervious cover and reduce the volume of runoff (maintain natural buffers and drainage ways). | ||
| LRSW-G2. Surface and ground water quality that meets or exceeds all standards. | LRSW-O2A. Identification of surface and ground waters that are degraded or impaired by stormwater runoff quality in order to prevent further ecological degradation in the Lower Raritan WMA. By 2010, the quality of stormwater runoff from existing development will achieve or exceed standards with regard to stormwater pollutant loadings | LRSW-S2A1. Characterize and assess existing stormwater systems to determine the extent to which they protect or harm water quality and to improve operations and maintenance so as not to degrade the water quality of the receiving water body. The investigation should include identification of pollutant type, cause and severity to assist in determining where retrofit and/or restoration is necessary. |
| LRSW-S2A2. Develop and implement a program to establish methods, priorities and projects for retrofit of existing systems in order to improve effectiveness of existing systems to protect and restore watershed health through improved water quality discharges. | ||
| LRSW-S2A3. Develop and implement a program of activities to remove NPS pollution from storm water flows, e.g. street sweeping, litter cleanup. Remove pollutants from stormwater discharges prior to release to waterways. | ||
| LRSW-S2A4. Identify existing ‘hot spots’ [1] and recommend specific BMPs to ensure that water quality achieves or exceeds all standards. | ||
| LRSW-O2B. By 2010, there will be no net increase in stormwater pollutant loads from new development or redevelopment that may cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards. | LRSW-S2B1. Develop and implement procedures and requirements for characterization and assessment of storm water induced alterations to the water quality of receiving water bodies that may be caused by proposed or anticipated storm water systems. Include requirements for design changes or mitigation of impacts if the system is determined to impact water quality. | |
|
LRSW-S2B2. Ensure water quality
considerations in design of stormwater management systems so that surface and
ground water quality meets or exceeds all standards. Require regulation of stormwater from new
development and redevelopment or changes in land use to accomplish the
following: Removal of pollutants from stormwater runoff prior to
release to protect water quality using structural and nonstructural
techniques (e.g. pollution prevention and source reduction) to minimize the
amount of treatment stormwater needs. Minimization of the extent to which stormwater systems
short circuit the beneficial effects of riparian areas for water quality. Meeting additional performance criteria for critical or
sensitive areas Reduction of direct discharge of stormwater flows into
streams through re-routing, sheet flow methods, artificial wetlands, etc. in
order to protect water quality. |
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| LRSW-S2B3. Develop and implement a program of activities to remove NPS pollution from storm water flows, e.g. street sweeping, litter cleanup, catchbasin retrofit. | ||
| LRSW-S2B4. Require specific BMPs to manage discharges from potential ‘hot spots’[2] in new development in order to achieve management plan objectives. | ||
| LRSW-G3. Minimization of cumulative flood and stream corridor damages throughout the Lower Raritan WMA. | LRSW-O3A. Identify and map flood prone areas and potential at risk areas in order to reduce flood damages in the Lower Raritan WMA. | LRSW-S3A1. Characterize and assess flood prone and potential flood damage areas |
| LRSW-O3B. No increase in the potential for flood damages due to new development or redevelopment. |
LRSW-S3B1. Establish voluntary and
regulatory measures that will minimize future flood damages. Require state, county and municipal regulation of
stormwater from new development and redevelopment to accomplish the
following: Reduce stormwater runoff rates for areas contributing to
frequently floodprone areas. Protect floodplains and restrict land uses in floodplains
and floodways to prevent future flood damages Prevent new development in flood prone areas |
|
| LRSW-O3C. Reduction of the existing potential for flood damages. |
LRSW-S3C1.
Develop and implement a program to: Minimize flood damages through the use of structural
measures. Minimize flood damages through the use of nonstructural
measures Minimize flood damages by changing current land uses in flood prone areas. |
|
| LRSW-G4. Management of stormwater and flood damage reduction will be performed on a watershed basis in the Lower Raritan WMA. | LRSW-O4A. By 2008, watershed-based stormwater management plans will be adopted to guide the control of stormwater from new development and redevelopment and guide the improvement and maintenance of existing stormwater systems. | LRSW-S4A1. Assess and improve environmental policy and institutional capacity with respect to stormwater quality, quantity, operations and maintenance and flood damage management. The assessment shall be repeated every ten years or as needed. |
|
LRSW-S4A2. Provide assistance to
municipalities and counties to develop and implement local and regional
stormwater management plans that incorporate the following: Requirements that all permanent stormwater facilities be
regularly inspected and maintained according to appropriate guidance to
ensure performance and maximum efficiency Principles identified in the strategies developed by the
Lower Raritan Stormwater & Flooding subcommittee for the watershed
management plan Principles developed in the strategies developed by Lower Raritan WMA subcommittees. |
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| LRSW-S4A3. Create a system of financial or other incentives for incorporating BMPs, reducing NPS loads, etc. beyond current standards in development and redevelopment projects. | ||
| LRSW-S4A4. Track the effectiveness of BMPs in new developments and retrofits to existing developments. | ||
| LRSW-O4B. By 2008, agencies of the federal, state, county and municipal governments in the Lower Raritan WMA will develop and implement plans for financing stormwater management programs. | LRSW-S4B1. Create local funding capacity, such as a utility, to ensure adequate, ongoing funding for stormwater management activities and to provide funding to contribute to regional stormwater management projects. | |
| LRSW-O4C. By 2006, municipalities and other stakeholders will be provided with policy guidelines, methods (BMPs), implementation guidelines and maintenance protocols to achieve the goals and objectives stated in the Lower Raritan watershed management plan. |
LRSW-S4C1. Develop and implement programs
that will improve the knowledge base of appropriate parties regarding actions
intended to manage quantity and quality of stormwater from existing and
proposed development. Educate
municipal officials and other pertinent stakeholders about the relationship
of stormwater management programs to: healthy watersheds sustainable, cost effective development flood damage prevention. |
|
| LRSW-S4C2. Encourage the use of innovative approaches to stormwater management and site design in the land development process. |
Watershed Restoration Subcommittee
Mission Statement:
Identify needs for and develop approaches
to water resources restoration, including streams, impoundments, ground water,
wetlands and habitat restoration that are tailored to the Lower Raritan WMA.
Help plan and implement projects. Restoration is defined as any physical action
that results in the improvement to the existing condition of a water resource.
Restoration may include clean up, stabilization, and enhancement to create a
more natural, less impaired condition.
Problem Statement:
The quantity and quality of surface and ground waters of the Lower Raritan WMA have been degraded by mismanagement of water and land resources. Restoration locations have not been identified and evaluated. There is not sufficient information regarding the most appropriate and cost-effective restoration techniques to use for differing water resource types and conditions. There is a lack of coordinated governmental and private efforts required to restore the resources to support habitat and human uses.
| Goal | Objective | Strategy |
| LRWR-G1. The open water and other wetland resources of the Lower Raritan WMA will be protected and restored to enable them to demonstrate improved functions (flood storage capacity, aquifer and ground water recharge, etc.) and ecosystem services (support of human, plant and animal communities). | LRWR-O1A. Existing riparian areas will be protected and, where possible, enhanced. | LRWR-S1A1. Develop and implement a non-regulatory program of activities to protect riparian areas. |
| LRWR-S1A2. Develop and implement a regulatory program to protect riparian areas. | ||
| LRWR-O1B. By 2006, sites and reaches of subwatershed tributaries that will benefit from restoration will be identified and catalogued. By 2006, projects will be implemented in at least 50% of the HUC 11s in the Lower Raritan WMA. | LRWR-S1B1. Develop and implement a process to identify and catalogue individual sites and reaches that will benefit from restoration activities. The program will provide for reassessment every five years. | |
| LRWR-S1B2. Implement restoration projects at sites identified in LRWR-S1B1. | ||
| LRWR-S1B3. Perform an evaluation of the status of watershed restoration in the Lower Raritan WMA. The evaluation shall include identification of current and proposed projects and identification of organizations involved in restoration activities. Using the evaluation, identify gaps and develop programs to fill those gaps. | ||
| LRWR-S1B4. Develop and implement a program that will ensure the use of scientifically and technically sound methods for riparian habitat restoration, and long term monitoring of restoration activities to ensure that they contribute to enhance ecological systems and biological communities. | ||
| LRWR-O1C. By 2005, technical, institutional and stakeholder capacity will support coordinated watershed restoration efforts | LRWR-S1C1. Establish and carry out a coordinated, watershed based, governmental and private sector effort to plan and implement restoration activities that will improve the function and quality of water resources and ecosystem services in the Lower Raritan WMA. | |
| LRWR-S1C2. Identify and implement improvements to existing NJDEP permitting procedures. NJDEP shall not permit any project that results in a net reduction or negative impact to riparian areas or that negatively impacts ongoing or completed restoration projects. | ||
| LRWR-S1C3. Develop a program of education and outreach to garner public support for and participation in restoration activities, educate municipalities and counties regarding the importance of riparian buffers and to educate municipalities and counties regarding the care and protection of riparian areas. Facilitate restoration projects by local groups. | ||
| LRWR-S1C4. Develop and implement a program of technical assistance for landowners, land managers, watershed associations and municipalities in order to support riparian restoration and protection. |
Water Quality Monitoring and Modeling Subcommittee
Mission Statement:
Work with the Raritan Basin Technical Advisory Committee to identify
water quality goals, monitoring needs and modeling needs for surface water
quality. Develop strategies for the
Raritan Basin watershed management plan to address pollutant reduction needs
where these are identified.
Problem Statement:
Current monitoring programs, water
quality data, and/or modeling efforts are not adequate to characterize ambient
water quality in the Lower Raritan. It
is also unclear whether sufficient data exists to determine a link between
impairments and a specific point source or nonpoint source. It is unknown whether current monitoring
programs and modeling efforts provide a benchmark to measure progress in the
future.
Available monitoring data indicates that in some locations water quality standards, particularly phosphorus and fecal coliform, have been routinely violated, pesticide concentrations may periodically exceed human health standards, and many streams indicate moderately or severely impaired ecological health. Some streams have retained an unimpaired ecological health.
| Goal | Objective | Strategy |
| LRWQ-G1. To achieve appropriate water quality goals in the Lower Raritan WMA so that ecological balance and appropriate uses of the watershed are maintained. | LRWQ-O1A. The water quality in the Lower Raritan WMA shall be maintained and, where feasible, enhanced for those water bodies or stream segments meeting surface water quality standards, as identified in Categories 1 and 2 of the 2002 Integrated Report[3]. | LRWQ-S1A1. Develop and implement an initiative for each subwatershed to maintain water quality from 2004 forward in water bodies that meet water quality standards. |
| LRWQ-S1A2. Develop and implement a program to improve point source and nonpoint source discharges to reduce pollutant loads in compliance with permit requirements and/or best management practices, including TMDL requirements. | ||
| LRWQ-S1A3. Develop and implement an initiative to temporarily improve point source discharge quality for specific parameters of concern during extreme low flows where such actions are determined to be significantly beneficial to the water body. | ||
| LRWQ-O1B. Those water bodies or stream segments not meeting surface water quality standards, as identified on the 2002 Integrated Report, Categories 4 and 5, shall be improved to meet such standards. [4] | LRWQ-S1B1. Develop and implement surface water pollution control plans, also known as TMDLs, for each subwatershed to improve the quality of water bodies not meeting water quality standards and to prevent further degradation. | |
| LRWQ-S1B2. Mitigate pollutant loads from sediments where sediments are determined to be a contributor to water quality impairments. | ||
| LRWQ-O1C. The water quality of all water bodies in the Lower Raritan WMA will meet appropriate water quality goals. | LRWQ-S1C1. Develop and implement an initiative to improve point source and nonpoint source discharges to treat key pollutants that lack criteria but raise substantive health issues. | |
| LRWQ-O1D. The water quality of the Lower Raritan WMA will be assessed based on historical data available as of 2003. A sufficient amount of water quality monitoring will be conducted to characterize and assess water quality and identify impairments on an ongoing basis. The ‘state’ of the watershed should be reassessed every four years, at a minimum. | LRWQ-S1D1. Where appropriate, update or complement the Raritan Project technical reports with additional water quality monitoring data, such as that from NJPDES permit holders and volunteer monitoring efforts. Identify impairments and trends. | |
| LRWQ-S1D2. By 2006, establish a consistent, comprehensive and collaborative water quality monitoring program (ambient, chemical, biological and physical), analysis, and interpretation that will enhance baseline information, characterize spatial and temporal trends, differentiate among pollutant sources and monitor effectiveness of implementation activities to complement and integrate with NJDEP/USGS programs. (Track progress) | ||
| LRWQ-S1D3. Develop and implement a citizen water quality monitoring network in each subwatershed to allow for reassessment every four years, at a minimum. | ||
| LRWQ-S1D4. Determine and mitigate the causes of biological impairment to AMNET and other biological monitoring sites. |
[1] land uses or activities with higher potential loadings
[2] land uses or activities with higher potential loadings
[3] SWQS definition
[4] Surface water quality standards = criteria + designated uses