N.J. Admin. Code § 7:19-6.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 7:19-6.8 - Interconnections

(a) In order to assure the availability of water during times of emergency, including drought, the Department may require interconnections of the Class A or Class B standard (see N.J.A.C. 7:19-6.2, Definitions) to the extent practicable and economically feasible for all Class 2 and 3 purveyors. The purveyor, upon being notified of such a requirement, is required to conduct an interconnection feasibility study which must identify the most cost-effective alternative and schedule for project completion. The conclusions of the study shall be approved by the Department before project implementation. Prior to issuing an order requiring interconnections, the Department shall advise the purveyor(s) of the proposed action and thereafter allow 30 days for submission of information by the purveyor(s). If undue hardship would be caused by the proposed action, it may be waived by the Department.

(b) For the purposes of this subchapter, potential interconnections shall be presumed to be economically feasible in all cases in which the actual service areas of two-purveyor systems are closer than 1,000 feet, at the closest point, measured between mains at least eight inches in diameter. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted where hardship can be shown, such as where system pressures require a pumping station. In cases where there is a minimum distance of over 1,000 feet, but less than a mile, between adjacent service areas, a feasibility study may be required. Where adjacent service areas are more than a mile distant at all points, a feasibility study will be required only in cases where there are special conditions threatening the continued viability of the existing source of water.

(c) Unless it can be clearly shown that benefits accrue mainly to one system, costs of interconnections shall be shared between the participating systems. Where both systems benefit, distribution of costs between participating systems shall be proportionate to the benefits, as approved by the Department.

(d) Large, integrated water systems may be exempt from the requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:19-6.8 where it can be demonstrated that system components provide adequate alternative sources.

(e) If found to be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Act, the Department may order the constructions of interconnections by purveyors serving less than 10,000 population.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:19-6.8

Administrative correction to (a).
See: 24 New Jersey Register 2715(a).