N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-16.5

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 7:7-16.5 - Groundwater use

(a) Groundwater is all water within the soil and subsurface strata that is not at the surface of the land. It includes water that is within the earth that supplies wells and springs.

(b) Coastal development shall demonstrate, to the maximum extent practicable, that the anticipated groundwater withdrawal demand of the development, alone and in conjunction with other groundwater diversions proposed or existing in the region, will not cause salinity intrusions into the groundwaters of the zone, will not degrade groundwater quality, will not significantly lower the water table or piezometric surface, or significantly decrease the base flow of adjacent water sources. Groundwater withdrawals shall not exceed the aquifer's safe yield.

1. Coastal development shall conform with all applicable Department and, in the Delaware River Basin, Delaware River Basin Commission requirements for groundwater withdrawal and water diversion rights.

(c) Rationale: Groundwater is a primary source of water for drinking and industrial use. In some areas of the coastal zone, especially areas in Essex, Middlesex, Monmouth, Salem, Camden, and Cape May Counties, excessive amounts of groundwater are being withdrawn. The problem stems from the overpumping of groundwater, industrial, agricultural and municipal landfill leakage into groundwater and reduction of aquifer recharge caused by increased development and population. This has led to a progressive lowering of the water table or piezometric surface; altered groundwater flow patterns; changed groundwater recharge/discharge relationships, which may in turn result in increasing salt water intrusion into the groundwater; damaged the base flow conditions of streams; and caused well closing due to contamination.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-16.5

Renumbered from 7:7E-8.6 by 47 N.J.R. 1392(a), effective 7/6/2015

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 361(a), effective 1/16/2018