The New Jersey Department of Transportation is proposing to readopt with amendments N.J.A.C. 16:50, the rules governing the Department’s regulations on Soil Erosion and Sediment Standards. Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:24-39 et seq., the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Act, the rules establish the Department’s soil erosion and sediment control standards. Construction projects are required by the Act to conform to standards established by, and contained in, the rules of the State Soil Conservation Committee.

However, the Department’s construction projects require specific standards more particularly adapted to roadway construction. The Department certifies soil erosion and sediment control plans in conformance with vegetative and engineering standards developed jointly by the State Soil Conservation Committee and the Departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection and Transportation. These standards are contained in a manual entitled “Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Standards.” A copy of these standards are available for review here. By using these standards as the technical basis for the Department’s certification, the Department ensures that the appropriate standards are included, and used, in each Department of Transportation construction project, and that proper steps are being taken to protect the environment from the effects of soil erosion and sedimentation. The proposed amendments correct erroneous titles and dates, add contact information and update the Standards table.

The proposed rule appears in the August 18, 2008 issue of the New Jersey Register. The public has until October 17, 2008 to comment on the proposal.

Please click here for the full story and details on how to provide your comments: http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/about/press/2008/082108.shtm

Source: State of NJ Dept. of Transportation press release, Aug. 21, 2008