Update on Beneficial Reuse of Wastewater

     On August 4, 2005, COA Policy Intern Lauren Koch, and Nicole Simmons met with NJDEP to discuss beneficial reuse of wastewater.  Lauren presented the paper she authored as an intern in 2004, entitled, “Water Reuse Programs: A Primer for New Jersey.”  NJDEP is re-adopting the NJ Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) program in February and will be including beneficial reuse.  NJDEP updated the technical manual, “Reclaimed Water for Beneficial Reuse,” in January and considers it the final version (note: it could be updated again).  COA made three recommendations: create a Vision Statement, hire a Program Director, and draft reuse regulations.  NJDEP is working to create a Vision Statement and rules (which will be incorporated into the NJPDES program), but cannot hire a Director at this time due to financial restrictions.