Friday, March 14, 2008

Final Report Published: Stormwater Management Rule Implementation Process for Highway Projects

"Stormwater Management Rule Implementation Process," a final report prepared by our project team, was made available for public downloading by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) (Report Number: FHWA-NJ-2007-23).

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)’s Stormwater Management Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:8), adopted on February 2, 2004, has created more stringent storm water management standards for land developments in the state, including roadway and other transportation projects. These Rules include requirements for groundwater recharge and both stormwater quality and quantity control. A Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual was developed by the NJDEP to assist regulated agencies such as the NJDOT with Rule compliance. However, the BMP Manual lacks sufficient guidance to properly lead engineers to identify applicable regulations and select appropriate storm water management measures for transportation projects.

As a result, NJDOT planners, designers, and maintenance personnel need a simplified process to navigate the Stormwater Management Rules and facilitate the selection of appropriate stormwater management measures. This report documents the development of an electronic decision-making program in Microsoft Excel that provides such a process. This program also assists NJDOT personnel in determining during early project stages whether all of the requirements of the Rules can be met for a specific project or whether hardship waivers will be necessary.

Our research project team consisted of Rutgers University, Gannett Fleming, and Storm Water Management Consulting, LLC.

(My presentation contains additional info on the project.)