Salem River and Other N.J. Waterways Reclassified, Protected from Pollution

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) officials are adding 749 miles of rivers and streams as Category One waterways.

On Monday, March 4th, state DEP identified waterways that run through 67 municipalities within the Upper Delaware, Lower Delaware, Northwest, Raritan and Atlantic Coastal regions as deserving added protections.

The Salem River in Salem County is now protected, others include the Pequest River in Warren County; the Lamington River and the South Branch of the Raritan in Somerset and Hunterdon counties; and the Ramapo River in Bergen County.

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These protections mean any wastewater or other planned discharges affecting these waterways will need to meet more stringent water quality standards.

“Category One waterways provide drinking water and sustain important fish and aquatic resources,” said New Jersey DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “In addition, the actions the state takes to preserve water quality for these waterways help protect ecosystems that provide important wildlife habitats and improve our quality of life.”

They also will be protected by 300-foot development buffers.