Ocean County, NJ Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Stormwater management in Ocean County is regulated by NJDEP Stormwater Rule N.J.A.C. 7:8 (originally 2004, significantly amended 2020 requiring green infrastructure). Major development — any land disturbance over 1 acre or creating 1/4 acre of new/additional impervious — must meet three performance standards: groundwater recharge (replace pre-development recharge), water quality (remove 80% TSS for discharges to surface water), and water quantity (peak discharge rates cannot exceed pre-development). 2020 amendments require nonstructural stormwater strategies (green infrastructure) rather than pipe-and-pond solutions. Barnegat Bay watershed (most of Ocean County) has enhanced protections under the Barnegat Bay Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan — limiting nitrogen-phosphorus runoff and fertilizer application (NJ Fertilizer Law N.J.S.A. 58:10A-64 restricts residential fertilizer timing/phosphorus). Ocean County municipalities hold Tier A MS4 permits (NJDEP DWQ) requiring Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, public education, illicit discharge detection. Post-Sandy Resiliency and Climate Change Planning (N.J.A.C. 7:7) adds coastal surge consideration. Pinelands areas (Manchester, Jackson) have CMP-specific stormwater rules. Violation reporting via NJDEP Bureau of Water Quality.