NJDEP ORDINANCES

Introduction:

Water from rain and melting snow that flows over lawns, parking lots and streets is known as stormwater runoff. This water, which travels along road gutters, into catch basins and through storm drainpipes and ditches, usually is not treated before it flows or is discharged into local waterbodies. Along the way, the stormwater picks up trash (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, Styrofoam cups, etc.) as well as toxins and other pollutants (gas, motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides and pet droppings). This polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking water sources and cause eutrophication of streams and water bodies.

Human activity is mostly responsible for the pollution. Anything discarded inappropriately can make its way in our stormwater management system and can lead to pollution. Fortunately, we as a community, are able to do something about it.

Here are a few tips from NJDEP to keep in mind:

Gardening:

Conserve water by watering during cooler times of the day.

Use natural pesticides such as milky spore.

Test your lawn to check if you need to fertilize or not.

Use mulch on flower beds and gardens to prevent weeds and to help absorb water.

Pets:

Do not feed wildlife such as geese as this results in more pollution from their wastes.

Pick up after your pet. Ensure proper disposal of waste into the trash or toilet.

Carry a newspaper or plastic back to pick up waste when you walk your pet.

At Home:

Shop for non-hazardous, biodegradable and phosphorous-free cleaning products.

Keep trash cans closes to prevent trash from scattering.

If you use hazardous substances such as paints and cleaners, use them sparingly and store them properly to avoid spills

For more information and tips, please visit NJDEP’s Clean Water NJ website at www.cleanwaternj.org 

This is a dedicated page that contains all documentation and resources related to the Township’s undertaking of the NJDEP-mandated Watershed Improvement Plan. The following excerpt is from NJDEP is describes the purpose of the Watershed Improvement Plan:

“A Watershed Improvement Plan (WIP) is a plan required through the MS4 permits that each permittee will develop during the current five–year permit cycle and will ultimately result in water quality improvements and reduced flooding across New Jersey. The plan will be organized in three phases. Phase 1 is to complete a stormwater inventory by mapping required features. Phase 2 will evaluate the information found in the first phase to determine what potential improvement projects may be implemented to address water quality and quantity concerns. In the final phase, permittees will identify which of the potential quality and quantity improvement projects they are choosing to implement, and on what schedule.”

For more information regarding the requirements of the Watershed Improvement Plan, please visit NJDEP’s dedicated webpage using this link: https://dep.nj.gov/stormwater/municipal-stormwater-regulation-program/watershed-improvement-plan-resource-page/

PHASE 1 INFORMATION:

The Township has recently completed Phase 1 of the Watershed Improvement Plan, also known as the Watershed Inventory Report, and presented the findings of the report during the April 21st, 2026 Township Committee meeting. This presentation of the report is required by NJDEP and provides a sixty (60) day public comment period upon closing of the public hearing.

An electronic copy of the presentation for the Watershed Inventory Report may be viewed here: Watershed Improvement Plan Presentation - Maplewood

A recording of the presentation of the Watershed Inventory Report may be viewed here: https://youtu.be/PxxwVlnEbTc?t=2395

All questions and comments regarding the content of the report may be submitted to Paul J. Kittner, Township Engineer and Director of Public Works, at pkittner@maplewoodnj.gov, and must be submitted no later than June 20th, 2026.

Ordinances

• Pet Waste Disposal
• Wildlife Feeding
• Litter Control
• Improper Disposal of Waste
• Yard Waste Collection
• Illicit Connections to Stormwater System
• Tree Removal Ordinance
• Stormwater Control Ordinance
• Yard Waste Collection

 Stormwater Utility Information HERE

Municipal Stormwater Management Plan