UTRS Civil and Environmental Engineering (UTRS CEE), a division of Universal Technical Resource Services, Inc., has a legacy of serving our local New Jersey and Pennsylvania communities for over a century with regional expertise in navigating regulations and permitting. Our expert staff of licensed engineers, planners, surveyors, and environmental specialists is proud to provide innovative, cost-effective solutions for clients ranging from private property owners and commercial enterprises to municipal, county, state, and federal governments.
New Jersey:
In New Jersey, the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) oversees sewer extension permits for construction or development projects connecting to existing public sewer systems. These permits aim to ensure proper management and protection of wastewater infrastructure.
The application process requires submission of project details, engineering plans, and environmental impact assessments to the NJDEP. Detailed engineering plans must outline the proposed sewer extension, including location, size, and design of sewer lines and treatment facilities. UTRS CEE can assist you with expertise in all these requirements. The NJDEP evaluates potential environmental impacts on water quality, wetlands, endangered species, and historic sites.
During the permit review, the NJDEP ensures compliance with state regulations and environmental standards. Projects must adhere to specific NJDEP construction standards, and environmental mitigation measures may be required depending on the project’s impact. The NJDEP conducts inspections during and after construction to ensure compliance with permit conditions.
Pennsylvania:
In Pennsylvania, obtaining a sewer extension permit involves several requirements that may vary by municipality. Applicants must submit a completed application to the local sewer authority or municipality, along with a detailed site plan and engineering plans prepared by a licensed professional engineer. UTRS CEE has detailed knowledge of each local authority’s requirements.
An environmental review is necessary, which may include obtaining a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Some cases may require public notification for comments or concerns. Applicants must pay applicable fees and obtain approval from the local health department if the project impacts public health or safety. UTRS CEE experts can advise on each of these steps.
Construction must adhere to local sewer authority standards for materials, depth, and installation methods. Inspections are conducted during and after construction to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. Again, UTRS CEE can guide your project through this process.
Illegal Sewer Connections:
Illegal sewer connections refer to unauthorized or non-compliant links to a sewer system. These can include connecting to a public sewer system without proper permits, discharging wastewater into stormwater drainage systems, or creating cross-connections between sanitary and stormwater systems.
Other examples of illegal connections involve using unapproved or outdated private sewer systems, extending existing sewer lines beyond approved limits without permits, or creating unauthorized backyard connections from properties to municipal sewer lines.
Many municipalities recognize the importance of public education in preventing illegal connections. They often implement educational programs to help identify and correct problems. Additionally, municipalities employ various technologies and methods to detect unauthorized connections, such as smoke testing, dye testing, CCTV sewer inspections, and various reporting measures. If you have concerns that a previous property owner has left you with problematic sewer connections, UTRS CEE can assess and advise to minimize your liability.
Collective efforts by both the public and municipalities play a crucial role in protecting the environment and ensuring clean water for everyone. By maintaining proper sewer connections and addressing illegal ones, communities can better safeguard their water resources and public health.