Water Pollution Control

Under authority delegated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the Commission investigates complaints of unpermitted discharges of pollutants to surface and groundwater. Direct discharges from industrial facilities to surface water are regulated by NJDEP and such discharges to sewers are regulated the local sewer authorities. Violations are referred to the appropriate agencies for enforcement action.

Due to historic industrial discharges, the sediments of some local rivers and bays, particularly the Newark Bay complex. are contaminated with a number of pollutants. Due to this contamination NJDEP has implemented a complete ban on harvesting, eating or selling crabs from the Newark Bay and associated areas. Less stringent restrictions are in place for other water bodies surrounding Hudson County. This issue is not unique to Hudson County. The NJDEP report that details these restrictions and guidelines may be found below.