Carrie Nawrocki, Executive Director / Health Officer
Since the late 1970's, the Hudson Regional Health Commission has served as the "certified local health agency" for Hudson County under the County Environmental Health Act (NJSA 26:3A2-21 et seq.), commonly known as CEHA. In this capacity, the Commission has been delegated authority by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to implement the following environmental health programs:
The basic elements of the Commission's Air Pollution Control Program are:
Response to citizen complaints and air emergencies
Enforcement of state and local air pollution control codes
Participation in NJDEP programs directed at specific source categories
Problems such as odor, smoke, and excessive dust are typically the subject of citizen complaints. The Commission gives high priority to complaint response in order to minimize the effects of these non-compliant conditions that may degrade air quality and negatively impact quality of life.
The Commission is delegated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to conduct inspections of certain 'Minor/B' air pollution sources to determine compliance with state air pollution control regulations (NJAC 7:27-1 et seq.), and to undertake enforcement as necessary. These sources include boilers, emergency generators, degreasers, waste oil burners, auto body shops, and dry cleaners.
In addition, the Commission participates in a program aimed at improving the state's air quality by enforcement of anti-idling rules to reduce diesel emissions.
The Air Pollution Control Code of the Hudson Regional Health Commission is in effect in all municipalities in Hudson County, New Jersey, and requires the registration of Fuel Burning Units and Air Contamination Sources (“Sources”). These commonly include gas or oil burning boilers, furnaces, space heaters, HVAC systems, and generators used for heating, steam, or power generation, as well as commercial/industrial processes or storage tanks with vents to the outside air.
Registration certificates are valid for a period of 5 years, with a new cycle commencing January 1st of every 5th year ending in 1 or 6. The current 5-year registration cycle (2026-2030) began January 1, 2026. Registration and full payment must be completed by March 31, 2026.
Registration renewal can be completed online through the Etrax Portal.
The Commission provides 24/7 response for various hazardous materials incidents in conjunction with local and county Offices of Emergency Management and the Jersey City and Bayonne Fire Department HazMat teams. Reports of hazardous substance discharges are investigated to ensure such discharges are either immediately remediated or referred to the appropriate New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection program for oversight. Cases involving criminal abandonment or discharge of hazardous substances are referred to the State Office of the Attorney General's Division of Criminal Justice-Environmental Crimes Section.
To report an environmental emergency, call 877-WARN DEP (877-927-6337).
During business hours, also call the Commission directly at 201-223-1133.
The Commission is delegated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to enforce state noise control regulations (NJAC 7:29-1.1 et seq.). These regulations are designed to limit noise disturbances generated by fixed commercial and industrial sources. The regulations establish acceptable sound levels for both daytime (7 am to 10 pm) and nighttime (10 pm to 7 am) hours.
The Commission does not have jurisdiction over construction noise, intra-building noise, or residential noise sources (such as loud neighbors or boom boxes). These sources are not covered under the state noise code, and are generally left to municipalities to enforce pursuant to local ordinances.
The Commission is delegated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to enforce state pesticide control regulations (NJAC 7:30-1.1 et seq.). These regulations are designed to ensure that pesticides are properly applied by licensed applicators and that unregistered pesticides are not used or offered for sale. A major goal of the pesticide control program is to increase the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in schools and childcare facilities.
The Commission conducts compliance inspections of multi-family buildings, schools and childcare centers, and landscapers to ensure that only licensed personnel apply registered pesticides in accordance with state regulations. Inspections are also conducted at retail establishments to determine if unregistered pesticide products are being offered for sale. In addition, the Commission coordinates closely with local health departments to ensure that those companies performing bed bug treatment are properly licensed, and are using chemicals appropriate for indoor residential use.
The Commission is delegated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to enforce state solid waste control and recycling regulations (NJAC 7:26-1.1 et seq. and 7:26A-1.1 et seq.). The Commission conducts inspections of certain classes of solid waste facilities to ensure solid wastes are managed and disposed in an environmentally sound manner in compliance with state regulations. Inspections are routinely conducted at Transfer Stations, Landfills, Class A, Class B, and Class C recycling facilities, as well as recycling convenience centers. Investigations are also conducted in response to complaints.
The Hudson County Improvement Authority (HCIA) enforces solid waste transporter regulations as agents of the Commission. In addition, HCIA was designated by the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders as the agency responsible for implementation of the Hudson County District Solid Waste Management Plan. This includes extensive activities to ensure sold waste is routed to appropriate disposal facilities.
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.
The New Jersey Worker and Community Right Know Act went into effect August 29, 1984. The purpose of the Act is to give employees and the general public access to information about hazardous substances to which they may have the potential to be exposed.
Under the program certain public and private employers must file an annual survey to report inventories of certain hazardous materials which are in use at their facilities. Public entities must file a Worker RTK Survey with the New Jersey Department of Health by July 15th each year. Private employers must file a Community RTK Survey with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection by March 1st each year.
As the designated RTK Lead Agency for Hudson County, the Commission serves as a local repository for RTK Surveys, the Hazardous Substance List, and Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets. Copies are available to anyone upon request. Commission personnel knowledgeable in the RTK program are available to answer questions from the public, employees, or employers.
Hudson Regional Health Commission is providing FREE Radon Test Kits to Hudson County residents on a first-come first-served basis, while supplies last.
Radon is a naturally-occuring radiactive gast that can enter homes from the ground and build up to dangerous levels which may cause cancer. You CAN'T see it, smell it, or taste it. But, you CAN TEST for it!
Bring this completed form with you to the Hudson Regional Health Commission 595 County Avenue, Building 1, Secaucus, NJ 07094, 9am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.
Call ahead to confirm availability (201) 223-1133.
Limited to Hudson County residents, one per household, while supplies last.
