Against enviros’ wishes, Senate approves wastewater management bill

TRENTON – Over the objections of environmental lobbies, the state Senate approved a wastewater management bill, S3156.

Sponsored by state Sens. Paul Sarlo, (D-36), Wood-Ridge, and Steve Oroho, (R-24), Franklin Township, the bill extends validity of wastewater service area and sewer service area designations, and revises certain aspects of wastewater management planning process.

The senate approved the measure, 29-7, with a few lawmakers from both sides of the aisle voting against the bill.

Last week, a coalition of 13 environmental groups released a report claiming the bill could “significantly increase” water pollution in the state. It would also increase annual wastewater treatment costs across the state between $217 and $435 million.

Elliott Ruga, senior policy analyst for the N.J. Highlands Coalition, called it a “betrayal of…trust, and an unacceptable give-away to the building lobby.”