Search Site
Menu
New Jersey Wetlands Laws

New Jersey Wetlands Law

Wetlands, such as marshes, swamps and bogs, are vital to our socioeconomic health. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, or NJDEP, the following contributions are made to our environmental well being by wetlands:

  • Protect drinking water by filtering out chemicals, pollutants, and sediments
  • Soak up runoff from heavy rains and snow melts for natural flood control
  • Release stored flood waters during droughts
  • Provide a critical habitat for fish and wildlife
  • Offer open space for recreation and tourism

Over the previous two centuries, wetlands were considered wastelands that should be drained and filled in to make them suitable for farming and commercial development. Dredge and fill activities, as well as pollution and natural disasters, led to the loss of over 117 million acres of wetlands in the U.S. With over 54-percent of our national wetlands gone, we continue to lose an additional 200,000 acres of wetlands every year.

Laws that provide for New Jersey Wetlands regulation

To stem the tide of wetlands destruction, there are several New Jersey wetlands laws as well as other New Jersey laws protecting our precious water resources including the following:

  • The New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act (N.J.S.A. 13:9B)
  • Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA)
  • Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act of 2004
  • The Waterfront Development Law (N.J.S.A. 12:5-3)
  • Flood Hazard Area Control Act (N.J.A.C. 7:13)
  • The Wetlands Act of 1970 (N.J.S.A. 13:9A)
  • The Tidelands Act (N.J.S.A. 12:3)

Understanding wetlands laws in New Jersey

According to the NJDEP, the New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act requires the agency to regulate the following kinds of activities around wetlands:

  • Dredging, excavation and removal of soil
  • Drainage or disturbance of the water level
  • Filling or discharge of any materials
  • Driving of pilings
  • Cutting of vegetation
  • Repair of existing structures and septic systems
  • Adding roads, driveways and docks

A wealth of information about how to obtain general permits and New Jersey freshwater wetlands maps can be found at https://www.nj.gov/dep/landuse/fww.html.

At the law firm of Lieberman Blecher & Sinkevich P.C., our environmental lawyers have a thorough understanding of wetlands regulation in New Jersey. Our environmental attorneys represent individuals, businesses and municipalities in state and federal courts in all types of environmental matters including the NJ wetlands, Pinelands, and environmental contamination. We often travel to sites in question to check them out for ourselves, and we never shy away from tough fights against big corporations.

Consult us about wetlands law in New Jersey

Whether you are buying a Brownsfield site, struggling with environmental contamination, or considering litigation, we can help.

Our website details our extensive track record fighting and winning toxic contamination lawsuits. To protect your rights and discuss your case, call us today at (732) 355-1311 or contact us online.

Our Attorneys

In The Media

  • On the Run: Runner/lawyer DeBord out to protect the environment she loves

    Bucks County Herald, January 4, 2024

    When Brittany DeBord runs along the Delaware River canal towpath or on the trails of Tyler State Park, she doesn’t just appreciate the natural beauty of the...

    Read More
  • Gulf Coast Town Center facing foreclosure

    Naples Daily News, September 16, 2015

    Wells Fargo filed a lawsuit Sept. 8 against an affiliate of CBL & Associates, the owners of the decadeold, 1.2 million-square-foot mall in south Fort Myers for a $190.9 million unpaid loan. The center has 94 stores on 204 acres, with such anchors as Super Target, Belk, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marshalls and Costco...

    Read More
  • Town liable for private company's leaking underground tanks, court rules

    NJ.com Jul 26, 2017

    CRANFORD -- A couple that owned a businesses in town and became sick from leaking underground tanks owned by an adjacent business can sue the township for damages because the tanks were partially ...

    Read More
  • Dark Waters: How a Class Action Catapulted NJ to Forefront of 'Forever Chemicals' Battle

    NJ Law Journal Jan 09, 2020

    As property owners become increasingly aware of PFAS contamination, and as individuals exposed to PFAS learn of the health risks associated with exposure, liability will likely affect entire supply chains.

    Read More
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
Contact Our Firm

Quick Contact Form