On America's first official Earth Day — April 22, 1970, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was born. New Jersey became the third state in the country to consolidate its past program divisions into a unified major agency to administer aggressive environmental protection and conservation efforts. Since that day, NJDEP has become a leader in the country for its progressive pollution prevention efforts and innovative environmental management strategies. The NJDEP currently has 7 programs areas with broad environmental reach:
Watershed & Land Management (WLUM) consists of a group of diverse programs that protect and enhance NJ’s environment through the implementation of State land use regulations, regional land use planning, coastal resource management and the funding of related projects.
Site Remediation & Waste Management (SRWM) oversees cleanups performed by responsible parties. The program is also responsible for the licensing of solid waste haulers and the permitting and oversight of solid waste facilities.
Community Investment & Economic Revitalization (CIER) provides leadership and direction at the intersection of environmental, social, & economic improvement by analyzing & collaborating on investments in natural capital. The program focuses support on economic growth that protects & reinvigorates natural, cultural, & historic resources.
Air Quality, Energy, Sustainability (AQES) develops statewide programs, policies, permits and regulations for controlling air pollution & radiation exposure as wells as the mitigating of climate change.
Fish & Wildlife (DEPFW) protects and manages the Sate's fish and wildlife to maximize their long-term biological, recreational and economic values.
State Parks, Forests, & Historic Sites (SPFHS) are the stewards of the State's rich and diverse historic, cultural, recreational, and nautral resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Water Resource Management (WRM) establishes water quality & drinking water standards, monitors to ensure surface & groundwater standards are met, helps ensure delivery of water that meets drinking water standards, regulates discharges of wastewater, and much more.
