As defined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Agency, N.J.A.C 7:27 1-4

“Air pollution” means the presence in the outdoor atmosphere of substances in quantities which are injurious to human, plant or animal life or to property or unreasonably interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property throughout the State and in such territories of the State as shall be affected thereby and excludes all aspects of employer-employee relationship as to health and safety hazards.

The Somerset County Department of Health, in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, strives to protect the quality of air through compliance inspections and enforcement actions of facilities subject to air pollution regulations. Other investigations performed by our Inspectors may include air pollution complaints from citizens and/or the NJDEP. These investigations typically include: nuisance noises, nuisance odors, open burning, particulate emissions, and motor vehicle idling.

Minor Source Air Permits

As part of the CEHA annual agreement SCDOH works to ensure safe practices of air pollution control. Somerset County Department of Health routinely conducts air quality compliance and enforcement inspections on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.  NJDEP’s criteria for a "minor source” of air pollution includes large boilers, heaters, fire pumps, emergency generators and auto body facilities.

• Air Quality and Compliance

• Air Quality Index (AQI) Basics

Dry Cleaners

Dry Cleaning facilities utilizing solvents that consist of non-hazardous air pollutants and or hazardous air pollutants are regularly inspected to determine compliance as per NJDEP regulations.  Facilities operating equipment involving such solvents, must obtain an NJDEP permit and certificate.  For information regarding permitting please click here.

Odor

CEHA responds to citizen complaints of outdoor air pollution, involving odors, open burning, dust pollution and idling commercial vehicles. For information on the process of an odor investigation refer to NJDEP's Odor Fact Sheet. The CEHA program does not address indoor air quality concern.

Noise Pollution

The Somerset County Department of Health assists residents with noise complaints when industrial or commercial operations potentially exceed the State Noise Code. Please contact your local health department for town-specific noise standards.  For questions or complaints regarding rail road noise, please contact the Federal Railroad Administration.

•  N.J.AC Administrative Codes Title 7 Chapter 7 -1 through 34

Somerset County Department of Health enforces NJDEP idling regulation in an effort to reduce air and noise pollution. Idling occurs when a motor vehicle with a diesel or gasoline engine is running but the vehicle is not in motion. Excessive idling causes an unnecessary release of air contaminants into the air in New Jersey, including fine particulates and air toxics.  New Jersey has laws which prohibit the idling of a vehicle for more than 3 minutes, with certain exceptions as explained below. 

Please refer to the sites below for any additional information.

• NJDEP Idling Fact Sheet
• NJDEP Stop the Soot
• NJ DEP Idling Regulations

Click here to order No Idle Signs!

Click here to contact NJDEP Bureau of Mobile Sources.

Pesticide Program

Somerset County Department of Heath monitors and enforces the NJDEP Pesticide Control Regulations (N.J.A.C 7:30-1 et seq.) Routine inspections and complaint investigations are completed of commercial and private pesticide applicators and businesses. NJDEP defines pesticide as any substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed or intended for use in preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest, or any substance or mixture of substances labeled, designed, or intended for use as a defoliant, desiccant, or plant regulator; provided, that the term 'pesticide' shall not include any substance or mixture of substances which the US EPA does not consider to be a pesticide."

Pesticide Applicator Certification is designed to demonstrate a certain level of competency by pesticide users on the safe use of pesticides. Users of pesticides are classified as either private applicators or commercial applicators.

• PRIVATE Applicator - any person who uses, or supervises the use, of pesticides for the purpose of raising an agricultural commodity. The application can be done on land owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator's employer. Examples of private applicators are dairy farmers, vegetable or fruit growers, greenhouse growers, ranchers, nurserymen, and home gardeners. Request a private exam application if your occupation requires private certification.

• COMMERCIAL Applicator - any person who applies pesticides for non-agricultural purposes. Any person who uses, or supervises the use, of pesticides on a "for hire" basis.* Also, any person who applies pesticides as part of his job with any governmental agency. Examples of commercial applicators are those who work for exterminators; landscapers; tree services; aerial applicators; weed control firms; pet groomers; apartments, motels, nursing homes, restaurants, etc. who do their own pest control work; and governmental agencies such as mosquito extermination commissions, public schools, Departments of Public Works, Departments of Health, the DOT, etc.

*If you apply pesticides "for hire" in New Jersey, State law requires that your business obtain a Pesticide Applicator Business License. The definition of a Pesticide Applicator Business is a business (or person) who, either wholly or in part, holds himself out for hire to apply pesticides. Examples are: pet groomers, exterminators, landscapers, tree services, aerial applicators, etc. This Pesticide Applicator Business License is in addition to your Certified Pesticide Applicator license.

• Pesticide Licenses and Product Registration

• Pesticide Licenses and Training Manuals

• Pesticide Exam Schedule

• Commercial Pesticide Applicator Information

New Jersey School Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program

New Jersey schools  are required by law to establish  a site-specific IPM program and policy. The Policy and Plan cover both the management of indoor pests such as rodents and cockroaches, as well as outdoor pests such as weeds or stinging insects.

• Introduction to New Jersey Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program

• IPM Program Tools and Templates - this template can be used to create a site specific IPM policy

• How to Do IPM at School Manual

• IPM Program Frequently Asked Questions

Solid Waste Management and Illegal Dumping

The Somerset County Department of Health ensures that the collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste is done in an environmentally safe manner and in compliance with NJDEP regulations & the County's Solid Waste Management Plan. To accomplish this, inspectors will:

• Conduct routine inspections of facilities that collect solid waste and evaluate recycling practices at commercial establishments

• Monitor the safety and integrity of transportation vehicles that are used to move materials

If you find waste that has been illegally dumped, please contact your local health department.  If the waste is found in a lake, river, stream, within a state park, or on state property, please click here and follow the instructions provided by NJDEP.

If you observe someone illegally dumping waste, please call your local police department.

Recycling Exemptions

Somerset County Department of Health reviews applications for Notifications of Exempt Recycling Activities and inspect facilities where waste materials are separated and can be processed to be reintroduced to the economic mainstream or are approved for "beneficial use".  A facility means any place, equipment or plant designed and/or operated for the purpose of recycling or reclamation, as defined above, to collect, store, process or to redistribute separated waste so as to return the material to market.

• Exemptions Notification

• Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste Rules

• Solid Waste Inspection Checklists

EXEMPTION # - DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPT ACTIVITIES

1. Manufacturers, for the receipt, storage or processing of source-separated materials, including asphalt manufacturing plants and pallet manufacturers or refurbisher.
2. Recycling of source separated recyclable materials which are generated, processed, and reused as a product exclusively at the point of generation.  Petroleum contaminated soils are prohibited and materials may not be received from off-site.
3. Recycling of tree branches, limbs, trunks, brush and/or wood chips derived from tree parts.
4. Retreading and/or remolding of tires.
5. Receipt of less than 5,000 tires per month.  No processing of any kind can take place.
6. Scrap tires are received, stored, and processed into artificial reef units for use in artificial reef projects approved by the Department.
7. Receipt of source-separated Class B recyclable materials with the exception of scrap tires, leaves, non-container plastic materials, and petroleum contaminated soil for temporary storage.
8. Processing of petroleum contaminated soil at the point of generation using mobile recycling equipment.
9. Receipt, storage, processing, and transfer of non-container plastics.
10. Land clearing activities, whereby on-site trees and tree parts are uprooted, processed into wood chips at the point of generation, and utilized as a product (on site or off site)
11. Receipt, storage, processing, and transfer of source-separated textiles.
12. Leaf mulching on land deemed actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use.  Layered leaves must be incorporated into the soil by the next tillage season.
13. Receipt of yard trimmings for composting.  No more than 10,000 yd3 of yard trimmings can be received per year.  Inclusion in solid waste management plan of the solid waste management district within which the facility is to be located is mandatory prior to operation.
14. Collection, consolidation, and transfer of universal waste for recycling, treatment, or disposal and/or Class D recyclables for recycling, managed by small quantity handlers.
15. Collection, consolidation, and transfer of universal waste for recycling, treatment, or disposal and/or Class D recyclables for recycling, managed by large quantity handlers.
16. Transportation of universal waste for recycling, treatment, or disposal and/or Class D recyclables for recycling, managed by universal waste transporters.
17. Collection, consolidation, and transfer of source-separated Class D recyclables for recycling.
18. Receipt of yard trimmings for composting where the finished compost product is applied on site on land deemed actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use or on mined lands being restored under an approved restoration plan.
19. Leaf transfer facility.  No more than 1,000 yd3 of leaves can be received per day.
20. Receipt, storage, processing, and transfer of source-separated concrete, asphalt, brick, and block.  Contractor must be the sole generator and sole end user of the material.  Sale of the material is strictly prohibited.  Click here for additional information.
21. Recycling of source-separated Class C recyclable materials that are generated and processed on site into a product for sale and/or use off site.
22. Receipt of less than 3,000 yd3 of leaves per year and/or 1,000 yd3 of grass clippings per year at a site for transfer.
23. Receipt of farm feedstocks on a farm for composting where <10,000 yd3 are received per year.
24. Receipt and storage of architectural salvage items at a commercial enterprise.

This list of descriptions is only a summary of existing recycling exemptions.  The complete text and all operational requirements currently in effect, can be found at N.J.A.C. 7:26A-1.4 et seq.

Demo Checks Paperwork and Requirements

Somerset County Department of Health conducts generator recycling compliance inspections to ensure compliance with New Jersey's Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (N.J.S.A 13:1E-99 et seq.). The goal of this regulation is to reduce the solid waste collected by source separating the materials or removing the designated recyclable materials from the waste stream. As required by the Somerset County Waste Management Plan, a Notification of Construction or Demolition Activities Form must be submitted to the Somerset County Department of Health within 48 hours of receiving a municipal permit for construction or demolition activities that will require more than 21 cubic yards of waste materials collected and removed.

• Notification of Construction/Demolition Activities Form

• Instructions or Guidance for Notification for Construction or Demolition Activities: Demo Notification Guide

Household Hazardous Waste Day

The Somerset County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program gives residents and farmers a legal and cost-free way to dispose of unwanted household items that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash.  This drop-off opportunity is for residents only.

Tires - First Saturday of the Month Drop-Off Events

Residents of Somerset County can drop off up to 8 tires, with or without rims the first Saturday of the month at the Somerset County Recycling Center located at 40 Polhemus Lane in Bridgewater from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other items that are accepted at these events are scrap metal, used motor oil, oil filters, microwave ovens, antifreeze, and curbside recycling materials.

Electronic or E-waste

Somerset County residents can recycle electronics free of charge on designated Saturdays and weekdays.

Weekday drop-offs: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North County Public Works Facility, 411 Chimney Rock Road - north of Route 22 - Building B, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 and the South County Public Works Garage, 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844

The following materials are accepted: computers (desktops and laptops), monitors (cathode-ray tube and flat panel), televisions (cathode-ray tube and flat panel), copiers, digital cameras, DVD players, e-book readers, fax machines, MP3 players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), printers, stereos, radio equipment, VCRs, audio visual equipment, typewriters, camcorders, telephones, cellular phones, circuit boards, modems, telephone mainframes, keyboards, mice, scanners, cables, wiring, power supplies, mainframe equipment and controllers.

NO batteries are accepted. Household batteries (AA, AAA, D, C and 9 volt) may be disposed in the regular trash. Lithium and rechargeable batteries can be brought to scheduled Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off events.

Somerset County Department of Health monitors and enforces  NJDEP regulations to protect the quality of drinking water from ground and surface water sources.  Sanitary Surveys and investigations are conducted  to ensure compliance of public non-community water systems (PNCWS). Schools, restaurants, office buildings and other non-residential sites using well water may be subject to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection rules to conduct periodic sampling to ensure a safe drinking water supply for visitors and employees. Sampling information is available to the public through Drinking Water Watch.

EPA has defined three types of public water systems:

• Community Water System (CWS): A public water system that supplies water to the same population year-round.

• Non-Transient Non-Community Water System (NTNCWS): A public water system that regularly supplies water to at least 25 of the same people at least six months per year. Some examples are schools, factories, office buildings, and hospitals which have their own water systems. 

• Transient Non-Community Water System (TNCWS): A public water system that provides water in a place such as a gas station or campground where people do not remain for long periods of time.

• Sanitary Survey Requirements

• Public Notice Template

• Licensed Water Operator Information

Drinking Water Watch is a searchable database from NJDEP to obtain background information about a water system, monitoring schedules, water quality information, and enforcement data.   Helpful to the water systems (responsible parties and licensed operators) and consumers.

Raw Water Tap Requirements

For new and existing public water systems, a ground water source tap is required to be installed prior to any treatment, storage/pressure tanks, and/or distribution components and immediately followed by a check valve. This will allow a water system to obtain a representative sample from the ground water source that is not influenced by other water system components. The New Jersey Division of Water Supply & Geoscience has identified the failure to have a Ground Water Source Tap immediately followed by a check valve as a significant deficiency under the Ground Water Rule.

The document linked below gives more detail on the requirements for installation, examples of  appropriate placement, and sample collection requirements.

• Ground Water Source Tap Requirements

Alteration of a Well Water System

Any new construction, repairs, or alterations to your existing supply well and water distribution system require approval from the Somerset County Department of Health before the modifications are to begin. As a public non-community (PNC) water system registered with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), it is important that all modifications meet the standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. As the local administrative authority acting on behalf of the NJDEP, the Somerset County Department of Health requires advance notification and must approve the project prior to commencing any of the following activities, pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:10-12.1 et seq.

The form linked below must be submitted with copies of the pump or treatment device’s owner’s manual, an updated plumbing diagram, and pump or treatment device specifications.

• Well System Modification Form

Point of Use (POU) filters

Point of Use (POU) filters are those used in filtration systems that are attached directly to water faucets, inserted into refrigerators for water and ice dispensers, or are inserted into water pitchers and bottles. By purchasing accredited third-party certified filters, consumers can increase their level of confidence in regards to the lead and particulate reduction capabilities of their water system. The Somerset County Department of Health does not recommend or certify any specific brand or manufacturer of these products. Consumers are encouraged to use the link below to learn more about POU filters and third party accreditation processes.

• POU Filters and Third Party Accreditation Processes

Water Pollution Control Act

Pollution of ground and surface water endanger public health and the environment. The policy of the Water Pollution Control Act is to restore, enhance, and maintain the integrity of the state waters, protect public health, aquatic life, and ecological  value.

The Somerset County Department of Health investigates water pollution complaint from citizens and NJDEP. Examples of these investigations include unpermitted discharge to surface or ground water, improper construction or decommissioning of wells, and septic system malfunctions.

• NJDEP Water Quality General Information

Drinking Water Emergencies

An essential part of your family's emergency plan is to be prepared for any situation where your normal water supply might not be safe or available. Your usual source of water might not be safe to drink in the event of a water main break or weather conditions that could introduce pollution.

Whether you are on a private well or served by a community water system (“city water”), it is recommended to keep on-hand at least 1 gallon, per person, per day of clean water. For more information on storing water safely visit: Ready.gov

The Environmental Protection Agency also offers information regarding Drinking Water Emergency Response.

If you have a private well, your water might not be available to you during power outages or times of prolonged drought. During severe weather, if flooding occurs, pollutants could enter your well making the water unsafe to drink. For more information on routine well testing and actions to take in order to disinfect your well.

There are several community water systems serving residents and businesses in Somerset County.

**Check your water bill, contact customer service, and be sure that your supplier has your phone number so you can be promptly notified during any drinking water emergency.**

• New Jersey American Water  
• Franklin Township Water Utility  
• Rocky Hill Water Department  

Your water supplier may issue a Boil Water Advisory if bacterial contamination is suspected. In the event of a water main break in your area, an advisory will often be issued as a precaution. While the water company works to repair the pipes and test the water quality, it is important to follow all guidance provided to ensure your family’s health. You may also be asked to conserve water during this time. The water company will conduct additional testing to ensure the water is safe before lifting the advisory. For further information, please refer to the CDC's Boil Water Advisory Guidance document.

In rare circumstances, your supplier may issue a “Do Not Drink” or a “Do Not Use” water restriction. These restrictions will be placed when the water contains (or may contain) pollution that cannot be removed by boiling. If a Do Not Use advisory is issued, there may be contamination that is harmful on contact and so the water should not be used for showering, washing hands, dishes, clothing, or for any other purpose. In the event of a Do Not Drink/Use Notice, your water supplier and local authorities will issue specific instructions. Please do not attempt to treat the water from your tap yourself.