In municipalities with a mix of private septic systems and centralized sewer, wastewater management plans commonly recommend sewer extensions to “needs areas” where multiple septic systems are failing. Such extensions are very costly, reduce groundwater recharge, and may stimulate unplanned growth if not accompanied by careful land use controls.
DEP should establish policy that the land use component of wastewater management plans and their alternative scenarios should be consistent with the municipal land use plan. Sewer extensions should also be accompanied by strict conditions for connections to the system, and clearly defined service area boundaries, in order to prevent the sewer from enabling unplanned growth.