58:25-24. Findings, declarations
The Legislature finds and declares that nonpoint sources of pollution represent a significant environmental problem by contributing greatly to the biological and chemical degradation of coastal and other surface waters of the State; that nonpoint source discharges into stormwater sewers, particularly during and after storms, result in elevated levels of bacteria, which are a cause of 80% to 90% of all beach closings; that combined stormwater and sanitary sewer overflows are another major source of ocean and other surface water pollution; and that an average of 113 million gallons per day of diluted raw sewage flows into the Raritan-Hudson Estuary through approximately 150 authorized outfalls, ultimately degrading the coastal waters of the State. The Legislature declares that such sources of nonpoint and point sources of pollution are a danger to the public and health and safety of the residents of the State; that stormwater sewers and combined stormwater and sewage conveyance facilities discharging wastewaters into the salt waters of the State are major sources of pollution of the State's salt waters; and that public entities responsible for stormwater sewers and combined stormwater and sewage treatment facilities require financial assistance in order to locate and plan for the control these sources of pollution. L. 1988, c. 90, s. 2.