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This data layer contains information about areas in the state which are specified as the Currently Known Extent (CKE) of ground water pollution. CKEs are geographically defined areas within which the local ground water resources are known to be compromised because the water quality exceeds drinking water and ground water quality standards for specific contaminants. Historically, a number of the CKEs have also been identified as Well Restriction Areas (WRAs). The regulatory authority for developing CKEs is in N.J.A.C. 7:1J, entitled Processing of Damage Claims Pursuant to the Spill Compensation and Control Act. CKEs are used by NJDEP staff, water purveyors, and local officials to make decisions concerning appropriate treatment and/or replacement of contaminated drinking water supplies. The CKE areas, as shown, are intended to provide information to the public about contaminated ground water areas in the state. Unless precautionary measures are taken to protect potable users, well installation should be avoided. This information is being made available so informed decisions can be made on well location, design, or treatment before wells are proposed, permitted, and installed. The Department is currently engaged in the reassessment and investigation of existing CKEs; however, it is important to note that CKEs are approximations of the actual aerial extent of ground water contamination and the boundaries presented here may change over time as new information is developed and plume migration occurs. At this time, the records of the CKEs in this database application may include a list of the specific ground water contaminants where available. Also, it should be noted that CKE areas might overlap with other CKEs and Classification Exception Areas (CEAs). Revisions and additions will be used to update the CKE database as new information is received and processed. In this application, the CKE is represented as a GIS-based polygon coverage that depicts the spatial extent of known potable well contamination in an area (as determined by NJDEP Site Remediation staff). The CKE polygon will usually follow the property boundary lines of all the contiguous properties with contaminated wells when the wells are within 1,000 feet of each other. However, on properties larger than 3.5 acres the boundary of the CKE may be based on the location of the contaminated well and may not encompass the entire property. Also, in some areas contaminated wells may have been detected in proximity to an established CKE but have not been included within the boundary of the CKE because the well is outside the 1,000 foot radius. For further information contact NJDEPs Site Remediation Waste Management Program (SRWMP), Bureau of Environmental Management and Site Assessment (BEMSA), the lead program for CKE case oversight at (609) 530-2474. Be advised that CKEs have not been created for public supply wells that have been impacted by ground water contamination and that not all areas where domestic potable well contamination have a CKE that's been created and therefore are not included in this GIS layer. |