Governor Whitman and the NJDEP have announced the withdrawal of most of the water pollution "Mega Rule" proposal. The broad overhaul of water pollution control regulations published in February was criticized by both environmental groups and industry coalitions. Environmentalists alleged that the proposed rules would allow greater concentrations of toxic contaminants to be discharged into the state's waters. Business groups charged that the plan failed to provide for a funding source for the proposed watershed management programs. Governor Whitman and NJDEP announced that environmental and industry groups would continue to meet with NJDEP to develop changes to New Jersey's water pollution control rules.
