What Is the CSO Long-Term Control Plan?

The Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP) is NHSA's plan for cutting down on combined sewer overflows (CSO) — the times when heavy rain causes stormwater and wastewater to overflow into the Hudson River instead of getting treated. We're required to have this plan under our permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), which ties back to the federal Clean Water Act's goal of making our waterways clean enough to swim and fish in.

Putting the plan together means:

• Studying the system. Mapping out our sewer network, rainfall patterns, and treatment capacity so we know exactly where and why overflows happen.

• Weighing our options. Looking at different ways to fix the problem — green infrastructure, more storage capacity, separating sewer lines, upgrading treatment — and figuring out what's realistic, affordable, and good for the community.

• Picking a plan. Landing on the mix of projects that will cut overflows the most, then submitting a schedule to NJDEP for approval.

• Keeping people in the loop. Sharing updates and hearing from residents along the way, including through our Community Advisory Board.

Why It Matters

• Cleaner water. Fewer overflows means less untreated wastewater in the Hudson River — better for swimming, fishing, and the wildlife that depend on it.

• Less flooding. A lot of these projects — new stormwater sewers, bigger storage — also help keep neighborhoods from flooding.

• An investment that lasts. These are multi-year projects built to serve our four towns for decades.

Where We Stand

NHSA was the first authority in New Jersey to complete its Long-Term Control Plan, get it approved by NJDEP, and sign an agreement with the state (called an Administrative Consent Agreement) to carry it out.

The plan includes 13 projects total — 11 in the Adams Street treatment plant area, and 2 in the River Road treatment plant area. Together, they'll add treatment capacity, bigger sewers, and new stormwater storage and systems to keep rainwater out of the combined sewers in the first place.

As of our last public update in July 2026: 2 projects are done, 2 are under construction, and 2 are in design or permitting. The rest are still to come.