N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-9.9 : ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION — COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT RULES — SPECIAL AREAS —9.9 - Inlets

(a) Inlets are natural channels through barrier islands allowing movement of fresh and salt water between the ocean and the back bay system. Inlets naturally have delta fans of sediment seaward and landward, deposited by the ebb and flow of the tide.
1. The seaward limit of an inlet is defined as the seaward extent of the ebb delta fan. The landward limit is defined as the inland extent of the flood delta fan.
2. If there is doubt about the extent of these fans, the applicant shall submit up-to-date bathymetric surveys and Department staff will determine the boundary on a case-by-case basis.
(b) Development in inlets shall comply with the following:
1. Filling is prohibited; and
2. Submerged infrastructure is discouraged.
(c) Rationale: Inlets play a vital role in the estuarine ecosystem. They control patterns of backbay currents, salinity and nutrient distribution and provide migratory pathways between the ocean and the back bays for marine and estuarine species.

Submerged infrastructure is a hazard in inlets since the strong currents may expose and break the pipes or cables. There is also a possibility of anchors snagging and breaking the infrastructure.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-9.9

Renumbered from 7:7E-3.9 by 47 N.J.R. 1392(a), effective 7/6/2015