The state Department of Environmental Protection announced new initiatives Monday intended to protect the environment and the state?s drinking water.

Some blame overdevelopment for much of the Garden State?s flooding problems and congestion. The state plans to increase protection for more than 900 miles of waterways in 11 different counties. The Stoneybrook-Millstone Watershed is included in the state?s plan to limit development and pollution impacts.

New Jersey also plans to have stricter enforcement of wastewater management. The state wants all municipalities to update their wastewater management plans. DEP officials say with updated plans, developers will have the information they need to stay out of certain areas.

The state plans to hold 60 days of public hearings before the new rules become final. Municipalities will then have nine months to produce an up-to-date wastewater plan.

For the press conference with DEP officials, go to channel 612 of your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.