TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has launched a new online platform, DocMiner, designed to make it easier for the public and regulated entities to access environmental records and information.
The department is inviting the public and the regulated community to provide feedback on the tool, which complements NJDEP’s existing DataMiner online database.
“The launch of the NJDEP DocMiner tool is an important component of our overall work to modernize information tools, improve transparency and allow our many stakeholders to access information more quickly and reliably,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We invite the public, regulated community and stakeholders to provide insights as we continue to add documents to our database and look for ways to make this product as user-friendly as possible.”
According to the department, NJDEP DocMiner organizes available electronic documents and automates the records request process through a self-service interface. The platform allows users to quickly locate environmental public records by regulated entity name — including past names — as well as by DEP identification numbers or addresses.
Users can view publicly available documents such as site remediation files and air, water, and land use permit records.
The tool is designed to complement NJDEP’s DataMiner system and may, in some cases, eliminate the need to file Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests, particularly when information is sought before full digitization within the DataMiner platform.
The department is encouraging users to test DocMiner and provide feedback on its ease of use, accuracy, and content through dep.nj.gov/docminer/provide-feedback. The website also includes training videos and frequently asked questions.
According to NJDEP, the tool’s electronic repository is expanding daily as older records are scanned and newly submitted records are processed. While the system does not yet contain all records for sites or facilities with lengthy remediation or permitting histories, DEP staff review uploaded documents to ensure potentially sensitive information is handled appropriately.
DocMiner supports multiple file types — including PDFs, Excel, Word, and email documents — which can be viewed directly within the tool. It also features robust export options and allows users to share links to full document sets or individual files.
The platform integrates with several of the DEP’s mapping tools, enabling users to toggle between spatial data — such as regulated areas — and related documents. DataMiner is also embedded within the system, allowing users to switch between environmental data reports and the associated public records housed in DocMiner.
