New Jersey Statutes Title 58. Waters and Water Supply 58 § 10A-10.6

Upon conclusion of an administrative hearing held pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c. 8 (C.58:10A-10.5), the administrative law judge shall prepare and transmit a recommended report and decision on the case to the head of the delegated local agency and to each party of record, as prescribed in subsection c. of section 10 of P.L.1968, c. 410 (C.52:14B-10).  The head of the delegated local agency shall afford each party of record an opportunity to file exceptions, objections and replies thereto, and to present arguments, either orally or in writing, as required by the delegated local agency.  After reviewing the record of the administrative law judge, and any filings received thereon, but not later than 45 days after receipt of the record and decision, the head of the delegated local agency shall adopt, reject, or modify the recommended report and decision.  If the head of the delegated local agency fails to modify or reject the report within the 45-day period, the decision of the administrative law judge shall be deemed adopted as the final decision of the head of the delegated local agency, and the recommended report and decision shall be made a part of the record in the case.  For good cause shown, and upon certification by the Director of the Office of Administrative Law and the head of the delegated local agency, the time limits established herein may be extended.