Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure And Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff flags battery storage, airport clearings and large industrial proposals for review
Summary
Staff told the Commission it has received inquiries on siting utility-scale battery energy storage systems and potential FAA/DEP requests to clear forested runway approaches in Wharton State Forest, and noted a resource-extraction application with threatened-species concerns requiring further review.
Commission planning staff told the Pinelands Commission that several emerging infrastructure and development inquiries will require careful review under CMP standards.
Staff said the FAA and Department of Environmental Protection have contacted the Commission about clearing forested areas in Wharton State Forest for runway approach safety at Hamilton Airport. Commissioners were advised this is an inquiry the Commission will track as it develops.
Staff also said they have received public inquiries and applications about siting battery energy storage systems in the Pine Barrens. Commissioners and public commenters said battery storage can be an important complement to intermittent renewable generation, but speakers urged staff to study where such systems are appropriate and to assess grid interconnection constraints.
On a separate matter, staff reported receipt of a resource-extraction application commonly referred to as the Windsor site: a roughly 285-acre parcel north of Route 72 in Winslow Township with an applicant proposing to mine approximately 74 acres. Staff said multiple northern pine snake sightings were reported, and that the submitted threatened-and-endangered species survey and accompanying habitat conservation plan did not demonstrate compliance with the Commission's threatened-species protection standards; staff wrote to the applicant on Dec. 5 identifying deficiencies and requesting additional information.
Finally, staff said it is reviewing an industrial reuse proposal to convert a closed concrete manufacturing facility into a steel fabrication operation with an adjacent rail spur; that application is under review and noted a potential operational target of January 2027.
Next steps: staff will continue environmental reviews, request additional information where species or habitat protections may be affected, and coordinate with relevant state and federal agencies on airport and energy inquiries.
