Commission signs planning-module paperwork for Daniels Concrete Batch Plant after DEP rejection; resident sewage questions discussed

Salem Township’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to complete and sign Component 4A Section C of the DEP planning module for the Daniels Concrete Batch Plant project after reviewing the rejected filing and attached supporting documents.

Commissioners and staff reviewed the planning module questionnaire line-by-line. Members noted DEP had rejected the prior Component 4A and identified inconsistencies and missing approvals in the planning record, including absence of a highway-occupancy permit (HOP), NPDES/stormwater permits, and a complete land-development approval. Commissioners also questioned the water-use documentation submitted in support of the component: one water bill in the package listed approximately 559,000 gallons and another bill showed roughly 4,000 gallons over three months (about 43 gallons per day), while John Wright recalled a 35-gallon-per-day daily requirement tied to the facility’s staffing levels. Wright highlighted this discrepancy for the record.

The commission instructed Chair Connie Mattei to draft a letter describing the inconsistencies to attach to the Component 4A before it is forwarded. On a motion by Paul Holleran, seconded by John Wright, the Planning Commission voted to complete and sign the Component 4A section C form with the accompanying letter noting the inconsistencies and the DEP rejection.

Separately during the meeting, resident Justin Lilienthal raised questions about septic permitting for two parcels he owns on Ada Lane and whether additional backup percolation tests are required when shifting lot lines; a staff member (Doug) advised that backups are required only when creating a new buildable lot.