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Maurice River Committee gives first readings to two stormwater and Pinelands ordinances; Feb. 20 hearing set
Summary
The Maurice River Township Committee gave first readings to Ordinance No. 751, updating stormwater management standards for major development, and Ordinance No. 752, amending land development rules to align with Pinelands changes; both were approved on first reading and scheduled for public hearings on Feb. 20, 2025.
The Maurice River Township Committee on Jan. 16 gave first readings to two ordinances intended to strengthen stormwater rules and to update local land-development standards following recent Pinelands Commission changes.
Denise L. Peterson, municipal clerk, read Ordinance No. 751 by title, described in the ordinance as establishing minimum stormwater management requirements and controls for "major development," including the use of green-infrastructure Best Management Practices to reduce runoff, erosion and pollution. The ordinance incorporates the state Stormwater Management Rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8 and sets submission and maintenance requirements for site development stormwater plans.
The clerk also read Ordinance No. 752 by title, an amendment to Chapter 35 of the township code to conform local regulations to Pinelands Commission changes effective Dec. 4, 2023. The amendment adds a requirement that resource-extraction applications include a hydrogeologic report if a diversion from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer is proposed, specifying return volumes, routes and a map showing wetlands within 300 feet of the parcel.
Committee members approved both ordinances on first reading by roll call (Deputy Mayor Joe Sterling moved; Committeeman Ben Stowman seconded; Sterling, Stowman and Mayor Ken Whildin voted aye; no nays) and set a public hearing and final consideration for Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The hearing will be the opportunity for residents to comment on any technical or policy aspects before the ordinances are considered for adoption.
If adopted, Ordinance No. 751 will require applicants for "major development" and township projects to supply detailed stormwater plans, hydrologic and hydraulic calculations, and maintenance plans that may include performance guarantees; the measure also sets penalties for violations. Ordinance No. 752 clarifies information required for resource-extraction applications and explicitly ties local review to state Pinelands rules.
Next steps: the committee will accept public comment at the Feb. 20 hearing and may amend the ordinances before final vote.
