Keansburg adopts new stormwater control ordinance setting green-infrastructure standards

The Borough of Keansburg on Oct. 16 adopted Ordinance #1731, a comprehensive update to Chapter XXVII of the municipal code that sets local stormwater management requirements for major development and borough projects.

The ordinance establishes policy goals — flood control, groundwater recharge and pollutant reduction — and requires applicants for major development to use green-infrastructure Best Management Practices (GI BMPs) such as bioretention, pervious pavement, infiltration basins and other measures listed in the New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual. It ties many definitions and performance standards to state rules at N.J.A.C. 7:8 and the BMP manual.

Under the new rules, applicants must demonstrate either that a site will maintain 100% of average annual pre-construction groundwater recharge or that the increase in runoff volume for the 2-year storm will be infiltrated. For stormwater quality, the ordinance requires stormwater management measures to achieve an 80% annual average removal of total suspended solids (TSS) for regulated motor vehicle surfaces; in specially protected riparian zones the requirement is higher (95%). The water-quality design storm is defined in the ordinance as 1.25 inches of rainfall in two hours.

The ordinance also requires maintenance plans describing preventive maintenance tasks, estimated costs, responsible parties and annual reporting. Where applicable, approved stormwater measures must be reflected by a deed notice recorded with the Monmouth County Clerk identifying the location and maintenance obligations. The ordinance provides procedures for waivers, variances and alternative measures when full compliance is impracticable and includes safety standards for BMPs such as trash racks, overflow grates and escape provisions.

Councilor discussion was recorded in the ordinance text; no members of the public spoke during the hearing. The adoption was recorded by roll call vote at the meeting.

The ordinance aligns local practice with state technical sources (NJDEP BMP Manual and N.J.A.C. 7:8 references included in the text) and will apply to new major developments and to borough-initiated projects identified as major development. The municipality’s engineer and review agency will administer technical review and the borough will require proof of deed notice and maintenance responsibilities prior to construction in applicable cases.

The ordinance takes effect upon publication as provided by law; the minutes show the council adopted the measure during the Oct. 16 meeting and recorded the procedural votes.