Commission continues work on pipeline-safety draft, seeks solicitor input on enforceability

Township planning staff presented a working draft of a pipeline-safety ordinance to the Planning Commission on July 8. The draft focuses first on zoning definitions and notification/permit concepts and later contemplates subdivision/SALDO provisions for erosion control, equipment access, and restoration.

Staff said the draft distinguishes a "new pipeline" from "repair" (repair includes maintenance, replacement or reconstruction of an existing pipeline) and noted that certain items (for example, leak-detection protocols) may exceed township authority and should be reviewed by the township solicitor. Proposed elements included: notification requirements for earth disturbances and repairs, limits of disturbance, access and restoration plans, documentation of applicable permits, emergency contact information and some landscaping/screening provisions. Staff asked for feedback about which elements to pursue and signaled a need to coordinate with legal counsel (Pat McKenna) and technical experts.

Commissioners asked staff to continue focusing on zoning language first and to involve the solicitor and consultants before adding technical mandates such as leak-detection. A commissioner expressed concern about the township's technical capacity and expense to secure specialist consultants; staff agreed to continue refining the draft and to return with targeted sections and legal counsel input for future consideration.