April 13, 2006 -- TRENTON, N.J. - A state appeals panel ruled yesterday that state environmental regulators can restrict development near waterways. The New Jersey Builders Association had challenged Department of Environmental Protection rules that barred development within 300 feet of some rivers.
The DEP says development near waterways causes rainwater to flow directly into a stream, taking pollutants with it.
How far back on the property (compared to the existing plan) will that force ireland to build his mega? In other words, how much further back does he have to move it to be in compliance?
“New Jersey’s stormwater rules are considered the nation’s most protective largely because they require 300-foot vegetated buffers along Category One waterways to help filter pollutants and safeguard the quality of these waters.”
300 ft of vegetated buffer means they are already out of compliance - I guess that rules out expanding the mega-parking lots - but will the DEP have the stones to enforce the law without any b.s. "exemptions" for liars?
I think it would force him too far. He doesnt have 300' extra to work with. He is very restricted by having to maintain the minimum number of parking spaces. That was one of the original problems and was why they went for an exemption. There was also some descrepancy with the streams. They were supposedly C1 but not on the list, or were supposed to be added and wernt, or something like that. Dont remember the details, but something about the classification wasnt clear and of course our friends at the DEP never did anything to rectify it. I personally made an inquiry about their classification to the DEP and they sent me docs that were clear as mud with no definitive clarification.
I do not know the stream designation (C1 or otherwise) but I am pretty sure that the two streams that confluence at that property feed into the Rockaway river which ultimately feeds into the Boonton (Jersey City) Reservoir. If I am right about that, pollutants in those streams certainly would effect the quality of the drinking water in Jersey City.
Both the Bever Brook and the Hibernia Brook are C-1. HOWEVER - if granted the exemtption they magically are no longer C-1 in that portion. In other words BS.
The DEP needs to protect the water for all the people of NJ. Lets hope they do the RIGHT thing and protect the water and land.
Lisa
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The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
