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Meeting Minutes & Watershed Watch - Newsletter

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Past Community Actions

• Mercer County Park Northwest (December 2004)
• Rte 92 Update (Last Update - September 2004)
• Sourlands Special Resource Area Designation (September 2004)
• Opposition to the Fast Track Legislation (2004)
• 3M Quarry in Belle Mead (Last Update - September 2004)
• Millstone Bypass Update (Last Update - March 2004)
• Stormwater Rules (Last Update - September 2004)
• Master Plan - Conservation Element Workshop Series (Spring 2004)
• Open Space Stewardship (September 2004)
• Category 1 Nomination (2003)
• Stream Corridor Ordinance
• Bristol-Myers Squibb (2001)
• Hopewell Township Master Plan and Re-Zoning Process (Winter 2002)
• Montgomery Township Master Plan (July 2001-2002)
• NJDEP Wetland Rules (July 2002)
• Historic Preservation (January 2002)
• Ciba Geigy (July 2002)
• Sarnoff (2002)
• Linton Drive Extension - Bloombery Expansion in Montgomery (2001)
• Princeton Nurseries Lands (August 2001)
• Green Acres & Garden State Preservation Trust Funding (2002)

Mercer County Park Northwest
Issue: In the early 1990s Mercer County purchased the 812-acre AT&T Pole Farm using open space funding in order to preserve these historically significant lands and critical habitats. The Pole Farm once was elaborately criss-crossed with telephone poles and wires, and was used as the sole means for Trans-Atlantic telecommunication during World War II, before an undersea cable line was constructed. Use of the Pole Farm declined over the decades, and portions of the site were farmed or allowed to return to a natural state. These 812 acres are located half in Hopewell and Lawrence Townships, and are bordered by Cold Soil Road and Federal City Road. 
Action: In October 1998, the Washington Crossing Audubon Society published a Biological Survey of the Pole Farm with recommendations to preserve critical habitats of several threaten and endangered species recorded at the site. Notable species include:  eastern meadowlarks, bobolinks, savannah and grasshopper sparrows, American kestrels northern harriers American woodcocks, killdeers, bluebirds, yellow-rumped warblers, indigo buntings, turkeys, and foxes. Several rare flora are also present at the site.  View their report at www.washingtoncrossingaudubon.org/
Result: The Park is open for public use with a variety of existing hiking trails. 
In December 2004, the Mercer County Park Commission published a Constraints and Opportunities Map and requested public comment on potential recreational uses and trails for the site, and connecting trails to other parks.

View three images provided by Mercer County.  (These images are pdf files and can be easily reviewed and printed.)

1.  A location map of the Northwest Park, Rosedale Park and Equestrian Center.
2.  The Constraints and Opportunities Map, which depicts wetlands, critical habitat areas and existing site features.
3.  A diagram of potential features to be considered for the parklands.

For more on the issue:

1. View the Mercer County Open Space And Recreation Plan
   www.mercercounty.org/planning/planning_division%20open%20space%20plan.htm
2. Mercer County Open Space And Recreation Map
   www.mercercounty.org/planning/planning_division%20open%20space%20map.big.htm

Route 92 Update
Issue: In 2000 the NJ Turnpike Authority together with the US Army Corp of Engineers initiated an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to evaluate alternatives for the proposed Route 92 through the South Brunswick community, to connect Route 1 to the NJ Turnpike.  Because of the potential loss of 14 acres of wetlands, the Army Corp of Engineers had jurisdiction to oversee the EIS evaluation.
Action: In May 2004, the US Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) released the Draft EIS report and over 150 people testified.  NLN members and the Association testified that because public participation in this process had been limited, citizens were not assured that this proposed $350 million highway is the best alternative that would achieve important objectives and cause the least environmental impacts.  The Association opposed the Rte 92 alignment until an enhanced public process was undertaken to review the purpose for the roadway and the various alternatives, focused on common goals and common strategies. 
Result: In July 2004, NLN members and the NO 92 Coalition worked with elected officials from South Brunswick, Franklin, Rocky Hill and Montgomery Townships and submitted 1,800 letters to Governor McGreevey opposing Rte 92.  In addition, the USEPA also submitted a letter opposing Rte 92.

For more on the issue:

1.  The Association’s comment letter on Rte 92.
2. The NO 92 website: http://www.no92.com/
3. A map of the proposed Rte 92 Alignment. http://www.no92.com/route_92_SP_full.jpg
4. The USEPA letter opposing Rte 92.  http://www.no92.com/CEQ040197-1.doc

Sourland Mountains Special Area Designation (SRA)
Issue:  The Sourland Mountains located within the Millstone Watershed include the largest contiguous forested area in central New Jersey, providing wildlife habitat to a number of threatened and endangered species, and migratory songbirds.  Local communities are working to ensure that the area is protected from over development, which should be restricted due to the steep slopes, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and limited water supply in the area.
Action: In 2001 the Sourland Planning Council applied for a Smart Growth Grant from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA); however, the $80,000 funding was not received until August 2003.  The Council organized a Task Force partnership with 5 towns, 3 counties and several local environmental groups and completed a Groundwater Study and Natural Resource Inventory of the area.  The Association and NLN members serve on this Task Force. 
Result:  In September 2004, these studies will serve as the foundation to petition the DCA to designate the Sourland Mountains as a Special Resource Area on the State Plan.  This designation will help strengthen local planning and zoning efforts to restrict development in the Sourlands and to preserve these important resources. 

For more on the issue:

1.  Association letter of support.
2. The Sourland Planning Council website http://www.sourland.org/mp.html
3.  Article on Smart Growth Grant.
4.  Montgomery Approves Sourland SRA
5.  Letter to NJDEP Commissioner
6. The Smart Growth Grant Proposal for the Sourlands http://www.sourland.org/grants/smartgrowth.html

Opposition to the Fast Track Legislation
Issue:  On July 9, 2004 Governor McGreevey signed the Fast Track Legislation that requires the streamlining of state permits in designated growth areas.  Many residents, elected officials and environmental groups are concerned that the 45 day expedited review permit will reduce public involvement in the decision process and significantly impact the limited water resources, open space, and wildlife habitat that remain in our urbanized communities. 
Action:  NLN members and the Association have joined 50 other civic groups in The Save NJ Coalition to oppose this legislation.  A multi-prong approach includes 1) requesting the repeal of the Fast Track law; 2) limit the scope of the law through regulatory and administrative changes; and 3) support litigation through the Rutgers Law Clinic to stop the legislation. 
Result:  The Save NJ Coalition website was launched to educate New Jersey residents of the harmful effects of this legislation.  The GIS Center here at the Association has launched a Fast Track GIS map to help residents identify areas affected by the law.  The Association and 50 members signed onto letters to the Governor opposing this legislation.

For more information:

1. Fast Track map on the GIS center website (www.giscenter.org)
2.  Article in August 2004 Watershed Watch - NLN Newsletter
3. Save NJ Coalition website (www.savenj.net)
4. Save NJ Recommendations for Actions (www.savenj.net/our_mission.htm)
5. Details of the bill (http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/ search for Senate bill s1368.)

3M Quarry in Belle Mead
Issue: Water pollution violations continued to occur at the 3M Quarry due to inadequate stormwater management facilities and limited erosion controls.
Action: NLN members supplied NJDEP with 3 years of laboratory documentation of these violations and pressured NJDEP for remediation and enforcement. The Association, NLN members and residents testified at hearings and submitted various recommendations to all parties.  On May 13, 2003, the NJDEP issued an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) to the 3M Belle Mead Quarry, citing 11 violations for stormwater runoff. The ACO included a fine for $99,120, for impacting three streams, Back Brook, Roaring Brook and Cruser Brook in Montgomery and Hillsborough Townships. The stormwater violations included cloudy, turbid waters that exceeded permitted discharges in stormwater runoff, and failure to monitor and report discharges.  The Association also nominated the impacted streams to the NJDEP for protection as Category 1 streams. The Association continues to monitor the streams through our volunteer Streamwatcher program, and local residents continue to collect samples as well.
Result:  In January 2004, 3M received approvals from the NJDEP, the Union-Somerset Soil Conservation District, and the Townships of Montgomery and Hillsborough to begin construction of massive stormwater management measures.  These measures include 5 stormwater retention basins, connecting channels, and the regrading and capping of the 60-acre mineral fines pile.  3M proposed to complete these actions in December 2004.  The Association and NLN members continue to work with 3M, NJDEP, Montgomery and Hillsborough Township, the Union-Somerset Soil Conservation District, and local residents to ensure that appropriate stormwater control measures are implemented under a NJPDES Stormwater Permit. 

For more information:

1. See NJDEP Press Release on 3M’s Water Pollution Violations
2. See an aerial view of the area with monitoring sites suggested by the Association
3. Pictures of 3M Stockpiles and local discharges to streams
4.  Cruser Brook Water Quality Data
5. Letters:
    Director, Division of Water Quality - 3M Quarry NJPDES Permit - SBMWA Comment Letter (June 11, 2003)
    Hillsborough Township - 3M Stormwater Management Plan (Feb 13, 2003)
    Montgomery Township - 3M Stormwater Management Plan (Jan 6, 2003)

Millstone Bypass Update
Issue: In 1999, NJDOT proposed a road network along important waterways to reduce signaled intersections on Rte 1 and alleviate congestion in the Princeton Area.
Action: The Association and NLN members testified and developed an Issue Paper, calling for an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) to evaluate impacts from various alternatives for this project. 
Result: The NJDOT EIS commenced in the spring of 2001 for the Millstone Bypass. A Roundtable of Partners was formed that included elected officials, neighborhood representatives, businesses, Princeton University, and environmental groups.  For two years, NLN members and the Association participated in bi-monthly meetings and reviewed nineteen alternative roadway alignments.  On June 30, 2003, the Association testified at a NJDOT public hearing, and together with 30 civic groups supported Alternative D.2.  On January 29, 2004, the NJDOT selected a slightly modified alternative D.2A, which did not include a controversial east side connector road and minimized impacts to the Millstone River, D&R Canal park, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and historic and archeological features. 

For more information:

1.  "Together We Can and Do Make a Difference"
   
2.  "NJDOT Statement Regarding Selection of Preferred Alternative"
   
3.  Map for Alternative D2A
   
4.  Letter to Governor James E. McGreevey with list of 30 organizations that endorse the D2 Alternative
   
5. Interactive Map of the Penns Neck Area - create your own map of the Penns Neck Area with GIS layers including streams, critical habitats and land use.  Also included are hotlinks to photos taken on the Millstone River (use the lightening rod tool to click on the photos). Note: We do not have data for the alternative alignments at this time but we are hoping to acquire it, so keep a look out.
   
6.  "Speaking for the River" - SBMWA’s Position and Comments on the Penns Neck Area Draft Environmental Impact Statement - June 30, 2003
   
7. Sensible Transportation Options Partnership (STOP)
   
8. Penns Neck Area EIS

Stormwater Rules
Issue: In February 2004, the NJDEP adopted the new Stormwater Management Rules that will require new development to control quantity and quality, and reduce non-point source pollution to our streams, and encourage the infiltration of stormwater as groundwater recharge. These Stormwater Rules also require NJPDES Permits for four categories: Large Municipalities (Tier A) Rural Municipalities (Tier B), Public Complexes; and Highway Agencies. The Stormwater Permit Rules allow municipalities five years to comply by creating a Municipal Stormwater Plan, adopting stormwater ordinances, mapping stormwater outfalls, providing public education on non-point source pollution runoff, and enforcing the regulations for new developments.
Action: In 2003 the Association worked with the NJDEP, The Delaware Riverkeeper, ANJEC and other environmental groups to hold a series of four worships to educate the public and municipal officials about the upcoming rule requirements. In addition the Association published several news articles, created a Stormwater Primer that summarizes the Rules, and a guide to help Municipalities draft a Stormwater Plan.  The Association also offers the Project Turtle kit to help municipalities comply with the regulation to stencil storm drains. 
Result: Over 350 people attended the Stormwater Workshops, and received instructional guides, sample ordinances, strategies for low impact developments, and detailed information on how to comply with the upcoming rules.

For more information:

1.  Municipal Stormwater Rule Primer
2.  Guide for Municipal Stormwater Plans
3. Making Sense of the Stormwater Rules - Stormwater information on NLN
4. NJDEP Stormwater Rules Website (http://www.njstormwater.org/)

Master Plan – Conservation Element Workshop Series
NLN hosted two workshops to help local municipalities re-evaluate their master plans to better support environmental conservation and preservation initiatives in their communities.  The focus this spring was the Natural Resource Inventory and the Conservation Element.  Links are provided below that summarize many of the spring presentations.

Links: 

1.  Guide to Preserving Local Resources with a Conservation Plan
2.  NLN Conservation Element Workshop - April 04

   Previous workshops addressed the following topics:
   

   1. Developing A Vision For Your Community - The First Building Block Toward A Successful Master Plan: Kathy Bird and Sheldon Sturgess discussed strategies to incorporate public input in community plans. George Hawkins discussed the regulatory requirements to update Master Plans. Andy Rowan discussed GIS capabilities to enhance planning studies.
   2. Gathering The Right Data for Planning Studies Incorporated Into Your Master Plan: Mike Bolan, Paul Pogorzelski, and Matt Mullhall discussed understanding local resources and their limitations to support capacity planning.
   3. Conservation Element of the Master Plan - Protecting our Resources with Local Initiatives: Joel Coyne, Ted Stiles and Dr. Robert Tucker discussed the inclusion of goals, GIS mapping, and state data into your local planning studies.
   4. Implementing & Defending Your Master Plan: Frank Banish and Howard Cohen Esquire, discussed planning steps to support local zoning decisions. George Hawkins discussed takings issues.

   
   Open Space Stewardship
   Issue: The Natural Lands Network began in 1998 to garner statewide support for $1 billion in state funding for open space acquisitions, and to increase local open space tax initiatives and acquisitions. The Association continued these efforts and helped support the additional $150 million Green Acres funding in Nov 2003.  We have also focused efforts on open space stewardship and encouraging the formation of open space committees.
   Action: Our Education Center hosts trail walks throughout the watershed in partnership with several NLN member organizations, municipal boards, and land trust groups. Stony Brook has also presented at the Land Trust Rally since 1999, and continues to sponsor workshops on stewardship and woodland preservation and restoration. 
   Result: There are now 23 municipalities in the watershed that support local open space tax programs, up from 5 communities in 2000. 
   

   For more information:
   

   1.  Invasive Plants a Spreading Menace - July 2004 NLN Newsletter
   2. Also see the article  Controlling a Growing Menace in the October 2004 NLN Newsletter
   3. Our May 2003 workshop highlighted key strategies to encourage public accessibility and use of these preserved lands and innovative mapping techniques (Barefoot Mapping).

   
   Category 1 Nomination
   In November 2002 and January 2003, the NJDEP proposed significant amendments to the Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) to upgrade the water use classifications for several reservoirs and streams to Category One Waters, to reduce impacts to these waterways from future development.

   The Watershed Association supports these proposed amendments, and based on the NJDEP criteria nominated six streams as potential candidates for Category One designation.  The Association also supports the 300 ft buffer for Category One streams outlined in the NJDEP Stormwater Rules.
   

   For more information:
   

   1.  NJDEP Stormwater Rules section on Buffers taken from NJDEP website.
   2. category 1 page

   
   Stream Corridor Ordinance
   The Association is reviewing the 1996 model ordinance and has re-convened the former Task Force to consider modifications. Browse the  1996 Model Stream Corridor Ordinance and supporting documentation.

   
   Bristol-Myers Squibb
   Issue: The Bristol-Myers Squibb facility in Hopewell had a pre-existing General Development Plan (GDP) that allowed 2.8 million square feet of office and research development.  An expansion of the BMS facility in Hopewell Township by nearly 2 million square feet will impact land use, water consumption, wastewater treatment requirements, and traffic.
   Action: The Association developed a summary document and a “Question & Answer” list based on surveys and responses from municipal officials, professional staff,
   citizens, & BMS officials, relative to the development plans, permits for the expansion of their wastewater treatment operations, water consumption needs, and traffic concerns.  A public forum was held in February 2001 and this document with recommendations was circulated and posted on the Association website.
   Result: The Association assisted Hopewell Township in developing a Settlement Agreement and letter of Approval with Conditions for the proposed expansion.  In fall 2001, NJDEP approved amendments to the Wastewater Management Plan, and Hopewell
   approved a revised GDP.  The revised GDP included several smart growth features: consolidating growth within a central loop road to minimize impervious cover and to minimize visual impacts to the rural community; the long-term preservation and continued use of 250 acres of farmland; consolidating parking into high rise structures or beneath office buildings; enhanced stormwater retention facilities, onsite treatment and reuse of gray water.
   - Please link to the Watershed Management LIBRARY for all relevant documents.

   
   Hopewell Township Master Plan and Re-Zoning process
   Issue: Hopewell Township spent considerable time and effort re-examining and updating their Master Plan.  They also re-zoned portions of their community in
   areas unsewered and without public water supplies, to larger lots, based on nitrate dilution modeling and ground water consumption concerns.
   Action: The Association, the GIS Center and NLN members provided testimony and assisted in presentations and workshops in support of the efforts to re-examine the masterplan and evaluate zoning in rural areas that rely on wells and are unsewered.  GIS mapping and the Master Plan are posted at the GIS Center website
   Result: Hopewell Township organized a citizen task force for the Master Plan update, and hosted several Master Plan workshops conducted through the fall 2001 and winter 2002. The workshops were well attended, and included innovations such as a Photo Contest depicting important features of the community, and residential surveys to develop visions and goals for the Master Plan.  The Master Plan was developed based on carrying capacity and infrastructure to determine where development should be directed.

   
   Montgomery Township Master Plan
   Issue: A July 2001 Draft Master Plan addresses re-zoning the unsewered mountain areas, increases commercial density along main corridors, and proposes a new road network to accommodate the potential growth.
   

   Action: The Association and the NLN worked on several related issues in Montgomery Township including:
   

   • Providing regulatory & GIS support to a citizens group in their efforts
     to evaluate the proposed commercial expansions and road extension through
     exceptional wetlands.
     
   • Testifying on the Draft Master Plan, and posted the Master Plan
     on the GIS web site to improve public access.
     
   • Speaking at Environmental Forums in October and December 2001 in
     support of an alternative processes to develop the Master Plan,
     including a Collaborative Process, which was introduced by Karl
     Kehde at the NLN meeting in July 2001.

   Result:  Re-zoning for large lots was approved.  Additional Master Plan
   workshops (rather than hearings) have been scheduled to continue to gather public input on roadway improvements, growth areas, zoning, and additional studies have been proposed to update natural resource inventories, evaluate capacity planning issues and build out analyses.  New alternative roadway improvements were recently adopted in July 2002.  The Master Plan Reexamination Report is posted the GIS Center website.

   
   NJDEP Wetland Rules
   Action: In October 2001 and February 2002, the Association contributed to the public participation process and provided testimony to the NJDEP regarding proposed amendments to the NJDEP Wetland Rules.
   Result: In July 2002, NJDEP incorporated recommendations supported by SBMWA and many environmental organizations that NJDEP review the environmental impacts of permits for proposed wetland disturbances and complete their approval or denial determination, prior to reviewing any submittals that outline concerns for a takings and compensation issues.  View the Association’s comment letter.

   
   Historic Preservation
   Action:  Senate S1399/Assembly Bill A 2580 - Amending the State Register of Historic Sites.  Preservation NJ Inc. requested our assistance in opposing this Bill as it reduced the citizens’ ability to add sites to the State Register of Historic Sites without Municipal or County approval.  The Association wrote letters to Acting Governor Codey and Acting Governor Bennett opposing the Bill and informed NLN members on these issues.
   Result:  State Assembly & Senate approved the Bills in early January 2002, but the Acting Governor did not sign it.

   
   Ciba Geigy
   Action: Senate Bill S2752 -NJ Conservation Foundation requested our assistance in opposing this Bill as it allotted $15 million to Ciba Geigy to acquire uncontaminated lands for open space use.  The action circumvented the review processes of the Garden State Trust.  The Association sent letters opposing the Bill to local State Representatives & the Acting Governors and informed NLN members on these issues.
   Result: In January 2002, Acting Governor Bennett (Republican) approved the $15 million acquisition.  However, in July 2002 Governor McGreevey rescinded the $15M, but agreed to work with Dover Twp to determine whether other local open space would be more appropriate for state acquisition.

   
   Sarnoff
   Issue: Sarnoff recently proposed a General Development Plan along the Millstone River that includes 22 office and research buildings, and 17 parking buildings,
   a hotel, conference center and day care, to allow for an increase of up to 10,000 employees. 
   Action: The Association and NLN members met with Sarnoff to express concern with the proposed development and the cumulative impacts of independent development decisions along Rte 1. Comments were also provided to W Windsor officials during their Master Plan hearing Process.
   Result: In April ‘02, the West Windsor Planning Board approved a new Research zoning category to reduce the potential density on the site from a 30% FAR to a 21% FAR.  The Sarnoff proposal included a FAR of 24%.  The zoning also includes requirements for higher percentages of research facilities over office space to reduce traffic generation. In June ‘02, West Windsor approved a revised GDP that incorporates a “Master Plan Equivalent” road alignment with opportunities for mass transit service, possibly by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for the facility.

   
   Linton Drive Extension - Bloombery Expansion in Montgomery
   Issue:  The Bloomberg Financial Group had submitted conceptual plans to
   quadruple their facilities in Montgomery from serving 1,000 employees to 4,000 employees, which would require upgrades to their water supply, wastewater treatment.  One of the most significant concerns was the proposed extension of Linton Drive in order to alleviate proposed traffic congestion.  However, this extension was proposed through exceptional wetlands and a residential neighborhood.
   Action: The Association and NLN members worked together with a citizen group called Montgomery SENSE, as well as Montgomery officials and members of the planning
   board and environmental commission in order to provide a better understanding of the potential impacts to the residents and the importance of the wetland habitat for documented threatened and endangered species.
   Result: Montgomery hired Omni Environmental Consultants to conduct a review of the wetlands and their report concluded that these wetlands were the largest contiguous exceptional wetlands in Central New Jersey and that alternative road alignments could be pursued that would cause less impacts to the wetlands.  Montgomery agreed with these recommendations and has adopted proposals for alternative road improvements.

   
   Princeton Nurseries Lands
   Issue:  Princeton University received approval from Plainsboro Township for a GDP of 2.5 million sq ft development of commercial and office space along Rte 1, near the D&R Canal.
   Action: The Association & NLN members joined community groups at several hearings before the Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission raising concerns for the potential impacts to the park and canal, and the historic village of Kingston, and seeking solutions to minimize the impacts from the proposed development.
   Result:  On June 20, 2001 the D&R Canal Commission did not approve a controversial road re-alignment.  However, they reversed this decision in
   August 2001 upon appeal and threat of a lawsuit.

   
   Green Acres and Garden State Preservation Trust Funding
   In June, the Association joined the New Jersey Conservation Foundation and several other environmental organizations in signing a letter opposing the state proposed budget and the withdrawal of significant state funding for land conservation and the Garden State Preservation Trust Fund.

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