Camden County MUA outlines shared conveyance sewer plan; commission authorizes staff to draft MOA

The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority on Sept. 11 presented a feasibility study for a proposed shared conveyance system that would move landfill leachate and borough wastewater to the authority’s regional treatment facility.

Joseph Mazzuto, executive director of the Camden County MUA, told the Pinelands Commission that the authority would own and operate the entire length of the proposed conveyance and that stakeholders include the borough of Woodbine and the New Jersey Department of Human Services. He said the project’s primary goals are to “eliminate hauling of leachate” by tanker truck and to provide a centralized sewer system for the borough to replace aging cesspools and failing septic systems. Mazzuto said the feasibility study evaluated six alternatives and that the stakeholders selected Alternative 3, which ties into existing 24‑inch force mains near Route 9 and Avalon Boulevard.

Staff advised the commission that the proposed route traverses multiple Pinelands management areas — including Pinelands town, forest area and regional growth area — and therefore requires a deviation from the Comprehensive Management Plan. Susan (staff) summarized the commission’s 13‑step MOA process, noting the commission is at step 7: briefing the full commission and asking whether staff should be authorized to draft an MOA.

Commissioners pressed presenters on technical and environmental details, including the Woodbine Developmental Center’s average flows (presenters said about 70,000 gallons per day), potable well depths and aquifer interactions, and long‑term leachate management (presenters said landfills require leachate management for decades after closure). Mazzuto estimated the project cost is approaching $20 million and listed funding previously identified (a USDA planning grant plus local matches and a possible USDA loan/grant combination for construction). He also said the project would replace an estimated 2,200 truck loads per year and would eliminate “about 86.9 metric tons of CO2” annually by eliminating trucking of leachate.

After questions, commissioners indicated no objection to staff continuing to negotiate and prepare a draft MOA and associated technical materials. The commission did not approve any MOA or final permit at the Sept. 11 meeting; staff said future steps will include drafting the agreement, presenting a draft to the PNI committee, holding a public hearing and returning to the full commission for a formal determination.

Next steps include staff‑led MOA drafting and further technical submittals from the MUA and its consultants for public and agency review.