Commission hears staff updates on Stockton emergency water-tank, Hamilton landfill solar and PDC activity

At the Dec. 21 meeting, executive director Chuck and staff delivered a series of administrative updates.

Emergency determination for Stockton University: Chuck said an emergency determination dated Dec. 6 authorized Stockton University to replace a deteriorating elevated water storage tank that provides potable and fire-suppression water; the university had completed an application that was delayed by a deed-restriction issue now near resolution. Staff said the application will be scheduled for public comment at the January commission meeting and subsequent meeting in February.

Hamilton landfill and solar: Staff said they advised the applicant on design changes after threatened/endangered-species issues were identified for a solar facility proposed over a capped landfill in Hamilton Township; a meeting with the mayor and applicant was scheduled to try to resolve the issue so the project can proceed while protecting habitat.

Pinelands Development Credit (PDC) program: staff reported heavy activity in the PDC program, with large letters-of-interpretation requests for thousands of acres in Washington and Bass River townships and recent unexpected PDC sales in the past weeks (staff cited examples around $24,000 per PDC). Commissioners discussed market history and noted past spikes in prices.

Other administrative notes: staff described progress on rulemaking initiatives (infrastructure trust fund administration, gap rule, trails/accessibility rule packages) and an upcoming submission of the annual report to the National Park Service on projects funded through that program.

What’s next: Stockton’s application will appear on the January agenda for public comment; staff will continue to work with applicants on the landfill/solar issue and monitor PDC market activity.

Sources: executive director and staff reports.