[Added 4-13-1987 by Ord. No. 87-4]
It is the intent of this article to provide
to an approving authority the authority to require the filing of an
environmental impact statement in conjunction with an application
for preliminary approval of a major subdivision or site plan.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
The Land Use Board of the Township of Independence unless
the application for development is before the Board of Adjustment
of the Township pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.[1]
[Amended 2-13-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-07]
A description and analysis of possible direct and indirect
effects that development will have on the site itself as well as adjacent
and noncontiguous areas with particular reference to the effect of
the project on public safety, health and welfare, the protection of
public and private property and the protection, preservation and enhancement
of the natural environment.
Any plot, parcel or tract of land involved with a major development.
A.
The approving authority may require the filing of
an environmental impact statement for any application for preliminary
major subdivision or site plan review.
B.
The approving authority may waive the requirement
for the filing of an environmental impact statement upon application
in writing with the submittal of the preliminary plat or application
for development if the agency determines that the proposed development
will not have a substantial impact on the environment or that the
information submitted as part of the applicant's application is sufficient
to evaluate the impact of the proposed development upon the environment.
The applicant shall be responsible for the selection
of a qualified person or persons to prepare the environmental impact
statement. The approving authority may request confirmation as to
the qualifications and experience of the preparer and may reject same
if not reasonably satisfied with the preparer's qualifications.
The environmental impact statement shall be
submitted with the application for preliminary approval unless a waiver
is requested. Ten copies of the statement shall be submitted. The
environmental impact statement shall contain information and analysis
with respect to the following:
A.
Location of the project.
B.
Description of the project.
C.
Existing land use and zoning of the project and adjacent
area.
D.
An inventory of existing environmental conditions
at the site and adjacent area, including air quality, noise, water
quality, surface water drainage, water supply, hydrology, geology,
soils, topography, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands and historical and
archaeological features.
E.
A listing of licenses, permits or other approvals
required by municipal, county or state law and the status of each.
F.
An assessment of the probable impact of the project, adverse and beneficial, on the topics listed in Subsection D above.
G.
An assessment of the probable impact of the project
on Township roads, traffic, schools, community services and the tax
base.
H.
A discussion of the methods to be utilized in regard
to sewage and waste disposal and the effect of the former on groundwater.
I.
A discussion of the steps to be taken, during and
after construction, both at the site and in the surrounding area,
to minimize adverse environmental affects.
J.
A discussion of alternatives to the proposed project,
including that of no project.
