Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-37, all subdivisions in the Township
of Riverside shall be reviewed and approved by the Township Planning
Board prior to the filing of subdivision plats or deeds with the office
of the Burlington County Clerk. The only exemptions from the subdivision
review and approval process are divisions of land that are not defined
as subdivisions under this chapter.
Prior to the issuance of a zoning permit or certificate of occupancy
for any conditional use permitted by this chapter, an application
shall be made to the Planning Board for approval of the conditional
use. The review by the Planning Board shall determine whether the
conditional use complies with this provision of this chapter and shall
include any required site plan review.
In the event that an application for development requires an
approval by a governmental agency other than the Joint Land Use Planning
Board, the Board shall, in appropriate circumstances, condition approval
upon the subsequent approval of such governmental agency, provided
that the Board shall make a decision on any application for development
within the time period provided in this chapter, or within an extension
of such period as has been agreed to by the applicant, unless the
Board is prevented or relieved from so acing by operation of law.
All applications for variance relief to the Joint Land Use Planning Board not involving any related site plan, subdivision or conditional use approval shall be filed at least 15 days prior to the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Board. The filing shall include 10 copies of any maps and related material; five completed copies of the appropriate application form(s), which includes the checklist for variances pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:55D-10.3,
attached to this chapter; and the fee in accordance with Chapter
202 of the Code of Riverside. The Board shall act upon the application as stipulated by law.
Every major site plan development application must include as
part of the application an environmental impact statement.
A. Purpose. The intent of the environmental impact statement (EIS) requirement
is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of major development
projects on the Township's physical and social environment and to
ensure that any impacts are mitigated to the extent possible.
B. Submission requirement. An environmental impact statement shall be
submitted for all major submission and major site plan applications.
The EIS must be submitted with the application for preliminary approval
for the application to be deemed complete.
C. Preparation. The environmental impact statement should be prepared
using an interdisciplinary approach. The qualifications of the person(s)
who prepared each of the various elements of the statement shall be
identified in a separate section of the EIS. References shall be cited
throughout the statement as appropriate and listed fully using a consistent
standard format. The document shall be signed by a New Jersey licensed
professional engineer or planner.
D. Format.
(1)
The environmental impact statement shall be bound or in a looseleaf
binder and submitted on eight-and-one-half-by-eleven-inch paper. Each
major section of the statement shall be clearly identified and shall
begin on a separate page. All maps, plans and aerial photographs included
in the statement shall specify a north point, graphic scale, date
of preparation, source of information and, where appropriate, boundary
lines.
(2)
Maps, plans and aerial photographs submitted in each major section
of the statement shall be at appropriate scales to facilitate comparative
analyses and assessments of environmental impacts.
E. Content. The EIS shall contain the following elements, as specified
below:
(1)
Cover page. The cover page shall indicate:
(a)
That the document is an EIS for (state name or title of application).
(b)
The name of the proposed facility.
(c)
Its location within the Township.
(d)
The name, address and telephone number of the person who prepared
the EIS.
(e)
The date of preparation of the EIS.
(2)
Summary. A one-page summary containing the following elements
shall be placed at the beginning of the EIS:
(a)
A brief description of the proposed facility, including its
location.
(b)
Summary of major beneficial and adverse environmental impacts
of the proposed facility.
(c)
Summary of major alternatives considered.
(d)
Township, county, state and federal approvals required for the
proposed facility, if any.
(3)
Table of contents. The EIS shall contain a table of contents
indicating the page numbers of the major sections and subsections.
(4)
Environmental inventory. The applicant shall succinctly describe
the existing environmental conditions of the site and surrounding
region in sufficient detail to assist in the location and design of
the facility, provide a basis for the applicant's assessment of the
probable beneficial and adverse impacts of the proposed facility and
enable the Township to make the findings for permit approval. General
inventory requirements for each facility as required herein.
(5)
Project description. The applicant shall succinctly describe
what he proposes to do, and where and how he proposes to do it, during
construction and operation of the facility. The project description
shall include written text and graphic materials, including a site
plan which may contain much of the project description information.
General project description requirements for each facility type as
required herein.
(6)
Unavoidable adverse environmental impact. The applicant shall
describe probable adverse environmental impacts of the facility that
cannot be avoided, including irretrievable commitments of resources,
which shall be listed in the order of their relative magnitude.
(7)
Techniques to minimize adverse environmental impacts. The applicant
shall describe the steps he will take to minimize or avoid adverse
environmental impacts during the facility's construction, operation
or removal, both at the site and in the surrounding region. The applicant's
program for ascertaining and verifying the accuracy of the environmental
assessment of the facility and the actual effects of project construction
shall also be described.
(8)
Alternatives.
(a)
The applicant shall identify, describe and analyze alternatives
to all of the proposed facility and any part of the proposed facility,
including the alternatives of no facility, alternative sites, alternative
uses of this site and postponing construction.
(b)
The discussion of alternatives shall include an evaluation of
alternatives that might avoid or minimize some or all of the probable
adverse environmental impacts of the project. The costs and benefits
of the alternatives shall be analyzed and presented. Reasons for the
acceptability or nonacceptability of each alternative shall be given.
For residential and sewerage facilities, the presentation of alternatives
may include a brief narrative and accompanying sketch plans.
(9)
Other required licenses, permits and approvals. The applicant
shall list all known licenses, permits and other approvals required
by Township, county, state or federal law for the construction and
operation of the proposed facility. The status of each shall be identified.
(10)
Documentation. The applicant shall prepare a reference list
using a consistent standard format of all published materials, reports,
manuscripts or other written sources of information on the facility,
its site and surrounding region consulted and employed in the preparation
of the environmental impact statement. A separate reference list of
all government agencies and individuals that either provided information
orally and by letter or coordinated the EIS shall be prepared, with
the dates and locations of all meetings specified. The documentation
section shall also indicate the person(s) that prepared each major
section and subsection of the EIS, including their qualifications.
F. Environmental inventory. The EIS shall contain an environmental inventory
of the site and its environmental context that includes the following
information:
(1)
General site location map. The site of the proposed facility
shall be located generally on a United States Geological Survey Map
of the Township.
(2)
Site location map. A site location map shall be provided consistent
with the standards established for key map submission.
(3)
Existing conditions map. Existing site conditions which may
hinder or prevent development such as delineated wetlands, surface
water bodies and slopes of 15% or more shall be presented in the mapped
format as well as the written format specified below.
(4)
Existing regional conditions. The existing and proposed supply
of and estimated need for the specific facility the applicant proposes
to construct shall be described for the relevant surrounding region,
which shall be interpreted to mean at least the county. These regional
conditions may be mapped if appropriate.
(5)
Geology and soils. A map and text shall identify and describe
the physical features of the site, including, but not limited to:
(a)
Soil types, as classified and mapped by the Cooperative Soil
Survey as conducted by the Soil Conservation Service of the United
States Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the New Jersey
Experiment Station, Cook College, Rutgers University, and the State
Soil Conservation Committee, New Jersey Department of Agriculture
(SCSUSDA), where available, or alternative soil types if SCS-USDA
data is unavailable.
(b)
A soil data chart with descriptions indicating the following
information for each soil type identified within the site limits:
[3]
Seasonal high-water table.
[5]
Agricultural land capacity class.
[7]
Septic tank suitability, if appropriate.
[8]
Trafficability (dust hazard).
[9]
Depth of and name of the first geologic formation named on New
Jersey Geologic Map, Atlas Sheet 40, or equivalent documentation,
including prequaternary deposits.
[10] Degree of acidity and alkalinity of the soil.
(c)
Engineering soil classification, as mapped by SCS-USDA.
(d)
An engineering design characteristics chart indicating the following
information for each engineering soil classification within the site:
[1]
Limitations of soils for road cuts and fills.
[2]
Road alignment characteristics.
[3]
Limitations of soil for embankments.
[4]
Pavement support characteristics.
(e)
The location, nature and thickness of any areas containing landfill
materials on and within 200 feet of the site, a description of the
landfill materials, and the appropriate beginning and cessation dates
of landfill activities.
(f)
Potentially valuable mineral, gravel or other subsurface resources
of the site shall be identified.
(6)
Hydrology. A topographic map of the site and its surroundings
to a distance of 200 feet, with contour intervals consistent with
those required for site plan submissions and accompanied by appropriate
text shall identify and describe the following items:
(a)
Surface water.
[1]
Existing natural and man-made watercourses, including drainageways,
swales and water-control structures, on and within 200 feet of the
site, with their location, width, slope, capacity and direction of
flow.
[2]
Flood-hazard areas of flood-prone areas with cross section of
watercourses at an appropriate scale and at appropriate intervals
along the watercourse, showing extent of floodplain, top-of-bank,
normal water level and bottom elevation.
[3]
Existing lakes or ponds within or adjacent to the site, with
location, extent and water level elevation.
[4]
Existing storm drainage systems, including storm sewers, drainage
ditches and retention or detention basins, on or adjacent to the site,
with location, extent, capacity and direction of flow.
[5]
Existing stormwater runoff from the project site and upstream
watershed areas and calculations used to determine same.
[6]
Existing slope analysis, with slopes of 0% to 1%, 2% to 4%,
5% to 9%, 10% to 14% and 15% or more delineated;
(b)
Groundwater.
[2]
Apparent direction of groundwater movement based upon surficial
topography monitoring or potable water well data if available.
[3]
Yields of existing wells within 1/2 mile of the site, including
description of aquifer(s) being utilized.
(7)
Vegetation. A map and text shall identify and describe the vegetation
of the site, including but not limited to, the following items:
(a)
The vegetation types present, indicating the major species by
scientific and common name. Where applicable, both over story and
understory species should be included.
(b)
The acreage and percent of total area represented by each type.
(c)
Data for forest types shall include average diameter breast
high (measured at five feet above ground level), diameter range and
basal area for the over story trees.
(d)
Species or specimen trees unique because of scarcity, size,
historical significance, or endangered status shall be indicated.
(e)
Wetlands as determined through actual field delineation should
be described. A wetlands delineation report prepared by a qualified
individual per the requirements of the New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands
Protection Act may be included as an appendix to this environmental
impact statement. Alternatively, a statement from a qualified individual
as to the absence of wetlands, if applicable, should be provided.
(8)
Wildlife. A map and text shall identify and describe the wildlife
of the site (indicated by their common and scientific names), including
but not limited to the following items:
(a)
The species of wildlife (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
or aquatic organisms (present or which could be affected by the proposed
project and the amount and quality of their associated habitat.
(b)
Any areas within the proposed site which are critical to the
life cycle of any species of wildlife should be discussed.
(c)
Those species of wildlife classified as threatened or endangered
by the appropriate state or federal agencies.
(9)
Water quality.
(a)
Surface waters. A water quality inventory of such water bodies
directly affected by the proposed facility shall be prepared utilizing
existing authoritative sources of information. The classifications
of such affected water bodies, their water quality standards and their
status in meeting the established water quality standards shall be
described. Existing restrictive uses of these water bodies shall be
identified. The need to present additional data shall be based upon
the relative sensitivity of the water body affected.
(b)
Groundwater. Where groundwater is to be utilized for potable
water supplies, the water quality inventory shall include those parameters
established for prevailing drinking water standards and any water
quality standards established for groundwater.
(10)
Water supply. The existing and proposed potable water supply
system available to the site shall be identified and described in
maps and text, indicating:
(b)
Adequacy of supply, including current and anticipated maximum
water demands within the entire service area, as available by the
owner of said supply.
(c)
Pressure and volume of water available.
(11)
Sewerage system. The existing and proposed sewerage system available
to the site shall be identified and described in maps and text, indicating:
(a)
Availability of existing facilities, including status of sewer
connection ban, if any;
(b)
The adequacy of existing facilities, including:
(c)
Design capacity, type of treatment provided and location of
outfall.
(d)
Current flows, including average monthly during highest month
and highest twenty-four-hour flow.
(e)
Outstanding commitments to accept additional flows from other
projects.
(f)
Water quality standards and effluent limitations.
(g)
Where individual septic tanks are proposed, indicate:
(h)
Location of registered or licensed water supplies within 500
feet of the project.
(i)
Field data describing results of soil borings, percolation test
and seasonally high ground water table conditions, with specific locations
of (including the dates of these tests). Soil borings shall be classified
by the United Soil Classification System.
(12)
Air quality. The existing air quality of the site and its surrounding
region shall be evaluated and described, using monitoring data collected
by and available from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
and Energy. The applicant may also monitor the existing air quality,
or estimate air quality utilizing other sources of information.
(13)
Energy. The energy supplies available for delivery to the site
shall be estimated, with types of energy, points of origin and means
of transmission and delivery described and located. The percent of
existing supply presently utilized shall be identified and, if applicable,
differences is seasonal demands shall be indicated.
(14)
Public services. Existing public and private services relevant
to the proposed facility and available at the site and its surrounding
region shall be described and located. Such services shall include,
but not be limited to police and fire protection, first aid and ambulance
services, health services, solid waste and garbage services, public
and private educational facilities and commercial facilities.
(15)
Outdoor recreation. A map and accompanying text shall identify
the site and locate and describe the types and quantities, physical
accessibility and availability for public use of recreation facilities
and services within two miles of the site, including, but not limited
to, the following: waterways, wetlands, marinas, boat docks and launching
platforms, playgrounds, parks, forests, natural areas, tennis courts,
swimming pools, bikeways, etc. The extent of existing use and of unused
capacity of these facilities shall also be indicated.
(16)
Transportation. The existing and known proposed transportation
system available to the site and its surrounding region shall be described
and located on a map at an appropriate scale. The highway and road
network, other forms of public and private, individual and mass transportation,
frequencies, volumes, peak periods and routes shall be identified.
The relationship between places of employment and residential areas
in the region shall be discussed.
(17)
Historic and cultural resources. The social, economic and community
history of the site and its relevant surrounding region shall be described.
Areas and sites of archeological, architectural, anthropological and
historic significance, including those proposed for nomination or
included in the National State Register of Historic Places, shall
be identified, described and located on a map. An awareness of both
above- and below-ground cultural resources, if any, should be reflected
in this section, which should include a synopsis of the effort and
method that is the basis for this awareness.
(18)
Aesthetics. The existing visual character and scenic attributes
of the built and natural environment of the site and its relevant
surrounding region, including common and significant views and vistas
to and from the site, shall be described and depicted graphically,
as appropriate.
(19)
Demographic, social and economic conditions. A general demographic
profile of the municipality and county in which the proposed facility
is located shall be prepared, including data on the age, family income
and occupation distribution of the population, as well as recent demographic
trends. The relevant general social and economic problems and opportunities
of the site and its relevant surrounding region, including housing
considerations, municipal and county government revenues and expenditures,
employment and property values and the relevant legitimate economic
aspirations of the inhabitants of the area shall be discussed.
(20)
Hazardous materials. Any known or suspected deposits of man-made
regulated hazardous materials, including hazardous wastes, such as
contaminated soil, above- or below-ground oil storage tanks or abandoned
chemical storage facilities, shall be described. The applicant shall
specify whether such deposits are to be removed from the site in compliance
with applicable Department of Environmental Protection rules and regulations.
G. EIS review. Upon receipt of a major site plan or subdivision application,
the Planning Board Secretary shall forward the environmental impact
statement (EIS) to the Planning Board Engineer and the Planning Board
Planner for review. The EIS shall only be considered administratively
complete for the purposes of determining the application's completeness
if each of the subsections described in this section are adequately
addressed. Once the EIS is determined to be administratively complete,
the Board professionals shall conduct a technical review of the EIS
and report their comments within 30 days of the date of submission
to the Planning Board agency. If the EIS is determined to be technically
deficient in any manner, the applicant shall be required to submit
an amendment or addendum to the EIS. The Board professionals shall
have 30 days to review the amendment or addendum. If the EIS is deemed
technically complete, the Board professionals shall summarize the
EIS to the Planning Board and recommend any further mitigative measures.
Copies of the environmental impact statement shall be on file and
available for inspection in the office of the Planning Board Secretary.
The same schedule and conditions applicable to the full site plan
or subdivision requirements shall also apply to an EIS.