Proposed Regulatory Amendments to the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan

Proposed Amendments: N.J.A.C. 7:50-1.6, 2.11, and 6.86

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:50-7, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed regulatory amendments to the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP).  The Pinelands Commission previously proposed amendments to the CMP related to water withdrawals (wells) from the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer in the Pinelands Area. Those amendments provided clearer, quantifiable standards for water withdrawals and strengthened protections for the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer and the ecology of the Pinelands.  After accepting and reviewing public comment on the proposed amendments, the Commission identified the need for substantial and non-substantial changes. The proposed substantial changes recognize the non-consumptive use of water by resource extraction operations in the Pinelands Area and provide new application requirements by which an applicant could demonstrate that a proposed new or increased withdrawal meets a newly proposed definition of non-consumptive use. The Commission is also proposing non-substantial changes to the amendments in response to public comments and one very minor agency-initiated change. These changes clarify language in the proposed amendments and correct a citation.

The hearing will be conducted remotely. To view the hearing live, log on to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnQA48AZfEw. The public can provide comment during the hearing by calling (929) 205-6099 and using Meeting ID: 896 7997 0818

DATE:            Wednesday, May 3, 2023

TIME:             9:30 AM

A quorum of the Commission may be present at the hearing, but no formal action will be taken.

Written testimony may be submitted by email (preferred) through the Commission’s web site at https://www.state.nj.us/pinelands/home/contact/public.shtml or planning@pinelands.nj.gov,

via facsimile at (609) 894-7330 or sent directly to the Pinelands Commission office, P.O. Box 359, New Lisbon, New Jersey 08064 to the attention of Susan R. Grogan, Executive Director.

All written comments must be received by June 2, 2023, and must include the full name and mailing address of the commenter.  Commenters who do not wish their names and affiliations to be published in any notice of adoption subsequently prepared by the Commission should so indicate when they submit their comments.

The proposed amendments were published in the April 3, 2023, issue of the New Jersey Register. The proposal may be viewed on the Commission’s website at:

https://www.nj.gov/pinelands/cmp/amend/Notice%20of%20substantial%20changes%20FINAL.pdf