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water related issues. New Jersey needs to plan to make sure we have enough to meet our human and ecological needs. Without this plan many municipalities are working in the dark.

Municipalities must apply for and receive water allocation permit which sets limits how much water a town can take from its aquifers. The last time this plan was updated was 20 years ago and our population has increased. Surrounding municipalities are taken into account particularly Lakewood with a population close to 300,000. Clean drinking water is a fundamental right to you and all New Jersey citizens. An ample supply of clean water is critical to agriculture production. If you care about Jackson Township and its citizens, businesses, economic and overall quality of life then it needs to have the right information and planning implemented. I have a water resolution/plan to support the clean water supplies. With Jackson 21 coming in, there will be a high utilization of water. I understand the MUA has a system in place with a cumulative effort and we’ll know where we stand. Today, India is out of water and their deep aquifers are dry. Without the proper calculations and with over development, we are eliminating our wetlands and encapsulating our recharge areas, we will not be able to have that supply in the future. Ultimately, you’ll be increasing the price to the residents and there won’t be a supply.

Councilman Bressi stated the Township doesn’t charge for water and it’s the MUA. The commercial lanes in the Master Plan in 2010 were worked with the DEP, County and MUA. Three years ago, the MUA got allocations from the DEP that would take us out 20 years for water. All the commercial lanes have the 208 Plan included in it and it’s been looked at. This was all addressed by the MUA and the DEP. If you go to the MUA, you can look at their 208 Plan, which is their Master Plan. Ms. Garner stated that plan is already almost 10 years old; Councilman Bressi stated he said it’s for 20 years. The Master Plan was approved in 2010 and has not been built out. The water allowances for when it is built, has occurred. The MUA serves about 12,000 units in the Town. The MUA has the water allocations for Jackson 21, which was given from the DEP. Ms. Garner stated she understands but with all the development happening there is not an actual calculation. We are drawing out from 3 deep aquifers and other municipals are as well. Councilman Bressi agreed and stated that’s why we go to the DEP, they handle those calculations. Council President Nixon stated we don’t make decisions in the dark and have consultations with the MUA and DEP. Ms. Garner stated she’s served on the Environmental Commission for 14 years and has the knowledge of water and wetlands. Ms. Garner stated if Council wants this township to survive, you need to look at this. Ms. Garner stated don’t be surprised if there’s no water in 20 years.

Ms. Garner referred to the pipe coming from Chesterfield down to McGuire AFB and stated she’s still waiting for Administrator Schlegel to get back to her for a meeting. This is an urgency as they are going through 2 large Superfund plumes and will be de-watering the entire area to put this pipe through. By them going through areas of groundwater, it will not be able to charge back into the ground. Administrator Schlegel stated she had a meeting with NJNG about a month ago and I have contact information if you would like it. I don’t feel at this point I’m educated enough in the pipeline to give an opinion. Any technical questions that Ms. Garner is asking should be addressed by the proper authorities. Ms. Garner just wanted to bring awareness. She stated she’s aware they will be driving right through the plumes and there are contaminants; those contaminates are moving east to south. Administrator Schlegel repeated again that NJNG is the expert to contact and can pass along the contact information. Ms. Garner stated she’s well informed and felt the Township needs to get involved in this large project as it will have massive impacts to the entire area. The truth is the Joint Base really doesn’t need it. I hope the Township would give some kind of comment in protecting the Township and the quality of life for the people who live down in that area. Council President Nixon appreciated Ms. Garner bringing this forward.

BONNIE BARRINGTON – 930 HYSON ROAD – Thank you for your swift action on passing Ord. 07-16. I was truly impressed from my initial email and having several Council members call me; it really means a lot to me personally. Thank you again for what you have accomplished as you saved a lot of lives tonight on the ban on puppy mill sales for dogs & cats in Jackson stores. You’re now part of 128 bans nationwide and New Jersey will pass Florida this week with the number of bans allowing only the sale of rescue animals in pet stores. Representatives from Pitties and Pals and Friends of Animals United NJ are here; they