New DEP regulations could endanger Byram's Village Center

Byram - Potential changes to the state environmental laws could waylay Byram’s plan to build a Village Center. According to local officials, the problem stems from newly instituted DEP regulations that ban the continuation of any development that does not have sewer pipes already in place. Although the area designated to be Byram’s new Village Center has plans to lay the sewer pipes, has 40,000 gallons of monthly wastewater flow reserved with the regional sewer authority, and has received state designation to become Village Center, Byram Township Manager Greg Poff said the state’s approval for the project may be in trouble. “The fact of the matter is that I do have concerns that the township’s Village Center could be in jeopardy,” said Poff. “I have received some assurances from the DEP that state designated centers are exempted but it depends on whom you ask. The state says it isn’t a big deal but the reality of it is that it is.” Among the new DEP regulations being considered is the stipulation that waste flow can not exceed 2,000 gallons, a fraction of what is needed for a Village Center. If the new rules are adopted, Byram would then be forced to seek an amendment before any development could take place. That process, according to Poff, could take at least two years before the state would make a determination. “The township of Byram has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars. It has assessed residents for these costs and it now may all be for naught,” he said. While the town plans to fight the proposals by drafting a resolution of objection, as well as by putting pressure on state and Sussex County officials, Poff is concerned that the municipality may already be too late to have an effect on the outcome. “The (state) has already started the public comment period,” said Poff. “These (new regulations) could be enacted as of Dec. 17. It was not advertised, no one has done an impact analysis.” Hoping that there is strength in numbers, Poff will be talking to other municipalities urging that they too, join the fight. “This is a statewide issue,” said Poff. “I think you will find many municipalities affected and concerned.”