M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Owners, Developers & Managers — Architects / Engineers — August 2023 — 3C A rchitects / E ngineers
www.marej.com
By Robert R. Stout PE., PLS, Stout & Caldwell Engineers, LLC New Jersey's Evolving Stormwater Regulations Assessing the Impact on Future Development Plans
N ew Jersey's landscape is no stranger to the challenges posed by
for stormwater management, providing developers with more guidelines for approvals. Potential Impact on Planned Developments: For developers and communi- ties with future projects in the pipeline, these changes in storm- water regulations will undoubt- edly have implications. The altered landscape brings both challenges and opportunities: • Cost and Design Con - siderations: The adoption of green infrastructure and enhanced stormwater treat- ment may increase upfront costs for developers. However, integrating sustainable design
solutions can lead to long-term cost savings, improved property values, and enhanced public appeal per the NJDEP. • Land Use Planning: The revised regulations might in- fluence the selection of devel - opment sites and the types of projects pursued. Areas with greater stormwater manage- ment challenges may see a shift in focus towards projects that can accommodate green infrastructure. • Collaboration and Inno - vation: These evolving regu- lations offer an opportunity for developers, local authorities, and environmental experts
to collaborate and explore in- novative solutions for effective stormwater management. • Community Resilience: By incorporating resilience measures into their devel- opments, communities can become better equipped to handle future climate-related challenges, thus fostering a more sustainable and secure environment for residents. Conclusion: As New Jersey adapts its stormwater regulations, the impact on future planned de- velopments will depend on how stakeholders respond to the changing landscape.
Embracing the principles of sustainability, resilience, and collaboration will be key to nav- igating the challenges posed by stormwater management while unlocking opportunities for a more environmentally -con- scious and prosperous future. Developers, communities, and policymakers alike must work together to strike a balance between progress and preser- vation, ensuring a safer and more resilient New Jersey for generations to come. Robert R. Stout PE., PLS is a managing member of Stout & Caldwell Engineers, LLC. MAREJ
stormwater ma n a g e - ment. As climate pat- terns contin- ue to shift, the state is once again revisiting its stormwater
Robert R. Stout
regulations, prompting de- velopers and communities to consider how these changes may influence their future planned developments. Stormwater management has been a pressing issue in New Jersey for years, with heavy rainfall events and flood - ing becoming more frequent and severe. In response to these challenges, the state's regula- tory authorities have taken steps to address the impact of stormwater runoff on the en- vironment and infrastructure. Recent Developments in Stormwater Regulations: In light of the growing con- cerns surrounding stormwater management, New Jersey has recently updated its stormwa- ter regulations, taking a more comprehensive and sustainable approach. The new regulations aim to tackle issues such as water quality degradation, erosion, and the strain on ag- ing drainage systems. Some key elements of the updated regulations include: • Green Infrastructure Pro - motion: The updated guidelines prioritize green infrastructure practices to manage storm- water. This approach encour- ages developers to incorporate permeable pavements, green roofs, rain gardens, and other nature-based solutions into their projects. • Enhanced Water Qual - ity Standards: The revised regulations place a greater emphasis on maintaining water quality by setting stringent standards for stormwater treat- ment before it is discharged into natural water bodies. • Increased Resilience Measures: With a focus on adaptation of more stringent stormwater designs for new developments, the regulations now demand a higher level of evaluation in design, consid- ering potential impacts from extreme weather events. • Permitting Process: The new regulations aim to clarify the permitting process
FEELING LOST AMID THE NEW STORMWATER REGULATIONS For developers and communities with future projects across New Jersey, the answer is likely YES .
Potential Impacts and Opportunities: · Cost and Design Considerations · Land Use Planning · Collaboration and Innovation · Community Resilience Stormwater cannot be ignored. Education is key now more than ever.
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