Planning / Zoning

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOIL IMPORTATION TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM EXPENSIVE REMEDIATION EFFORTS

Posted: February 22, 2023

Byram Township Soil Importation Ordinance: How It Affects You!

Background:

In recent years, the importation of contaminated topsoil and fill has resulted in the need for Byram Township to institute an ordinance that appropriately regulates the importation of topsoil and fill.  On December 6th, 2022, the Byram Township Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 011-2022 creating Chapter 210 of the municipal code entitled "Soil/Fill Placement" and also amending chapter A287 of the municipal code to include soil/fill permit fees and escrows.

Soil Permit Application

What does this mean for township residents:

The ordinance is designed to prevent uncontrolled placement and movement of soil and other mineral deposits that could have detrimental effects on the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.  Depending on the volume of soil in question, it is essential that soil movement and filling operations be reviewed by the Township Zoning Officer and/or Township Engineer through an appropriate permit process.  The provisions of Chapter 210 may not apply to minimal filling associated with landscaping activities that does not exceed the allowable volume of fill as defined in the table below during any 12-month period.  However, any person conducting such filling shall upon the request of Byram Township provide written proof that the soil or fill meets the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requirements, and this chapter of the township ordinance.

Maximum Cubic Yards Permitted Per Residential Zoning District in any Twelve-Month Period

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to excavations or fill for building foundations, septic tanks, or sanitary installations, provided that no such excavation or construction of any kind shall take place until a permit has been approved by the Construction Official and/or Department of Health as required by law.  Any soil/fill material used in conjunction with these activities, however, must be acceptable soil/fill which meets the requirements of § 210-6C (16).

However, any person conducting such filling shall, upon request of Byram Township, provide written proof that the soil/fill meets the NJDEP requirements of N.J.A.C. 7:26D, Remediation Standards, and this chapter. 

Any questions related to soil importation should be directed to the Byram Township Zoning Officer at (973) 347-2500 extension 131 or via email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

<-- Go Back