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Southampton Township
City Zoning Code

12-4.21 Water

quality.

[Amended by Ord. No. 2003-2]
a. 
Legislative intent. The purpose of this section is to ensure and provide for high quality ground water in Southampton for residents' use, for protection of ecology and agriculture.
For the purposes of this subsection the following definitions shall apply:
CARRYING-CAPACITY MODEL
The model described in A Recharge-Based Nitrate-Dilution Model for New Jersey. For residential applications, the model as implemented by NJ-N03-dilution-50.xls program.
ISOLATED WETLAND
A freshwater wetland or State open water which is not connected to a surface water tributary system discharging into a lake, pond, river, stream or other surface water feature. The term "connected to" includes all surface water connections whether regulated or not, as well as connections by way of stormwater or drainage pipes. "Connected to" does not include a ground water connection nor does it include overland flow unless there is evidence of scouring or erosion.
NJGS GSR-32-NEW JERSEY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY REPORT GSR32
A method for evaluating ground water recharge areas in New Jersey.
NJ-RECHARGE-V4.XLS GROUNDWATER RECHARGE CALCULATIONS FOR NEW JERSEY
An NJDEP EXCEL spreadsheet program that computes ground water recharge.
PARCEL
The area as described by a legal deed pertaining to the subject area.
PINELANDS NITRATE MODEL
Pinelands Commission Nitrate Dilution model.
WATERCOURSE
Stream bed and drainage ditches leading to a stream bed.
b. 
Background.
1. 
The quality and quantity of ground water available directly affects the health and welfare of the population because ground water is the primary source of potable water for a significant number of Township residents.
2. 
Ground water is the source of most water in our streams and therefore changes in the quality and quantity of ground water available will negatively impact the ecology of the Township.
3. 
The agriculture in Southampton is dependent upon high quality ground water.
4. 
Contamination of ground water by nitrates introduced by on-site disposal systems (i.e. septic systems) can result in a high concentration of nitrates.
5. 
Pressure dosing systems do not reduce nitrate infusion any more than standard septic systems.
6. 
Automobile storage for repossessions, gas stations, repair facilities, auto graveyards and used car lots have the potential to pollute the aquifers.
7. 
Fertilization contributes to nitrate ground water contamination.
8. 
Additional pollutants, such as chemicals, pesticides and animal waste can be introduced into the ground water.
9. 
Rainwater penetration of the aquifer is necessary to dilute ground water contamination.
10. 
The Office of State Planning, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Pinelands Commission promote and promulgate the use of Nitrate Dilution Models for land use purposes.
11. 
It is desirable and necessary to regulate development, processes and activities that threaten Southampton ground water.
c. 
General provisions.
1. 
Protection and preservation of high quality ground water. Residential subdivisions as well as commercial and industrial facilities shall be designed to maintain the quality and quantity of ground water resources and maintain or decrease the ratio of runoff to infiltration. Natural drainage patterns shall be maintained wherever possible, and surface water runoff shall be directed in such a manner as to travel over stabilized, vegetated areas as opposed to potentially contaminated surfaces, such as parking lots. The goal shall be to reduce the level of pollutants in stormwater and to all vegetation and soils the ability to filtrate stormwater contaminates.
2. 
Area soil restrictions. Nitrates are not confined by lot boundaries. Nitrate pollution is a cumulative problem wherein adjacent lots contribute to the sum total of the nitrate concentrations in the ground water. All proposed development shall consider soil conditions in the surrounding area of the subject parcel. The area considered for development must be able to provide for adequate recharge to dilute pollutants.