N.J. Admin. Code § 7:50-10.35

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 19, October 7, 2024

Section 7:50-10.35 - Pilot program evaluation

(a) The Executive Director shall review this pilot program and report to the Pinelands Commission on its implementation by September 30, 2019. The report shall be provided to the utility companies and the Board of Public Utilities. The Executive Director shall determine whether the pilot program is successful in accordance with the following criteria:

1. The vegetation management prescriptions have been implemented in a reliable and predictable way;

2. The vegetation management prescriptions have resulted in relatively stable and sustainable early successional habitats that are characteristic of the Pinelands and which provide habitat for native Pinelands plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species;

3. The vegetation management prescriptions contributed to the reliability and safety of the electric transmission system in the Pinelands by creating and maintaining low growth vegetation communities; and

4. The notification and inspection system authorized in this pilot program has simplified Pinelands permitting procedures for the utility companies and the Commission's staff.

(b) If the Executive Director finds that this pilot program has been successful, he or she shall propose an amendment to the Comprehensive Management Plan to institute the New Jersey Pinelands Electric Transmission Right-of-Way Maintenance Plan on a permanent basis. In so doing, the Executive Director may propose changes to the ROW Plan or to the procedural requirements of this Part to improve the implementation of the program. The Commission shall thereafter determine whether or not to amend the Comprehensive Management Plan.

(c) If the Executive Director finds that additional time is needed to fully assess the results, he or she shall so inform the Commission and, upon Commission approval, this pilot program may be extended for up to two years. In such an event, all of the conditions of this pilot program, including the responsibilities set forth in 7:50-10.32(b), shall be extended and remain in full force and effect.

(d) If the Executive Director finds that this pilot program has not been successful, he or she shall propose such other measures, including other amendments to the Comprehensive Management Plan, to govern future electric transmission right-of-way maintenance and management in the Pinelands.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:50-10.35

New Rule, R.2009 d.386, effective 12/21/2009.
See: 41 N.J.R. 2412(a), 41 N.J.R. 4788(a).