Township of Egg Harbor
Atlantic County, New Jersey
Natural Resources Inventory
April 2020
Prepared For:
Egg Harbor Township
3515 Bargaintown Road
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234
Prepared By:
6684 Washington Avenue
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Natural Resources Inventory
April 2020
Prepared For:
Egg Harbor Township
3515 Bargaintown Road
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey 08234
Prepared By:
Polistina & Associates, LLC
6684 Washington Avenue
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
PA Job No. 2000.37
_______________________________________
Vincent J. Polistina, PE, PP
New Jersey Professional Planner License No. 5595
Table of Contents
Introduction............................................................................................................. Page 1
1.0 Geography. .................................................................................................. Page 3
2.0 Community Demographics. ......................................................................... Page 4
3.0 Topography ................................................................................................ Page 5
4.0 Climate ........................................................................................................ Page 8
5.0 Hydrology ................................................................................................. Page 11
Major Surface Water Features / Drainage Basins ....................................... Page 11
HUC-11 Watersheds & HUC-14 Subwater Sheds ...................................... Page 11
Surface Water Resources ........................................................................... Page 12
Surface Water Quality Classification ......................................................... Page 14
Surface Water Quality Assessments ........................................................... Page 14
Point Source Pollution ............................................................................... Page 14
Non-Point Source Pollution ....................................................................... Page 15
Groundwater Resources ............................................................................. Page 15
Groundwater Class GW-2 - Designated Uses ............................................. Page 17
Floodplains & Flood Hazard Control Act Rules ......................................... Page 19
Egg Harbor Township Flood Hazard Areas ................................................ Page 21
6.0 Geology and Soils...................................................................................... Page 23
Description of Soils ................................................................................... Page 24
7.0 Biological Resources ................................................................................. Page 32
Upland Complex........................................................................................ Page 33
Lowland Complex ..................................................................................... Page 35
Wetlands ................................................................................................... Page 39
Natural Heritage Priority Sites ................................................................... Page 41
CAFRA Critical Wildlife Habitat Bank ..................................................... Page 42
8.0 Cultural Resources..................................................................................... Page 43
New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places ................................ Page 43
9.0 Public Open Space ..................................................................................... Page 46
10.0 Land Use and Zoning ................................................................................ Page 51
11.0 Infrastructure ............................................................................................. Page 59
Roadways / Transportation ........................................................................ Page 59
Public Transportation / Alternate Modes .................................................... Page 60
Potable Water / Sanitary Sewer System ..................................................... Page 60
12.0 Known Contaminated Sites ........................................................................ Page 62
13.0 Bibliography .............................................................................................. Page 65
Tables
1 Population Changes: 1940-2017 ....................................................... Page 4
2 Average Monthly Temperature and Precipitation ............................. Page 8
3 Average Rainfall Intensity ................................................................ Page 9
4 Watersheds and Subwatersheds ...................................................... Page 16
5 Groundwater Quality Criteria - Primary Standards ......................... Page 17
6 Groundwater Quality Criteria - Secondary Standards ..................... Page 18
7 Upland Forest Species .................................................................... Page 34
8 Lowland Forest Species - Pitch Pine Lowland Forest ..................... Page 36
9 Lowland Forest Species - Hardwood Swamp Forest ....................... Page 37
10 Lowland Forest Species - Cedar Swamp Forest .............................. Page 38
11 Lowland Forest Species - Pond and Bog-Shrub Wetland ................ Page 38
12 Saltwater Marsh Species ................................................................ Page 39
13 Wetlands Type ............................................................................... Page 40
14 Open Space Facilities Throughout the Township ............................ Page 46
15 Parks and Open Space Throughout the Township ........................... Page 47
16 Land Use........................................................................................ Page 51
17 Municipal Zoning........................................................................... Page 53
18 Known Contaminated Sites ............................................................ Page 62
Figures
A 2017 Aerial Photograph Map
B U.S.G.S. Topographic Map
C Digital Elevation Model Map
D Flood Hazard Area Map
E NJDEP Watershed Management Areas Map
F NJDEP Watershed Map
G NJDEP Subwatershed Map
H Active NJPDEPS Stormwater Permits
I Soils Map
J Landscape Project Map
K Vegetation Map
L Wetlands Map
M Natural Heritage Priority Sites Map
N NJDEP Critical Wildlife Habitat Map
O Historic Districts & Historic Places Map
P NJDEP Green Acres Open Space Database
Q State, Local and Nonprofit Open Space Map
R Land Use Map
S Pinelands Management Areas & CAFRA Planning Areas Map
T Zoning Map
U Road Map
V Sewer Service Area Map
W Known Contaminated Sites Map
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INTRODUCTION
This Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) has been compiled in order to re-emphasize the critical
importance of appreciating and preserving those significant sites and specific artifacts associated
with the Township's past. These have cumulatively contributed to, in various ways and degrees,
the community that Egg Harbor Township has become and is today. The Natural Resources
Inventory (NRI) is an essential document in facilitating the municipal planning process.
Within this element, a cursory history of the community is provided along with a description of
the regulatory framework that currently exists in order to identify and protect significant cultural
resources within the community. This report closely examines the environmental resources that
define and shape the Township. The sections that follow provide information about each type of
resource. Graphics and Tables depicting these resources are included in Appendices.
The purpose of the Township's NRI is to objectively identify and describe the natural resources,
cultural conditions, environmental features and concerns within the municipality. The NRI
provides visual (mapping) and text depictions that describe various cultural and natural
resources, their sensitivities and limitations for development, and existing laws and suggested
measures for protection of sensitive resources. The NRI serves as an aid for municipal planning,
a guide for surveys and other scientific activities, and as an educational document. The NRI
contents have been gathered from many existing resources, such as reports, studies, documents
and maps provided by County, State and Federal agencies, municipal government, businesses,
and organizations.
This NRI is designed to serve as a general guideline for determining resources and their locations
within Egg Harbor Township. No fieldwork, within the municipality or otherwise, was
conducted specifically for this report. Although the NRI is an important field companion for
identifying resources, it is not a substitute for site specific surveys. Activities such as wetland
delineations, wildlife studies, surface water and groundwater testing require in situ studies for
conclusively determining the presence and character of various resources, impacts and other
detailed site specific conditions. As available, existing studies were incorporated into the
document. Additional data may be directly incorporated into the NRI in future revisions. Similar
to the Egg Harbor Township Master Plan (2017), the Egg Harbor Township NRI should be
periodically reviewed as municipal conditions and regulations change, and additional data
become available.
A significant portion of Egg Harbor Township lies within the boundaries of the New Jersey
Pinelands. This area within the Township is included in the Regional Growth Area and the
Military and Federal Installment Area. These areas provide certain protection regulations to the
natural resources of Egg Harbor Township. A portion of the Township also lies within the
CAFRA jurisdiction and all coastal activities are reviewed and approved by the NJDEP.
A comprehensive Master Plan, prepared by the Township has been approved by the New Jersey
Pinelands Commission which aids in the protection of the vital natural resources of the
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Township. The current Master Plan of the Township takes into consideration many of the
methods to preserve and protect those vital resources that comprise the flora and fauna of the
Township.
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1.0 GEOGRAPHY
The mainland portion of Egg Harbor Township is located in the east central portion of Atlantic
County between longitudes 74º29’ and 74º43’ West, and latitudes 39º17’30” and 39º28’ North.
There are two detached portions of the Township separated from the larger mainland section by
the eastern bordering municipalities of Pleasantville, Northfield, Linwood and Somers Point.
These regions consist predominantly of salt marsh tidal wetlands and include West Atlantic City,
Anchorage Point and Seaview Harbor. (See 2017 Aerial Photograph Map, Figure A)
Egg Harbor Township covers 75.55 square miles, the third largest municipality by size in
Atlantic County. Bordering the Township on the north are Galloway Township and Absecon.
On the west side is Hamilton Township, and to the south is Estell Manor. To the east, the
Township is bordered by the tidal marsh and bay system which separate the mainland from the
Absecon Island communities of Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport. The eastern
bordering municipalities discussed in the previous paragraph were once part of the Township,
but their more urbanized character and specialized problems as mainland suburbs of Atlantic
City led to their independence. They occupy the first mainland high ground and straddle the
historic main transportation corridor – U.S. Route 9.
Egg Harbor Township includes the unincorporated villages of Bargaintown (the Ttownship’s
seat of government), Cardiff, English Creek, Farmington, Scullville (formerly known as Jeffers),
Steelmanville and West Atlantic City, as well as part of McKee City. Other localities and place
names located partially or completely within the Township include Devenshire, English Creek
Landing, Greenwood, Idlewood, Jeffers Landing, Jobs Point, Jones Island, McKee City Station,
Mount Calvary, Pleasantville Terrace, Pork Island, Rainbow Islands and Sculls Landing.
The Township is one of 56 South Jersey municipalities that are included within the New Jersey
Pinelands National Reserve, a protected natural area of unique ecology covering 1,100,000 acres,
which has been classified as a United States Biosphere Reserve and established by Congress in
1978 as the nation’s first National Reserve. The Township is designated a Pinelands Regional
Growth Area with the Pinelands Area located west of the Garden State Parkway and north of
Ocean Heights Avenue.
The remainder of the Township is regulated by coastal regulations. In 1973, New Jersey enacted
the Coastal Areas Facilities Review Act (CAFRA), which is designed to protect the vital shore
areas of New Jersey from being overdeveloped. In accordance with CAFRA, residential
development, commercial development, industrial development, and public development in these
areas which meet certain guidelines are regulated through permitting by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
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2.0 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS
The Township has primarily developed in what can be referred to as a residential development
pattern with existing lot sizes and unit densities dictated by current and past zoning regulations
and consistent with the intent of the Pinelands Regional Growth Area, as well as the presence
and extent of servicing utilities, primarily public sanitary sewerage and potable water service.
The commercial centers of the Township are located along the Black Horse Pike corridor which
is centrally located to the Township's higher density populations.
The 2010 US Census data reported a total Township population of 43,323 residing in a total of
14,353 households (as of 2018), generating an average household size of 2.99 persons (as of
2018). This represented a significant increase (41%) in total population from the 2000 estimate
of 30,726 which represented an increase (20.3%) from the 1990 estimate of 25,544 persons.
Overall from 1990 to 2010, the Township saw a substantial increase of 69.9% during this period.
Egg Harbor Township experienced major growth between 1970 and 1980, when the population
more than doubled from 9,882 in 1970 to 19,381 in 1980. The chart below provides historic
demographic trends in overall Township, Atlantic County and New Jersey population, provided
by the US Census Bureau through 2017, which represents the latest estimate provided by the
Bureau until data from the future 2020 census is made available. (US Census of Population and
Housing – www.census.gov.)
Table 1
Population Changes: 1940-2017
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County and New Jersey
Egg Harbor Township
Atlantic County
New Jersey
Year
Change
Number
Change
Number
Change
1940
----
124,066
----
4,160,165
----
1950
62.7%
132,399
6.7%
4,835,329
16.2%
1960
12.1%
160,880
21.5%
6,066,782
25.5%
1970
76.7%
175,043
8.8%
7,168,164
18.2%
1980
96.1%
194,119
10.9%
7,365,011
2.7%
1990
31.8%
224,327
15.6%
7,730,188
5.0%
2000
20.3%
252,552
12.6%
8,414,350
8.9%
2010
41.0%
274,549
8.7%
8,791,894
4.5%
2017
-0.1%
269,918
-1.7%
9,005,644
2.4%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, 2010 Census Data, .S. Census Bureau
While the Census Bureau provides a Community-wide population density of 650.5
persons/square mile overall (1.02 persons/acre), given that the acreage of the Township's
Pinelands Regional Growth Area, where the overwhelming majority of Township residents
reside, comprises approximately 50% of the Township's overall land area, population density
statistics representative of the "developed" portions of the Township would be significantly
higher.
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3.0 TOPOGRAPHY
Egg Harbor Township lies within the southeastern region of the New Jersey Coastal Plain. The
topography is characterized by gently sloping, less prominent uplands which divide the four
major drainage basins of the Township.
The highest elevation in the Township is 78 feet above sea level, located near a gravel pit
between Laurel Memorial Cemetery and the South Branch of Absecon Creek near the northwest
corner of the Township. This exemplifies the trend of topography within the Coastal Plain which
slopes generally downward toward the south and east. (See U.S.G.S. Topographic Map, Figure
B)
The easterly “bay area” portion of the Township consists of islands and peninsulas of the salt
meadows and is interspersed with numerous coastal lagoons. These land areas are below the 10-
foot elevation datum and are subject to frequent tidal flooding.
Precipitation throughout the Township that does not evaporate will either percolate into the
ground or runoff into the lowland areas where it will drain through various streams out of the
Township. A stream and its tributaries (“stream network”) drain a distinct area known as a
drainage basin or watershed. Each drainage basin is separated from its neighboring drainage
basin by a ridge of high ground known as a drainage divide.
Most streams and their associated tributaries transform dramatically from their source to their
lower elevations close to the mouth. For example, streams in southern New Jersey generally
become more swampy as they flow seaward. Consequently, the streams of Egg Harbor
Township can be divided into upper and lower segments. The upper segments of streams
typically cut steeper, more narrow stream valleys; possess relatively lower volumes of water; and
may dry up in the summer. The lower segments of streams flow throughout the year through
wider swampy valleys while possessing relatively large volumes of water. In addition, the upper
segments are only fairly well drained while the lower segments tend to be more poorly drained
and have a tendency to flood during the later winter and early spring when groundwater level are
normally at their peaks.
The Township can be separated into upland and lowland regions based upon topographic
elevation. The characteristics that differentiate each region also coincide with differences in
soils, surface water drainage patterns, forest vegetation, and wildlife. The soils found in the
upland regions are well drained to moderately well drained and usually possess lower water
tables. The soils of the lowland regions are moderately well to poorly drained, with high water
tables and in some sections tidal inundation. The soil survey of Atlantic County is the best
reference for information specific to each soil type and its location within the Township.
The upland areas which represent drainage divides will determine the directional flow of
stormwater runoff and the extent to which each surface water feature contributes to the drainage
of the larger area. The watersheds delineated by these drainage divides are categorized in a
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hierarchical order from major to secondary and so on, until the smallest land area and associated
stream segment can be delineated. The primary patterns of surface water drainage within the
Township are directed toward either the Great Egg Harbor River to the south or Absecon Creek
to the north. Patcong Creek is a major tributary to the Great Egg Harbor River, however, due to
the large size of the Patcong Creek watershed within the Township, it is considered a major
watershed for purposes of this inventory. The Watersheds Maps (Figures F and G) delineate the
major and secondary watersheds and the surface water bodies, including the individual streams,
within the Township.
Water quality within each sub-basin and major watershed within the Township is a direct result
of activities which occur within that basin. None of the three major watershed areas lie entirely
within Egg Harbor Township, however, numerous sub-basins are completely within Township
boundaries. Decisions are made locally which will encourage or discourage development within
each watershed based upon the zoning districts established by the Egg Harbor Township
Development Plan. Land use plans can set aside certain areas for preservation or management.
Such land use and planning decisions are based upon numerous factors, only some of which are
environmental considerations. Transportation routes, existing population centers, existing or
proposed public utilities; these are just a few of the factors which influence the placement of
zoning districts. From an environmental viewpoint, the best way to view the Township is on a
“by watershed” basis. Each watershed contains a variety of terrain, vegetation complexes,
wildlife habitats, and other unique features which set it apart from all others. The ability to
preserve these critical areas depends upon the willingness of Township officials to actively
pursue environmental management as a means of controlling development. In the past, zoning
districts were delineated for convenience along roads or other natural features without regard for
watershed boundaries. These boundaries should, however, be of primary concern when making
such decisions in the future.
The watersheds of the tributary network within Egg Harbor Township share the general
characteristics of streams having low flow gradients with broad, shallow floodplains and
extensive swamp areas with characteristically dense lowland vegetation. Swampy conditions can
also occur in upland stream segments, particularly in areas where natural streams have been
dammed. An example of such a “man-induced” wetland or swamp area is located on English
Creek above the dam at Mill Road, just west of English Creek Avenue. Any future damming or
stream detention might lead to the expansion of swampy conditions upstream of such
construction in other areas.
The forest vegetation of the uplands is dominated by the oak-pine, pine-oak forests. Non-forest
upland areas include agriculture and urban development such as are found in upper sections of
the South Branch of Absecon Creek and the Patcong Creek tributaries. The lowland forests
contain species of the pine-oak, oak-pine, cedar swamp, hardwood swamp and pitch-pine
lowland complex. The non-forest areas are comprised of streams, ponds, lakes, coastal bays,
bogs, marshes and lands developed for agricultural and urban uses.
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The wildlife of the upland zones is characterized generally by open-land and woodland species.
These species also periodically inhabit or utilize the lowland zones. The wildlife found in the
lowland zones includes birds and mammals that normally inhabit wet areas such as ponds,
marshes and swamps. The upland areas of the Township can be generally delineated at about the
Digital Elevation Model Map (Figure C) which shows the uplands areas in a light yellow to dark
yellow, generally elevations of 20 feet and greater. The map shows contours in elevations of ten
feet.
The Great Egg Harbor River flows in a southeasterly direction towards the Great Egg Harbor
Bay and receives drainage from the tributaries of Miry Run, Perch Cove Run, Matthew Run,
Powell Creek, Flat Creek, Nell Run, English Creek, Lakes Creek, and other unnamed tributaries
and minor streams. The river forms the southern boundary of the Township and is flanked by
extensive tidal salt marshes. For this reason, all land bordering the Great Egg Harbor River and
the lower reaches of its tributaries may be subject to extensive flooding as a result of ocean tidal
influences, especially during the passage of coastal storms or hurricanes. Therefore, stream
flows alone are not sufficient indicators for predicting flood hazard potential. The Flood Hazard
Areas Map (Figure D) should be used as a guide to development, as it includes areas subject to
tidal flooding and river or stream floodplain areas.
Patcong Creek flows in a southerly direction and receives flow from Blackmans Branch, Mill
Branch and Cedar Branch before emptying into Bargaintown Pond. Below the pond, Patcong
Creek receives drainage from numerous unnamed streams and becomes tidal for a distance of
about three miles prior to emptying into the Great Egg Harbor Bay.
The smallest tributary network system in Egg Harbor Township is located in the northern region
of the Township. This system consists of a number of small streams converging to form
Absecon Creek. The North and South Branches of Absecon Creek empty into the Atlantic City
Reservoir, which is a major surface water feature within the Township.
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4.0 CLIMATE
Climatic data is relevant to an environmental inventory primarily because of the effect climate
has upon other parameters, such as the amount and seasonal distribution of rainfall, which in turn
affects streamflow, vegetation, soils, water quality, and groundwater levels. Likewise,
temperature data is important for determining the duration of the growing season for crops and
indigenous vegetation species, and the ability of soils to absorb, drain, or retain water.
Climatic records for Atlantic County were compiled at the Atlantic City Weather Bureau Station
located at the Atlantic City International Airport. The station is located near the northern border
of Egg Harbor Township approximately ten miles west-northwest of Atlantic City.
Climatological data has been collected at the facility since 1931 and generally presents the
weather conditions of the entire county.
Atlantic County has a humid and temperature climate, whereby the coastal areas are substantially
influenced by the moderating effects on temperature and precipitation by the Atlantic Ocean. As
a result, winters are milder and summers are cooler than for interior locations at the same
latitudes. This is evident in a comparison of temperatures between inland sections of the county
and areas within a 10-15 mile wide belt along the coast. The moderating effect is caused by land
and sea breeze circulation patterns which create a thermal differential when larger scale weather
systems are not dominating the wind patterns. Hammonton, for example, located about 30 miles
inland from the coast, has an average of 35 days a year above 90º F, and 102 days below 32º F.
Atlantic City, however, has only 4 days above 90º F, and 69 days below 32º F in the average
year. The influence which the ocean imparts on local climatic conditions decreases rapidly with
distance from the shore. The extensive wetlands in the southeastern portion of the Township will
affect the adjacent land area in the same way, but to a lesser extent.
Egg Harbor Township has an average rainfall of 41.75 inches per year, with the monthly
distribution of that precipitation relatively even throughout the year (Table 2). The month of
highest precipitation occurs in April with an average of 4.21” of rainfall, and the months of
lowest precipitation occur in June and February with respective average of 3.11” and 2.87”. The
amount of precipitation can vary on an annual basis due to the variability of tropical storm
patterns traveling northward (Table 3).
Table 2
Average Monthly Temperature and Precipitation
Atlantic City International Airport, Egg Harbor Township
Month
Temperature (ºF)
Precipitation (inches)
January
33.0
3.22
February
35.3
2.87
March
42.2
4.21
April
51.7
3.63
May
61.1
3.35
June
70.9
3.11
July
76.2
3.72
August
74.4
4.11
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Table 2 (cont.)
Average Monthly Temperature and Precipitation
Atlantic City International Airport, Egg Harbor Township
Month
Temperature (ºF)
Precipitation (inches)
September
67.2
3.15
October
56.1
3.42
November
46.8
3.27
December
37.2
3.69
Mean annual temperature - 54.3ºF
Total precipitation - 41.75 inches
Source: NOAA Regional Climate Centers, Atlantic City Weather Station
(Atlantic City WSO AP 28-0311)
Table 3
Average Rainfall Intensity
Atlantic City International Airport, Egg Harbor Township
Storm
Frequency
(years)
Storm Duration
(minutes)
Mass Rainfall
24-Hour Rainfall
Intensity
(inches)
2
15
0.841
3.31
30
1.16
60
1.46
120
1.81
5
15
0.998
4.30
30
1.42
60
1.48
120
2.28
10
15
1.12
5.16
30
1.62
60
2.11
120
2.68
25
15
1.25
6.46
30
1.87
60
2.49
The average 24-hour rainfall intensity for frequencies of 50- and 100-year storms is 7.61
and 8.90 inches, respectively.
Source: NJDEP Stormwater & NRCS Chapter 2 Engineering Field Handbook,
NJ Supplement, NOAA Hydrometeorological Design Studies Center
Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS)
The average length of the growing season is 182 days. The average date of the last killing frost
is April 21, and the first frost in autumn is October 21. While these facts appear precise, they are
again an average drawn from many years of data which vary over a wide range. Farmers and
gardeners are often not aware that the probability of frost occurrences after the so-called “last
day of killing frost” is still 50%, since average dates represent median values. Actually, the
chances of later frosts are much higher since the tables refer to standard level observations and
not to the plant habitat which may be only several inches above the ground surface. In the
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absence of circulating breezes, temperatures can vary 5º-10º F or more between the ground
surface and the 6 foot height where temperatures are normally recorded. New Jersey data
indicates that, even within relatively small areas, differences of about five weeks exist between
the dates of first and last frosts in coastal locations versus inland valleys. Under favorable terrain
and soil-moisture conditions, the number of frosts near the ground may be a multiple of the 6
foot value, and since the “critical temperatures” indicative of plant tissue damage vary
considerably with species, varieties, and phase of development (plant sensitivity generally
increasing rapidly with growth), the user of such data will have to study the particular
microclimatic conditions of his fields or orchards before he will be able to take maximum
advantage of the data.
The vegetative growing season is actually much longer than the “frostless season” since plant
growth generally starts when the average temperature rises above 43º F, and dormancy begins in
the fall when the average temperature falls below this biological threshold. Individual plant
species have their own critical periods based upon individual tolerances to temperature.
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5.0 HYDROLOGY
Major Surface Water Features / Drainage Basins
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a body of water such as a stream, lake, river or
bay. It includes not only the waterway itself but also the entire land area that drains to it.
Topographic features such as hills and slopes define the boundaries of watershed management
areas. These watershed management areas are comprised of Drainage Basins which are large
watersheds that encompass watersheds of many smaller river and streams. NJDEP manages
watersheds by dividing the State into twenty (20) large Watershed Management Areas (WMAs)
and five (5) Water Regions. Egg Harbor Township is located exclusively within WMA 15 -
Great Egg Harbor, in the Atlantic Coastal Water Region (WR). See Figure E in the Appendix
for the NJDEP Watershed Management Areas Map.
The Great Egg Harbor Watershed covers most of Atlantic County and portions of Camden,
Gloucester, Cumberland and Cape May Counties. The watershed management area includes
watersheds draining to Great Egg Harbor Bay in Atlantic County. The management area
encompasses waters draining eastern Gloucester and Camden Counties. This WMA watershed
includes the Great Egg Harbor River, Tuckahoe River, Absecon Creek and Patcong Creek. The
Great Egg Harbor River is 49 miles long and drains an area of 304 square miles. It originates in
eastern Gloucester and Camden Counties, an agricultural and suburban area, before flowing
through the Pinelands region. The river drains into Great Egg Harbor Bay before emptying into
the Atlantic Ocean and the river is tidal downstream of the dam at Mays Landing. The waters in
the Great Egg Harbor watershed are classified as FW-2 Nontrout, Pinelands Waters, FW-1 and
SE-1.
HUC-11 Watersheds & HUC-14 Subwatersheds
Within each WMA, there are multiple watersheds and subwatersheds. The US Geological Survey
has mapped and identified watersheds using a hierarchical numbering system. Each watershed or
"hydrologic unit" is identified by a unique hydrologic unit code (HUC) consisting of up to
fourteen (14) digits, for the smallest mapped (sub) watersheds. There are one hundred fifty (150)
HUC-11 watersheds in New Jersey ranging in size from 0.1 to 143 square miles, with an average
size of 51.9 square miles. There are nine hundred twenty-one (921) HUC14 subwatersheds in
New Jersey, ranging in size from 0.1 to 42 square miles, with an average size of 8.5 square
miles.
Egg Harbor Township contains fifteen (15) HUC-14 subwatersheds, within three HUC-11
watersheds, Absecon Creek, Great Egg Harbor River and Patcong Creek (Figure F in Appendix).
These Subwatersheds are listed in Table 4 of this Section.
In addition to small streams, waterbodies are mapped for the State by NJDEP. These waterbody
features include sections of larger stream courses; lakes, ponds, and bays. These waterbodies are
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generally artificial lakes or wider impounded areas along streams and scattered throughout the
municipality.
Table 4
Watersheds and Subwatersheds
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County
HUC-11 Watershed
HUC-14 Subwatershed
Absecon Creek
Absecon Creek North Branch
Absecon Creek
Absecon Creek South Branch
Absecon Creek
Absecon Creek (AC Reservoirs)
Absecon Creek
Absecon Creek
Great Egg Harbor River (below Lake Lenape)
Gravelly Run (above Gravelly Run Road)
Great Egg Harbor River (below Lake Lenape)
Great Egg Harbor River (Miry Run to Lake
Lenape)
Great Egg Harbor River (below Lake Lenape)
Miry Run
Great Egg Harbor River (below Lake Lenape)
Great Egg Harbor River (Gibson Creek to Miry
Run)
Great Egg Harbor River (below Lake Lenape)
English Creek / Flat Creek / Cranberry Creek
Great Egg Harbor River (below Lake Lenape)
Lakes Creek (Great Egg Harbor River)
Great Egg Harbor River (below Lake Lenape)
Great Egg Harbor River (Great Egg Harbor Bay to
Gibson Creek)
Patcong Creek
Mill Branch
Patcong Creek
Maple Run / Mill Branch
Patcong Creek
Great Egg Harbor Bay / Lakes Bay / Skull Bay /
Peck Bay
Patcong Creek
Patcong Creek (Somers Avenue to Zion Road
Surface Water Resources
Figures F and G in the Appendix of this report depict the watersheds, subwatersheds and water
bodies of the Township. The western, or mainland portion of the Township lies within the three
major watersheds of the Lower Great Egg Harbor River, Patcong Creek, and Absecon Creek.
The eastern portion of the Township lies within the general direct drainage area of the back bay
region between Great Egg Harbor Bay and Lakes Bay.
Of the three major watersheds of the mainland portion of the Township, only Patcong Creek
originates wholly within Egg Harbor Township. As Figure G indicates, however, the origin or
headwater areas of many secondary watersheds are located entirely within Township boundaries.
Due to those particular circumstances, the Township is in a unique position to protect these
critical headwater areas and associated environs through the adoption of guidelines and
regulations which are sensitive to the potential environmental impacts of development activities.
Headwater areas of streams are regarded as a particularly sensitive environmental resource.
During periods of low stream flow, which normally recur on an annual basis in this region,
dilution rates fall and normally safe levels of pollutants may exceed threshold concentrations for
certain species in the river's ecosystem. If even one plant or animal species is eliminated, or its
population greatly reduced, the balance of the food chain may never return to its original state of
equilibrium.
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Typically, the value of these resources is measured in terms of the unique recreational and scenic
opportunities afforded. An evaluation of the land uses in the community revealed little public
access to the vast open water areas available to Township residents. Accordingly, it is
recommended that an increased emphasis be directed at policies which encourage public access
to the Township's vast network of streams, lakes and estuarine areas. Concurrent with the study
regarding inclusion of the Great Egg Harbor River system into the Wild and Scenic Rivers
inventory, the Township should coordinate any efforts for expanded recreational opportunities in
this area with the appropriate governmental agency. Since many of the existing settlements owe
their origins to a linkage with water-borne commerce, recognition and identification of these
areas may provide an opportunity to realize their historical significance and revitalize an
important cultural resource.
In recent years, the deteriorating quality of our nation's waters has become a source of major
concern. In response, new Federal policies were established to improve water quality
nationwide, with a stated goal of "swimable and fishable” waters by the early 1980's. A
realization of the importance of water quality to the maintenance of the unique Pinelands
ecosystems has focused a great deal of attention on the subject from the Pinelands Commission
as well. The focus of most of the effort, however, has been toward the common goal of
identifying the complex relationships which exist between human activity, particularly land
development and uses of different types, and the resultant impacts upon water quality.
Public Law 92-500 was enacted in 1978 to provide a comprehensive program of measures aimed
at restoring and maintaining the “chemical, physical, and biological integrity" of surface water
resources in the United States. In reality, implementation of this program involved the efforts of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), N.J. Department of Environmental Protection
(NJDEP), and most recently, the New Jersey Pinelands Commission.
Characteristic streams of the region are closely spaced, relatively parallel, and are typically slow
moving and shallow because of the low topographic gradient of the area. Surface waters are
brownish, or tea colored as a result of the natural abundance of an organic iron complex derived
from the oxidation of iron ions dissolved in groundwater. Most streamflow actually originates
from groundwater emerging in low-lying areas such as swamps, bogs, or stream channels. The
high iron content of this water mixes with decomposing vegetation at the surface to produce the
characteristic color. Waters are characteristically low in hardness, alkalinity, and pH value, and
most are high in humic complex, especially during the growing season.
Relatively little data is available on local water quality because monitoring programs are most
frequently conducted in areas where serious problems are detected or probable due to high levels
of development. That data which is available for the Township waters is presented below.
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Surface Water Quality Classification
As part of New Jersey's responsibility to protect, restore and enhance surface waters, surface
water quality is evaluated with respect to Surface Water Quality Standards (SWQS) and water
quality concerns occur when SWQS are not met or are threatened. New Jersey's Surface Water
Quality Standards (N.J.A.C. 7:9B, et seq.) establish the water quality goals and policies
underlying the management of the State's water quality.
The highest quality surface waters in New Jersey are referred to as Outstanding Natural Resource
Waters (ONRW). These waters are typically in State or National Parks and are not subject to
any wastewater discharges or increases in runoff (these waters may be identified as Freshwater 1
[FW1] or Pinelands [PL] Waters). Remaining waters are identified as Freshwater 2 (FW2)
Waters, Non-trout, and SE-1. Most of Egg Harbor Township's waters are classified as Pinelands
[PL] Waters, which is the typical designation of the portions of New Jersey located in the
Pinelands, FW2-NT, freshwater non-trout and FW2-NT/SE1, where there may be a salt water /
fresh water interface. Many of these waterways are incorporated into the New Jersey Wild and
Scenic River System program.
Pineland waters are all waters located within the boundaries of the Pinelands Area, except those
waters designated as FW1 in N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.15(j), as established in the Pinelands Protection
Act (N.J.S.A. 13:18A-1 et seq.) (per N.J.A.C. 7:9B-1.4). There are no subcategories to list.
Surface Water Quality Assessments
The surface water quality for rivers and creeks is evaluated in New Jersey using various testing
methods. One significant method employed by NJDEP is a protocol termed Ambient Biological
Monitoring Network (AMNET) for rapidly assessing water quality. In addition, under the
Federal Clean Water Act Section 303 (d), States are required to list the health status of their
streams. The 303(d) list is generated using the AMNET and other stream monitoring data such as
that generated by the NJDEP Clean Lakes Program, NJDEP Shellfish Monitoring Program, Fish
Tissue Monitoring and NJDEP/ USGS chemical and physical water quality monitoring.
Point Source Pollution
Point source pollution comes from a defined "point" in the landscape such as an industrial or
stormwater discharge pipe. Point source discharges to surface and ground water are regulated by
the NJDEP under the New Jersey Pollution Elimination Discharge System (NJPDES) Program
(N.J.A.C. 7:14a). Much of this program was created in 1972 by the Federal Clean Water Act. To
accomplish the goals of the program, permits are issued that limit the mass and/or concentration
of pollutants, which may be discharged into the ground or surface water. These types of permits
often require monitoring and include maintenance and Best Management Practices (BMP) to
ensure that they are functioning properly. The types of permitted facilities range from
campgrounds, schools and shopping centers to large industrial and municipal wastewater
facilities.
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The most recent April 2020 NJPDES list in Figure H indicates there are sixty (60) stormwater
permits and sixteen (16) sanitary subsurface disposal permits in Egg Harbor Township currently
on file with the NJDEP on the Active Permit List. The remaining active permits include
activities for landfills, scrap metal and concrete and hot mix asphalt.
Nonpoint Source Pollution
Nonpoint sources of pollution are somewhat difficult to identify since they do not discharge
directly from a pipe or a "point source." These nonpoint sources are instead transferred into
receiving waters from broad areas and multiple sources. The most common nonpoint pollutants
include solid waste/ floatables, sediment; nutrients, pesticides; metals, road salts, petroleum
hydrocarbons and pathogens. Examples include stormwater that runs off of impervious surfaces
and from agricultural areas that are subject to erosion. Stormwater that runs off of pavement or is
stored in detention basins is also often heated, which raises the temperature of the receiving
waters. The consequences of nonpoint source pollution result in significant stream and habitat
degradation.
Egg Harbor Township is active in preventing non-point source pollution through their adoption
of the suggestions under N.J.A.C. 7:8, Stormwater Management rules and the Municipal
Stormwater Regulation Program. Efforts have been made to locate all stormwater inlets,
manholes and headwalls for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Also, under rules of the New
Jersey Pinelands Commission, stormwater recharge through retention basins have been the
preferred method of control of non-point source pollutions for the last 10 to 15 years. This
enhances the quality of the surface waters of the Township, keeping a vital resource as natural as
possible.
Groundwater Resources
Egg Harbor Township, by virtue of its location within the outer portion of the Atlantic Coastal
Plain, possesses abundant water resources, both on the surface and underground. The region's
rainfall, abundant and evenly distributed throughout the year, falls on porous, sandy soils which
effectively filter and store vast quantities of high quality fresh water.
The solid bedrock foundation beneath Egg Harbor Township lies at a depth of about 3,000 feet
below the surface, sloping gradually downward toward the east. Overlying these sedimentary
rocks are numerous layers of sand, gravels and clays. These unconsolidated, water bearing
formations are known as aquifers which can range in thickness from a few feet to hundreds of
feet. They may underlie several acres or many square miles and can be classified as follows:
Unconfined aquifer has an upper surface of permeable material which does not confine
the water therein under pressure. An unconfined aquifer has a surface called a water
table which represents the depth from the surface to the area or zone of saturation within
the formation.
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Confined aquifer occurs when groundwater is confined between impermeable layers of
rock or clay. A confined aquifer is also known as an artesian or pressure aquifer.
Aquifer outcrop areas are those areas where the geologic formation comprising the aquifer is
exposed at the surface. It is the rainwater falling over outcrop areas and percolating through the
soil which recharges the groundwater reservoir. In general, the greater the area of outcrop, the
greater the quantity of water an aquifer can yield.
Unquestionably, the most important aquifer to Egg Harbor Township and the rest of Southern
New Jersey is the Cohansey Sand Formation. This formation is distinguished by extensive
outcrops throughout the Township, except where overlain by the thin, discontinuous Bridgeton
and Cape May Formation deposits. The latter were derived from erosion and redistribution of
Cohansey Sand and Beacon Hill Gravel. Remnants of the Bridgeton Formation cap the higher
hills and upper slopes of pronounced ridges. Because there is no confining layer beneath these
isolated deposits, they are considered to be hydraulically linked to the Cohansey Sand. The
Cohansey Sand Formation typically consists of unconsolidated, fine to coarse grained quartzose
sand with gravel lenses usually less than 1 foot thick. Individual sand grains are angular to well
rounded and have an iron oxide surface stain which gives an orange or reddish color. Some sand
beds are, however, light gray to white. The total thickness of the Cohansey Sand aquifer in
Atlantic County ranges from about 70 feet to 211 feet. The thickness varies throughout, but in
general the Cohansey thickens to the southeast and is potentially the most productive aquifer in
the New Jersey Coastal Plain. Since it is composed predominantly of highly permeable and
generally well sorted sands and gravels, it is thus able to store and transmit large quantities of
water. It outcrops, either at the surface or beneath the veneer of permeable Bridgeton deposits,
over an area of 2,350 square miles, which is more than the outcrop area of all other aquifers in
the New Jersey Coastal Plain. Because of its size, the aquifer is exposed to and able to absorb
vast quantities of recharge from precipitation. A considerable part of its total volume, 30 percent
or more, is void space capable of holding water and yielding a substantial portion of that store for
human use.
The water table in the Cohansey Formation is typically shallow, generally less than 10 feet below
the surface. Its cyclical fluctuations in response to discharge and recharge rarely exceed 7 feet.
The underground reservoir of fresh groundwater is derived entirely from precipitation over the
outcrop area. Losses to evapotranspiration have been estimated at 50%, and to overland flow at
11%, leaving 39% for recharge. Therefore, about 20 inches of rainfall reach groundwater each
year, or 950,000 gallons per day per square mile. Excess groundwater discharges through
swamps and bogs to support 89 percent of the stream flow in the Pinelands. Typically, average
annual stream discharges (volume per unit area) are low. Flow rates throughout the year tend to
be relatively uniform, and peak discharges from storms are low. Rainfall is absorbed by the
porous soil, held in storage in the large groundwater reservoir, and gradually released throughout
the year.
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Based on the experiences of other areas with similar hydrogeologic characteristics in Long Island
and Delaware, it can be inferred that the Cohansey aquifer is highly susceptible to pollution.
Significant pollution sources, actual or potential, include septic tanks, landfills, chemical spills
and dumping, chemical storage leaks, industrial waste lagoons, highway de-icing, and
agricultural chemicals. These sources may have immediate local impacts, and also pose a long-
term, cumulative threat. For these reasons, land management regulations and reviews of
proposed development on a case by case basis are necessary to insure the protection of this vast,
yet essential natural resource. The Cohansey Sand Formation is the source of virtually all
individual wells for potable water within Egg Harbor Township.
The quality of water in the Cohansey Sand is largely determined by local conditions at the land
surface. Since the aquifer is recharged by the direct percolation of precipitation, soluble material
in the soil or on the land surface is readily leached into the aquifer and may contribute to the
degradation of water quality. Thus, the most productive aquifer of the region is also the one that
is most exposed to damage from human activity and in need of careful management. Generally,
the waters from the Cohansey are slightly mineralized and soft with only localized
concentrations of iron presenting occasional problems for human use.
All areas of Egg Harbor Township are classified within the groundwater classification area GW-
2, which is defined as those areas where the natural background concentration of Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS) is less than or equal to 500 mg/1. This classification reflects the naturally high
quality of groundwater in the Township. Since all water for consumption is drawn from the
groundwater aquifer, it is appropriate that high standards be established for the protection of this
valuable resource. Those standards and designated uses established by the NJDEP are as
follows. The maximum limits for a specific criterion shall be exceeded only as a result of natural
conditions.
Groundwater Class GW-2 – Designated Uses
Class GW-2 groundwater having a natural total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of 500 mg/l
or less shall be suitable for potable, industrial, or agricultural water supply, after conventional
water treatment for hardness, pH, Fe, Mn and chlorination where necessary, or for the continual
replenishment of surface waters to maintain the quantity and quality of the surface waters of the
State, and other reasonable uses.
Table 5
Groundwater Quality Criteria - Class GW-2
Primary Standards/Toxic Pollutants
Pollutant, Substance or Chemical
Groundwater Quality Criteria
Aldrin/Dieldrin
0.003 μg/1
Arsenic and Compounds
0.05 mg/l
Barium
1.0 mg/l
Benzidine
0.0001 mg/l
Cadmium and Compounds
0.01 mg/l
Chromium (Hexavalent) & Compounds
0.05 mg/l
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Table 5 (cont.)
Groundwater Quality Criteria - Class GW-2
Primary Standards/Toxic Pollutants
Pollutant, Substance or Chemical
Groundwater Quality Criteria
Cyanide
0.2 mg/l
DDT-and Metabolites
0.001 μg/l
Endrin
0.004 μg/l
Lead and Compounds
0.05 mg/l
Mercury and Compounds
0.002 mg/l
Nitrate-Nitrogen
10 m g/l
Phenol
3.5 mg/l
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
0.001 μg/l
Radionuclides
Prevailing regulations adopted by the USEPA pursuant to
Sections 1412, 1415, and 1450 the Public Health Services
Act
as amended by the Safe Drinking Water Act (PL 93-523)
Selenium and Compounds
0.01 mg/l
Silver and Compounds
0.05 mg/l
Toxaphene
0.005 μg/1
Table 6
Groundwater Quality Criteria - Class GW-2
Secondary Standards/Toxic Pollutants
Pollutant, Substance or Chemical
Groundwater Quality Criteria
Ammonia
0.5 mg/l
Chloride
250 mg/l
Coliform Bacteria
a) by membrane filtration, not to exceed four per 100 ml
in more than one sample when less than 20 are examined
per month, or
b) by fermentation tube, with a standard 10 ml portion,
not to be present in three or more portions in more than
one sample when less than 20 are examined per month, or
c) prevailing criteria adopted pursuant to the Federal Safe
Drinking Water Act (PL 93-523)
Color
None Noticeable
Copper
1.0 mg/l
Fluoride
2.0 mg/l
Foaming Agents
0.5 mg/l
Iron
0.3 mg/l
Manganese
0.05 mg/l
Odor and Taste
None Noticeable
Oil and Grease and Petroleum Hydrocarbons
None Noticeable
pH (Standard Units)
5-9
Phenol
0.3 mg/l
Sodium
50 mg/l
Sulfate
250 mg/l
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
500 mg/l
Zinc and Compounds
5 mg/l
BOD (5-day)
3 mg/l
Phosphate, Total
0.7 mg/l
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Floodplains & Flood Hazard Area Control Act Rules
Activities in floodplains (Flood Hazard Areas) are regulated by the NJDEP under NJ Flood
Hazard Area Control Act (FHACA; N.J.S.A. 58:16A-50 et seq.). A Flood Hazard Area (FHA) is
defined in N.J.A.C. 7:13-1.2 as the land and space above that land, which lies below the Flood
Hazard Area Design Flood elevation. There are two (2) types of flood hazard areas:
1. Tidal flood hazard areas, in which the flood hazard area design flood elevation is
governed by tidal flooding from the Atlantic Ocean. Flooding in a tidal flood hazard
area may be contributed to or influenced by stormwater runoff from inland area, but
the depth of flooding generated by tidal rise and fall of the Atlantic Ocean is greater
than flooding from any fluvial sources; and
2. Fluvial flood hazard area, in which the flood hazard area design elevation is governed
by stormwater runoff. Flooding in a fluvial flood hazard area may be contributed to or
influenced by elevated water levels generated by tidal rise and fall of the Atlantic
Ocean but the depth of flooding generated by stormwater runoff is greater than
flooding from the Atlantic Ocean.
The Flood Hazard Area includes both the floodway and flood fringe. The floodway is the
channel and inner portions of the floodplain adjoining the channel which are reasonably required
to carry and discharge the regulatory flood.
The floodway is subject to high velocity flows during flooding events and development within a
floodway is highly restricted. The flood fringe is the portion of the floodplain contiguous with
the floodway. The flood fringe experiences flooding, but is inundated to a lesser degree than the
floodway. Delineated Flood Hazard Areas have been established and officially adopted by the
State of New Jersey for certain watercourses. Flood profiles, mapping and corresponding
computer models for delineated watercourses may be obtained from the NJDEP.
The Flood Insurance Program, administered by the U.S. Flood Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) has also prepared mapping and classifies floodplain areas in a manner similar to the
State of New Jersey. Within the FHACA Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:13-3), NJDEP has established
methodologies and circumstances for using FEMA floodplain mapping for determining the
Flood Hazard Area for FHACA applications. Mapping of Egg Harbor Township's floodplains
(standard 100-year floodplain) based on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) mapping is
included in Figure D in the Appendix.
Certain types of development activities within the Flood Hazard Area (the floodway and flood
fringe) and Riparian Zone (see below) must be authorized by a Flood Hazard Area Permit issued
by NJDEP in accordance with the NJ Flood Hazard Area Control Act (FHACA) Rules. The
Flood Hazard Area Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:13) were updated and last amended in April 2018. Similar
to the NJDEP Wetlands Permit Structure, Flood Hazard Area General Permits have been created
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for various activities within the Flood Hazard Area. If an activity does not fall under one of the
designated General Permits, the activity may require the application of a Flood Hazard Area
Individual Permit, depending on the nature and location of the proposed activity within the Flood
Hazard Area. The application process may also require NJDEP verification of the lines of the
Flood Hazard Area or Floodway, which would need to be shown on a plan signed and sealed by
a professional engineer.
Additional activities are covered under various Permits-By-Rule identified within FHACA Rules
(N.J.A.C. 7:13-7). Permits-By-Rule have been created for a variety of reconstruction or regular
maintenance activities within a flood hazard area. Permit-By-Rule (PBR) activities do not
require a flood hazard area permit application, however certain Permits-By-Rule do require a
minimum fourteen (14) day notification to NJDEP prior to the start of activities.
In addition to the Flood Hazard Area, an additional regulated area referred to as the Riparian
Zone has been established under the revised rules (N.J.A.C. 7:13-4.1). Activities involving
vegetation clearing within the Riparian Zone are regulated, and amounts of permitted clearing
have been established within the rules. The Riparian Zone exists along every regulated water (as
defined in the Flood Hazard Area Rules N.J.A.C. 7:13-1.2) and includes the land and vegetation
in the regulated water and a portion of land extending from the top of bank and/or the centerline
of a linear feature such as a stream or from the normal water surface limit for a pond or lake. The
size of the regulated Riparian Zone depends on several factors as listed below.
For Category 1 (C1) streams and upstream waters within the same HUC-14 subwatershed, the
regulated Riparian Zone would be 300 feet. Trout production waters and waters one (1) mile
upstream from trout production waters are also subject to a 300-foot Riparian Zone. As Egg
Harbor Township's waters are all classified as Outstanding National Resource Waters (FW1 and
PL) and not within the close vicinity of trout production waters, it is not expected that the 300
foot Riparian Zone would apply to municipal portions of streams.
The Riparian Zone of 150 feet is established if the water body is trout maintenance or within one
(1) mile upstream of trout maintenance waters. All of Egg Harbor Township's streams and
immediate adjacent waters are listed as Non-trout and, therefore, trout maintenance would not
apply to Egg Harbor Township. However, areas containing the habitat of critically water
dependent endangered threatened species or up to one (1) mile upstream from these habitats are
also subject to a 150 foot Riparian Zone. Most of Egg Harbor Township surface water features
are Pineland designated waters and where critical wildlife exists, 300 foot buffers are already
imposed. Therefore, a Verification (N.J.A.C. 7:13-5) under the NJDEP FHACA Rules would be
used to officially verify the Riparian Zone width relative to the corresponding Pinelands
designated water features.
By regulating and limiting development in the Flood Hazard Area and Riparian Zone, not only is
the floodplain protected as a resource, but potential property loss is minimized as well. Filling
and development of floodplains removes the capacity of the floodplain to provide flood storage
benefits which increase the likelihood of increased upstream and downstream flooding.
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Vegetated floodplains reduce the velocity of stormwater, thereby reducing erosion and increasing
flood storage. Floodplains also provide vital habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.
Egg Harbor Township Flood Hazard Areas
Hurricane Sandy struck the coast of New Jersey on October 29, 2012, causing severe damage
throughout Egg Harbor Township. The storm's wind, flooding, and storm surges from the
nearby water bodies caused extensive damage to the Township's infrastructures, community
facilities, public and private property. The storm has also caused long-term impacts on the
Township, including factors such as insurance payouts, flood insurance regulations, and
rebuilding of structures by residents, businesses and the Township.
The Township is bounded by tidal waterways on the east and south and is potentially exposed to
flooding from two sources – rising sea level and storm events (e.g. coastal flooding, ponding,
urban drainage, etc.). While the change in sea level is a slow process and storm flooding more
immediate, there is a linkage between the two, since as the shoreline changes, there is a
corresponding change to the upper limits of the 100-year flood plain. The potential impact of
these changes is significant.
Portions of the Township, notably the West Atlantic City, Anchorage Poynte and Seaview
Harbor neighborhoods, are not contiguous to the main body of the municipality, having been
separated from the mainland portion of the Township as municipalities were formed. These
areas are more susceptible to flooding as they are located within flood zones.
The flood hazard areas of the Township of Egg Harbor are subject to periodic inundation which
results in loss of life and property, health and safety hazards, disruption of commerce and
governmental services, extraordinary public expenditures for flood protection and relief, and
impairment of the tax base, all of which adversely affect the public health, safety and general
welfare. These flood losses are caused by the cumulative effect of obstructions in areas of
special flood hazard which increase flood heights and velocities, and when inadequately
anchored, causes damage in other areas. Uses that are inadequately floodproofed, elevated or
otherwise protected from flood damage also contribute to the flood loss.
In April 2017, the Township Committee of Egg Harbor Township passed Ordinance No. 8 of
2017 to amend the Code of the Township of Egg Harbor specifically by deleting and repealing
Chapter 113 thereof entitled "Flood Damage Prevention" and replacing it with a new Chapter
113, to be entitled "Flood Damage Prevention." The purpose of the new chapter is to promote
the public health, safety, and general welfare, and to minimize public and private losses due to
flood conditions in specific areas. The new chapter includes methods and provisions for
reducing flood losses and applies to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of
the Township of Egg Harbor.
The Township is utilizing the Best Available Flood Hazard Data and adopted these maps as part
of the chapter. The Township has established penalties for noncompliance, and both general and
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specific standards for flood hazard reduction to discourage property owners from building in
high risk areas. The adoption of this new chapter will minimize damage to public facilities and
utilities, minimize expenditure of public money for costly flood control projects, minimize the
need for rescue and relief efforts associated with flooding and will protect human life and health.
Within Egg Harbor Township the most sprawling FEMA mapped floodplains are associated with
the areas along the bay and the streams. (See Figure D in Appendix) All of the Township’s major
water bodies fall into the Zone A category under FEMA’s Delineated Flood Hazard Areas. Zone
A is considered a high risk area. It is defined as an area with a 1% annual chance of flooding in
any given year. Because detailed hydraulic analyses have not been performed on these areas, no
base flood elevations are shown. Areas of the Township along the southeastern border and along
the bay, including West Atlantic City, are primarily located within Zone AE. Zone AE is an area
subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year. Base flood elevations are shown
as derived from detailed hydraulic analyses.
The upland areas of the Township are located in Zone X, areas of minimal flood hazard from the
principal source of flood in the area and determined to be outside the 0.2 percent chance
floodplain.
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6.0 GEOLOGY AND SOILS
The soils found in Egg Harbor Township are the result of interaction upon the parent materials
by climate and weathering processes, plant and animal life, and topographic relief over geologic
time. Local differences between soils within the Township are primarily associated with
different parent materials and variations in topography. All soils of Egg Harbor Township
originated from the unconsolidated sand and gravelly sand deposits which make up the Outer
Coastal Plain Geologic Province. These materials were initially distributed, stratified, and
eroded. The most extensive deposits are associated with the Cohansey Formation which
underlies the entire Township, but is covered in some areas by thin, more recent deposits from
the more severely eroded Bridgeton Formation. The parent materials of the Cohansey Formation
are mainly quartz sands, with localized “lenses” or thin strata of light colored clay or gravel. The
remnants of the Bridgeton Formation contain relatively more gravel and clay, occurring as
reddish deposits which cap the more prominent uplands areas of the Township.
Lowland soils generally contain significant upper layers of dark colored, moisture retaining
organic material accumulated from decomposed plant and animal life which is generally more
abundant in wet or formerly wet areas.
All soils have various physical and chemical properties which define their capability to support
different types and intensities of land development. The environmental sensitivity or
development potential of an area can be defined by the naturally occurring conditions. Soils
information can be used to determine severe flood hazard areas, high water table areas, lands
susceptible to erosion and areas capable of supporting unique or prime vegetation. Soil data can
be used to rate the limitation of an area for specific uses. For example, buildings on soils with a
frequent potential for flooding or extremely high water table may result in flooded basement or
structural damage. Soils that are too clayey or too wet are not suitable for septic tank absorption
fields.
The development limitations of various soils have been identified by the Cape Atlantic Soil
Conservation Service and presented within its survey of soil types for Atlantic County. These
limitations are usually rated in terms of degree – “slight,” “moderate” or “severe.” Explanations
of these rating are as follows:
A “slight” rating means little or no limitation for the specified use. Any limitation which
exists is easily corrected using conventional practices of construction and normal
equipment.
A “moderate” rating means the presence of some limitation for the specified use, which
can normally be overcome by careful design and management, however, at somewhat
greater costs than on soils with a slight limitation.
A “severe” rating means that the limitations are those which cannot normally be
overcome except with costly and/or complex measures.
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Figure I displays the soil types that have been identified within Egg Harbor Township according
to the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Web Soil Survey.
It is important to note that the broad scale soil survey data and descriptions cannot replace
detailed onsite investigations and testing for design and development review purposes. The
intended use of the soil information which has been provided with this report is to assist the
community in locating natural resources and formulating resource management policies based
upon their distribution within the Township, not to assess the suitability of specific sites for
development.
Description of Soils
The soil types within Egg Harbor Township are described in the Atlantic County Soil Survey,
prepared by the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Cape Atlantic Soil Conservation
District.
Soils having similar profiles make up a soil series. The soils of one series contain major
horizons of similar thickness, arrangement, and other important characteristics. Each series is
named for a town or other geographic feature near the place where it was first observed by the
soil scientists who surveyed the landscape.
Soils of one series can differ in texture, slope or other characteristic that affects its suitability for
various uses. These differences are the basis for dividing a soil series into phases or types. The
name of a soil type indicates the variations of features which distinguish it from the other soils of
the series. For example, HcA – Hammonton Loamy Sand Clayey Substratum, 0 to 2 percent
slopes, is one of several phases in the Hammonton series. The Hammonton series also contains
HaA, HmA, and HnA phases within Egg Harbor Township. The soils map indicates the
dominantly recognized soil phases or types. However, due to sampling and interpretation
accuracy, and the scale at which the county-wide survey was prepared, the indicated soil type is
only likely to be present in 80 percent of its mapped areas. In areas of the soil survey map where
soil materials are so variable that they cannot be classified by a soil series, a descriptive name or
land type is used, such as tidal marsh, muck, fill land, and gravel pit.
Following is a list of the soil series found within Egg Harbor Township with a brief description
and characteristics of each.
Appoquinimink Series - This soil is very frequently flooded. It is very poorly drained and
annual ponding is frequent. The seasonal water table is at the surface. The parent material
consists of loamy stream sediments over herbaceous material. This soil type is considered
hydric. The following soil type is found in Egg Harbor Township:
AptAv - Appoquinimink-Transquaking-Mispillion Complex, 0 to 1 percent
slopes
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Atsion Series – Soils are located on broad flat depressional areas and narrow
drainageways, occupying low positions on the landscape. Atsion soils have naturally low
fertility, are well drained, and contain some organic matter. These soils usually possess a
rapid permeability and when well drained, have a low available water capacity. In some
areas, Atsion soils have a clayey substratum, usually below 40 inches from the surface.
The seasonal high water table is the major limitation for use of this soil for building
purposes, but it is well suited for ground water ponds. When this soil is located near
streams, it receives runoff from higher elevations and therefore is frequently flooded.
Natural vegetation most common to Atsion soils are pitch pine, blackgum, swamp maple,
grey birch, Atlantic white cedar and a dense understory of highbush blueberry, sheep
laurel, sweet pepperbush, gallberry, and greenbrier. The soils are naturally very acidic.
This series includes the following soil type within Egg Harbor Township:
AtsA – Atsion Sand
Aura Series – These soils are located on the highest hilltops and ridges on the landscape.
They are usually well-drained, loamy soils with a firm gravelly sandy clay loam in the
lower part of the subsoil. These soils are usually located above thick bedded sand or
gravel deposits.
Natural vegetation occurring on these soils consists of black, scarlet, and chestnut oaks,
scattered pines, and a low-growing understory of laurel, sassafras, low bush blueberry,
winterberry, and scattered bayberry. If forest fires have been severe and/or frequent,
scrub oak, blackjack oak, and pitch pine dominate.
Natural fertility, content of organic matter, and available water capacity is moderate.
Permeability is moderately slow. This series includes the following soil types:
AucB – Aura Loamy Sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes
AugA – Aura Sandy Loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
AugB – Aura Sandy Loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes
Berryland Series – These soils are found in low positions of the landscape, in areas of
wide depressions and broad flat lowlands. They are naturally low in fertility, very acidic
and contain a high amount of organic matter. Permeability is moderately rapid, and when
drained, they have a low water capacity.
Wetness from a high water table is the major limitation of these soils for building, but
they are well suited for groundwater ponds. Since these soils are located near streams,
they will receive runoff from higher elevations and are subject to flooding.
Vegetation native to berryland soils includes pitch pine, scattered Atlantic white cedar,
blackgum, red maple, grey birch, and sweetgum. The understory is dense, containing
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holly, sweet pepperbush, highbush blueberry and gallberry. This series includes the
following soil type:
BerAr – Berryland Sand
Downer Series – These soils are located on level to gently sloping areas within the
Township's upland sections. They are usually well drained, with either sand or loamy
textures, and a medium natural fertility. Downer soils contain low amounts of organic
matter, are highly acidic with moderate to moderately rapid permeability, and a moderate
available water capacity. The water table within such soils can rise to within 5 feet of the
surface during seasonally wet times of the year.
The most common vegetation species found on Downer soils are white, black, red and
chestnut oak, and scattered pitch, shortleaf, and Virginia pine. The understory contains
sassafras, holly, low bush blueberry, mountain and sheep laurel. The Downer Series
contains the following soil type:
DocB – Downer Loamy Sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Evesboro Series – These soils are also found in higher positions on the landscape which
is nearly level or gently sloping. Evesboro soils are excessively drained, usually sandy,
naturally low in fertility, and have a low content or organic matter. They are very
strongly acidic, with a low available water capacity. Permeability of Evesboro soils is
rapid near the surface but becomes moderately rapid to slow in their substratum due to
high contents of clay. The seasonal high water table is at a depth of 5 feet or greater.
The natural vegetation found on these soils includes black, white and chestnut oak and
Virginia, shortleaf, and pitch pine. Frequent forest fires will favor growth of pitch pine,
scrub oak, and blackjack oak. The understory species include sheep laurel, lowbush
blueberry, scattered bayberry and inkberry. The soil type from this series found within
Egg Harbor Township is:
EveB – Evesboro sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Fort Mott Series – This soil type is found on level to gently sloping high positions in the
landscape. It is well drained with a thick, sandy surface layer and a finer textured
subsoil. The soil is highly acidic and permeability is moderate to moderately rapid. Fort
Mott soils are naturally low in fertility and organic matter content. Available water
capacity is low near the surface and moderate in the subsoil.
The most common vegetation found on such soils are red, white, black and chestnut oak,
and scattered pitch, shortleaf and Virginia pine. The understory has sassafras, holly,
lowbush blueberry, mountain and sheep laurel. Limitations for urban uses are slight,
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except for dust and erosion hazards. The following soil type from this series is found in
Egg Harbor Township:
FobB – Fort Mott sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Galloway Series - Galloway soils are deep, moderately well-drained soils found in
uplands areas. the seasonal high water table may reach 21 inches below the surface.
Galloway soils are very acidic, sandy, and low in both natural fertility and organic matter.
Permeability is rapid above the clay layers and slow within it. Available water capacity
is moderate, but becomes low when drained.
Galloway soils have a 1.5 to 4 foot depth to seasonal high water table and, therefore,
possess severe limitations for septic disposal systems and houses with basements. Some
of these soils are located near streams and receive runoff from higher elevations which
makes them flood prone.
The common vegetation of Galloway soils are black, scarlet, red, and white oak; black,
sweet and sour gum; Virginia and pitch pine; and understory species including low bush
blueberry, sheep laurel, sassafras, gallberry, holly and huckleberry. The following soil
types of the Galloway Series are found in Egg Harbor Township:
GamB - Galloway Loamy Sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes
GamkB - Galloway Loamy Sand, clayey substratum, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Hammonton Series – Hammonton soils are located on nearly level, broad flat or
depressional areas in intermediate positions on the landscape. They may receive runoff
from higher positions. These soils usually have a fair natural fertility and low or
moderate content of organic matter. Acidity varies from extreme near the surface to very
strong in lower horizons. The soils have a moderate available water capacity and
permeability, except for soils with a clayey substratum.
The seasonal high water table is 1.5 to 4 feet below the surface, which may indicate
serious constraints for urban development unless sanitary sewer service is available.
The most common vegetation found in these soils are white, red and black oak, pitch
pine, and an understory of holly, mountain and sheep laurel, gallberry, high and low bush
blueberry, huckleberry, inkberry and greenbrier. The following soil types from this series
are found in Egg Harbor Township:
HbmB – Hammonton Loamy Sand, 0 to 3 percent slopes
HbmkB – Hammonton Loamy Sand, Clayey substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes
HboA – Hammonton Sandy Loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
HbokA – Hammonton Sandy Loam, Clayey substratum, 0 to 2 percent slopes
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Lakehurst Series – Soils are located on nearly level slopes and occupy intermediate
positions on the landscape. The soil is very acidic, very low in natural fertility, and low
in organic content. Lakehurst soils are well drained to poorly drained according to their
position on the landscape, the majority being moderately well drained. Permeability is
rapid because Lakehurst soils are sandy or loamy sand. Available water capacity is low.
Seasonal high ground water is 1.5 to 4 feet below the surface, and they are, therefore,
unsuitable for conventional septic disposal systems.
Vegetation species common to Lakehurst soils are pitch pine, white black, red and
blackjack oak, and the gum tree varieties. The understory contains low and high bush
blueberry, sheep and mountain laurel, and scattered gallberry. The following soil type
from the Lakehurst Series is found in Egg Harbor Township:
LakB – Lakehurst Sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Lakewood Series – Soils are on nearly level to sloping, high positions on the landscape.
Lakewood soils are highly acidic, excessively drained sand with quartz sediments.
Natural fertility is low and there is little organic content. Permeability is rapid, available
water capacity is low, and the seasonal high ground water is greater than 5 feet below the
surface. These soil conditions can cause ground water pollution from septic systems due
to rapid permeability.
Indigenous vegetation to these soils are large stands of pitch pine, chestnut, black and
white oak. The understory contains low bush blueberry, gallberry, sheep laurel, scattered
bayberry and leather leaf. The soil type of the Lakewood Series found in Egg Harbor
Township is:
LasB – Lakewood Sand, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Manahawkin Series - This soil is a very deep, poorly drained soil found in low-lying
areas such as back swamps lake basins and along freshwater channels where they meet
tidal waters. Annual flooding and ponding are frequent. The seasonal high water table
reaches the surface. This is a hydric soil.
Muck soil is extremely acidic, with a medium natural fertility and a high content or
organic matter. The permeability of muck is rapid, and available water capacity is high.
The ground water is at or near the surface most of the year, except when extended dry
periods occur. Muck is frequently flooded and not suited for development.
Vegetation common to muck soils includes Atlantic white cedar and swamp red maple.
The understory species include dense stands of sweet pepper bush, swamp azalea, high
bush blueberry, greenbrier and sweet bay magnolia. The following soil type from the
Manahawkin Series is found in Egg Harbor Township:
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MakAt - Manahawkin Muck, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded
Matawan Series – Soils are located on level to slightly depressional, intermediate
positions on the landscape. Matawan soils are extremely acidic, sandy-loam to sandy-
clay loam, moderately fertile, and a have a medium organic content. Drainage
permeability and available water capacity of these soils are moderate. Seasonal high
water table in the Matawan series ranges between 1.5 to 3 feet below the surface.
Limitations for septic systems are severe for these soils and if cleared, there is a high
possibility of erosion. Vegetation common to this soil type includes scarlet, white, and
black oak; and scattered pitch pine. The understory has sassafras, holly, mountain and
sheep laurel, and huckleberry. The soil type of the Matawan series found in Egg Harbor
Township is:
MbtB – Matawan Sandy Loam, 0 to 5 percent slopes
Mullica Series – Soils are found on nearly level, broad swampy depressions and narrow
drainageways located in very low positions on the landscape. This soil is extremely
acidic, sandy loam to sand type, poorly drained, high in organic content with medium
fertility. Permeability of the Mullica series is moderate if drained, and the available
water capacity is medium. Seasonal high water table is located near or at the surface and
only drops a few feet in the summer. This soil frequently receives runoff from higher
elevations and is subject to occasional flooding if located near a stream. The common
vegetation supported by Mullica soils are black gum, sweetgum, red maple, sweet bay
magnolia, white, red, pin, and willow oak, holly and scattered pitch pine. The understory
common on these soils includes dense thickets of high bush blueberry, huckleberry,
swamp azalea, leather leaf, gallberry, and greenbrier. When drained, these soils are used
for truck crop, blueberries and pasture. The soil of the Mullica Series found in Egg
Harbor Township is:
MumA – Mullica Sandy Loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
Pits, Sand and Gravel - This soil mapping unit consists of gravel pits, which are
anthropogenic features. The result is sandy material disturbed by human activity These
soils are well-drained and annual flooding and annual flooding do not occur.
PHG - Pits, Sand and Gravel
Psamments - Psamments are in areas where the natural soils have been greatly altered by
extensive grading and filling. A typical pedon and the sequence, depth, and composition
of the layers of these soils are not provided because soil properties vary. Fill areas are
mainly where earthy materials have been pumped from river channels for use as
foundation materials for general urban development such as roads and buildings, for
landfills, or, in a very few instances, for agriculture. These soils are moderately well
drained. The soil type found in Egg Harbor Township is:
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PssA - Psamments, 0 to 3 percent slopes
Psammaquent - Psammaquents are in areas where the natural soils have been greatly
altered by extensive grading and filling. A typical pedon and the sequence, depth, and
composition of the layers of these soils are not provided because soil properties vary. Fill
areas are mainly where earthy materials have been pumped from river channels. These
soils are subject to frequent flooding. These soils are very poorly drained. The soil type
found in Egg Harbor Township is:
PstAt - Psammaquents, sulfidic substratum, 0 to 3 percent slopes, frequently
flooded
Sassafras Series – Soils are found on nearly level to gently sloping areas located on the
higher positions of the landscape. These soils are extremely acidic and are well drained,
consisting of sandy loams, sandy clay loams, or loamy sands, with clay and gravel
deposits intermixed. The natural fertility and organic content of these soils is moderate.
The available water capacity of Sassafras soils is high and their permeability is medium.
Depth to season high water table is usually 5 feet or greater.
Vegetative species native to such soils are the black, white, red, scarlet, and chestnut oak,
and pitch and short leaf pine. The understory species include sheep and mountain laurel,
sassafras, lowbush blueberry, leatherleaf, huckleberry and gallberry. The following soil
types of the Sassafras Series are found in Egg Harbor Township:
SacA – Sassafras Sandy Loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
SacB – Sassafras Sandy Loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes
Transquaking Series – Transquaking and similar soils in Egg Harbor Township occur
along the lower sections of the streams and rivers where tidal fluctuations in water levels
occur daily, such as tidal flats. The parent material is herbaceous organic material over
loamy sediments. The following type of Transquaking soil is found in Egg Harbor
Township:
TrkAv – Transquaking mucky peat, 0 to 1 percent slopes, very frequently flooded
Udorthents Series - The soils in this series are well-drained. This unit consists of fill
material that has formed low hills. The parent material is comprised of loamy deposits
spread over organic material. Annual flooding and ponding do not occur. This soil is not
suitable for cultivated crops. The soil type found in Egg Harbor Township is:
UdrB - Udorthents, refuse substratum, 0 to 8 percent slopes
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Woodstown Series – These soils occupy nearly level positions in intermediate elevations
on the landscape. These soils are extremely acidic at the surface, loamy and moderately
well drained. The natural fertility and organic content is medium. Woodstown soils
receive some runoff from higher elevations. Permeability and available water capacity
are moderate. Seasonal high water ranges between 1.5 to 4 feet below the surface, but is
below 5 feet in the summer. They are normally unsuitable for septic disposal systems.
Vegetation commonly found on Woodstown soils consists of white, red and black oak;
pitch pine; and an understory of holly, mountain and sheep laurel, lowbush blueberry,
gallberry, leather leaf and greenbrier. The following soil type of the Woodstown Series is
found in Egg Harbor Township:
WoeA – Woodstown Sandy Loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes
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7.0 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
The State of New Jersey's Landscape Project Version 3.3 mapping uses the State's land use/land
cover GIS data and biotics species occurrence data to model species habitat locations in the state.
The landscape regions are broken down into six (6) regions: Atlantic Coastal, Delaware Bay,
Piedmont Plains, Pinelands, Skyland and Marine. Egg Harbor Township is primarily located
within the Pinelands Landscape Region. The southern portion of the Township, along the Great
Egg Harbor River, is located within the Delaware Bay Landscape Region, and the eastern portion
of the Township is located within the Atlantic Coastal Landscape Region (see Figure J). This
mapping is a guide for strategic wildlife habitat conservation design to identify not only
threatened and endangered species in New Jersey but to identify and protect the habitats in which
they live. It is a full ecosystem-level approach for long term protection. The habitats located in
Egg Harbor Township fall under Suitable or Critical Habitats in every land use category. Critical
habitats are areas identified with a higher number of threatened and endangered species, and
therefore have a more urgent need for conservation of the habitat.
Perhaps more than any other single natural feature, the unique patterns of vegetation in Egg
Harbor Township define the region's distinctive, essential character. While vegetation refers
generally to an area's plant cover, the distribution of specific vegetation types in a localized area
is governed by a combination of factors which make up the local habitat. Climate, soil, animals,
man, fire, time, and other plants are just some of the factors which interact to produce the
environment, or habitat in which a plant grows. Climate is a measure of temperature, rainfall,
snowfall, wind and other types of weather factors. Animals may affect plants by grazing or
transporting their seeds. Soils affect plants by their ability to support roots and hold water and
nutrients. Fire may eliminate species of plants unable to reproduce by resprouting, and may
cause an increase in those that can resprout.
Vegetation, whether a forest or an old field, changes like an individual organism in appearance
and structure over time. Forests age very slowly, requiring hundreds, even thousands of years to
reach a stable state of species size and composition, known as a climax state. For this reason,
changes due to aging of a forest are frequently hard for humans to recognize. As time goes on,
some forest species become less suited to the slowly changing conditions for survival while
others become better suited. The result is a decrease in the numbers of some species while the
proportions of other competing species increase. Such changes in the composition of species
through time is known as succession.
The single factor which is most important for differentiation of plant habitats within Egg Harbor
Township is the amount of moisture within the soil substrate, that medium in which the plants
are rooted. Different plant species differ in their requirements for water as well as their ability to
tolerate extremes of excessive water or drought. Certain plants can live only in standing water
while others are adapted to much drier conditions, and still others are best suited to various
gradations of saturation between the two extremes. Since rainfall distribution is virtually the
same throughout the Township, the amount of water available to plants through the soil is
controlled primarily by the relief of the land surface and the depth to groundwater. Groundwater
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levels are frequently at or above the surface in lowlying or depressional areas. In upland areas,
rainfall normally percolates rapidly through the sandy soils to groundwater level which may
never be higher than 5' - 10' or more below the surface. In tidal areas in the vicinity of Green
Bank, the river normally floods the land twice daily to depths ranging from a few inches to
several feet during storms. The water is brackish, having a varying salt content due to variable
mixing of the fresh water flowing downstream with the saline water of the estuary.
In addition to soil moisture, acidity of soils appears to be another major factor influencing the
successful development of certain plants on particular sites. In some lowlands, because of poor
drainage (where there is little or no movement of water) dead plant and other organic materials
do not fully decompose but form soil material called peat. Accumulations of peat are
accompanied by very acidic conditions and low fertility to which some plant species are
intolerant, and others are well adapted. These strongly acidic conditions are most prevalent in
the tidal marsh areas, but also occur in the numerous swamps and bogs throughout the Township
where drainage is sluggish.
The two broad categories of vegetation complexes which can most readily be distinguished are
uplands and lowlands. Lowland types exist in areas where the groundwater is near or above the
surface during some part of the year. Upland forest and vegetation complexes, therefore, occupy
the remaining area.
The Vegetation Map (Figure K) indicates those natural vegetation complexes which exist on
undisturbed lands within Egg Harbor Township and on areas cleared for active agriculture or
some form of development. Although somewhat generalized, the map can serve as a good
indicator of vegetation conditions on any site within the Township. An examination of the
Vegetation Map in conjunction with the other maps of the series indicates the relationship of
-
vegetation types to those other environmental features which were mapped. Topography, soil
types, wetness or depth to groundwater, and location within watersheds are all factors which help
determine the naturally occurring vegetation complex which may be found on undisturbed sites.
Since the transition from one vegetative type to another is generally gradual due to gentle slopes
and correspondingly gradual changes in moisture or soil types, care should be taken when a site
lies near a boundary between vegetation types. The map should never take the place of onsite
investigation by qualified individuals because changes in land use may have occurred since the
mapping data was obtained, or details too small for mapping may have significance for certain
types of proposed development and should be assessed on an individual basis.
Upland Complex
Upland habitats are characterized by two major vegetation associations: the pine-oak forest and
the oak-pine forest, distinguished from each other primarily by the species of dominance. If left
undisturbed, natural succession will favor the establishment of strongly oak-dominated forest.
This occurs where fire and other disturbances are minimal, since pine seedlings will readily
establish themselves in cleared or burned over areas where there is little accumulation of plant
litter. Oak seedlings will not appear until a substantial amount of litter accumulates, but under
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those conditions, pines will no longer grow from seed. For this reason, pines will dominate the
upland forest initially, but given a long enough period of time, oaks will naturally tend to replace
them. The opportunistic pines will mature and die off without being able to set seed, while at the
same time oak seedlings continue to establish themselves and eventually dominate under
favorable conditions.
Wildfires have been an integral factor in shaping the distribution of Pine Barrens vegetation
throughout history. Typically dry soils and occasional droughty conditions coupled with high
winds and favorable fuel conditions are especially prevalent in spring and early summer, and
favor the periodic recurrence of wildfires.
As the Vegetation Map indicates, most forested uplands in Egg Harbor Township are inhabited
by oak-pine forest rather than pine dominated pine-oak forest. This can be explained in terms of
the upland forest succession process described above. Forested areas of the Township are
distinctly divided by natural and man-made firebreaks such as roads, agricultural fields, and
other forms of development as well as numerous wetland corridors. These conditions tend to
limit the spread of wildfires or provide access for firefighting equipment. As a result, the natural
succession toward oak dominated uplands is aided.
The following table lists those tree species common to the oak-pine and pine-oak forest types.
They may occur in different distributions in different areas due to the sites’ history of
disturbance or fire, with some influence by soil types and adjacent land uses or vegetation.
Except for the pitch pine (Pinus rigida) which is common to both upland and certain wet lowland
sites, most species will be distinct from the inhabitants of the various lowland forest types.
Table 7
Upland Forest Species
Common Name
Scientific Name
Trees
Pitch Pine
Pinus rigida
Shortleaf Pine
Pinus echinata
Virginia Pine
Pinus virginiana
Red Cedar
Juniperus virginiana
Black Oak
Quercus velutina
White Oak
Quercus alba
Chestnut Oak
Quercus prinus
Blackjack Oak
Quercus marilandica
Post Oak
Quercus stellata
Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinea
Southern Red Oak
Quercus falcata
Shrubs
Lowbush Blueberry
Vaccinium vacillans
Black Huckleberry
Gaylussacia bacata
Scrub Oak (Bear Oak)
Quercus ilicifolia
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
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Table 7 (cont.)
Upland Forest Species
Common Name
Scientific Name
Grasses And Herbs
Firesedge
Cyperaceae fam.
Orange Broomsedge
Andropogon virginicus
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Bracken Fern
Pteridium aquilinum
Wintergreen
Chimaphilia maculata
Source: McCormick, Jack, Pine Barrens: Ecosystem and Landscape. Forman, R.T.,
ed., 1979.
Lowland Complex
Distinguished from the upland complex forest types mainly by soil wetness which favors
dominance by water tolerant species, the lowland forest complexes consist of species which are
grouped into several distinct associations based upon local conditions and the site's history.
Lowland forest types which occur within Egg Harbor Township include Atlantic white cedar
swamps, hardwood swamps, pitch pine lowlands, bogs, and inland marshes. Each contains
species associations which distinguish it from the others, although there is certainly some
overlapping of individuals between the types, especially in transitional zones. Those dominant
species which distinguish each lowland forest type are identified in Tables 8 through 11.
Lowlands have been identified as a relatively scarce and fragile resource. They comprise the
habitat not only for many animal species designated as threatened or endangered by the N.J.
Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Department of the Interior, but for many
other species as well. More rare plant species occur in lowland than in upland habitats. Finally,
lowland habitats influence the quality, quantity, and distribution of surface and groundwater in
the ecosystem. They tend to retain water during dry periods while during wet periods they slow
runoff and minimize the effects of erosion by trapping silt and sediment from upland areas.
The lowland complex which occupies the "highest of the lowland" sites is known as pitch pine
lowland forest. Most stands of this forest type occur as narrow bands in those transitional areas
between upland areas and hardwood swamp or cedar swamp forests. As water levels in stream
corridors fluctuate, there may be
standing water above the ground surface or it may be saturated
for a period, while in drier periods it may appear completely dry. A distinguishing characteristic
of the pitch pine lowland forest is the dense, high understory shrub growth (5' or higher)
frequently with impenetrable walls of greenbrier vines.
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Table 8
Lowland Forest Species
Pitch Pine Lowland Forest
Common Name
Scientific Name
Trees
Pitch Pine
Pinus rigida
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Blackgum (Sour Gum)
Nyssa sylvatica
Gray Birch
Betula populifolia
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Shrubs
Sheep Laurel
Kalmia angustifolia
Dangleberry
Gaylussacia frondosa
Black Huckleberry
Gaylussacia baccata
Grouseberry
Gaylussacia dumosa
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Staggerbush
Lyonia mariana
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Sweet Pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia
Swamp Azalea
Rhododendron viscosum
Maleberry
Lyonia ligustrina
Fetterbush
Leucothoe racemosa
Catbrier
Smilax glauca
Bullbrier
Smilax rotundifolia
Scrub Oak
Quercus ilicifolia
Herbs
Wintergreen
Chimaphilia maculata
Bracken Fern
Pteridium aquilinum
Cinnamon Fern
Osmundia cinamomea
Turkeybeard
Xerophyllum asphodeloides
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum spp.
Haircap Moss
Polytrichum juniperinum
Other Bryophytes
Source: McCormick, Jack, Pine Barrens: Ecosystem and Landscape. Forman, R.T. ed.
1979.
The other two major forest types of the lowlands are closely intermingled and highly
competitive. While cedar swamp forests tend to occupy the very wettest positions, however,
hardwood or broadleaf swamp forests will readily replace cedar swamps in areas where cedar is
harvested unless management practices are instituted. Although the largest cedar stands are
already gone, cedar swamps were once the most extensive swamp forest type in the Pinelands.
The logging of cedar, especially from smaller or mixed stands will favor natural succession to
hardwoods because shade-intolerant cedar saplings will not develop unless sufficiently large
areas are clear cut to allow cedars to grow in full sun.
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Table 9
Lowland Forest Species
Hardwood Swamp Forest
Common Name
Scientific Name
Trees
Trident Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Blackgum (Sour Gum)
Nyssa sylvatica
Sweetbay Magnolia
Magnolia virginiana
Gray Birch
Betula populifolia
Sassafras
Sassafras albidum
Shrubs
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Sweet Pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia
Swamp Azalea
Rhododendron viscosum
Leatherleaf
Chamaedaphne calyculata
Fetterbush
Leucothoe racemosa
Black Huckleberry
Gaylussacia baccata
Dangleberry
Gaylussacia frondosa
Herbs
Chain Fern
Woodwardia spp.
Bladderwort
Utricularia spp.
Sundew
Drosera spp.
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum spp.
Source: Vegetation of New Jersey. Robichaud, B., Buell, M., 1973.
McCormick, Jack, Pine Barrens: Ecosystem and Landscape. Forman, R.T.,
ed., 1979.
Table 10
Lowland Forest Species
Cedar Swamp Forest
Common Name
Scientific Name
Trees
Southern White Cedar
Chamaecyparis thyoides
Trident Read Maple*
Acer rubrum
Blackgum* (Sour Gum)
Nyssa sylvatica
Sweetbay Magnolia*
Magnolia virginiana
Pitch Pine*
Pinus rigida
Shrubs
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Dangleberry
Gaylussacia frondosa
Swamp Azalea
Rhododendron viscosum
Sweet Pepperbush
Clethra alnifolia
Fetterbush
Leucothoe racemosa
*Generally sparse or understory species
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 38
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Table 10 (cont.)
Lowland Forest Species
Cedar Swamp Forest
Common Name
Scientific Name
Herbs
Chain Fern
Woodwardia spp.
Bladderwort
Utricularia spp.
Sundew
Drosera spp.
Pitcherplant
Sarracenia purpurea
Swamp Pink
Helonias bullata
Partridgeberry
Mitchella repens
Curly Grass Fern
Schizaea pusilla
Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum spp.
Source: McCormick, Jack, Pine Barrens: Ecosystem and Landscape. Forman, R.T.,
ed., 1979.
Table 11
Lowland Species
Pond and Bog-Shrub Wetland
Common Name
Scientific Name
Pond; Water Areas
White Waterlillies
Nymphaea odorata
Spatterdock
Nuphar variegatum
Bladderworts
Utricularia spp.
Shoreline, Shallow Water Zone
Sphagnum Mosses
Sphagnum spp.
Sedges
Carex spp.
Rushes
Juncus spp.
Pipeworts
Eriocaulon spp.
Chain Ferns
Woodwardia spp.
Seasonally Inundated Zones
Lowland Broomsedge
Andropogon virginicus var.
abbrevatus
Bullsedge
Carex bullata
Shrubby Wetland
Leatherleaf
Chamaedaphne calyculata
Highbush Blueberry
Vaccinium corymbosum
Peat Mosses
Sphagnum spp.
Chain Ferns
Woodwardia spp.
Sheep Laurel
Kalmia angustifolia
Staggerbush
Lyonia mariana
Source: McCormick, Jack, Pine Barrens: Ecosystem and Landscape. Forman, R.T.,
1979.
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Table 12
Saltwater Marsh Species
Common Name
Scientific Name
Zone Nearest Water
Salt-Marsh Cordgrass
Spartina alterniflora
Inner Zones
Salt-Meadow Grass
Spartina patens
Black Marsh Grass
Juncus gerardi
Spike Grass
Distichlis spp.
In Saline Depressions
Glasswort
Salicornea spp
Sea Blite
Suaeda spp.
Marsh Fleabane
Pluchea spp.
Orache
Atriplex patula
Saltwort
Salsola kali
On Higher Ground
Sea Lavender
Limonium spp.
Salt-Marsh Aster
Aster tenuifolius
Marsh Mallow
Hibiscus palustris
Seaside Goldenrod
Solidago sempervirens
Sea Myrtle (Shrub)
Baccharis halimifolia
Marsh Elder (Shrub)
Iva frutescens
Source: Vegetation of New Jersey. Robichaud, B., Buell, M., 1973.
Wetlands
The foregoing sections describing Egg Harbor Township soils and vegetation types provide the
information necessary to understand the meaning of wetlands. According to the Pinelands
Commission and the New Jersey Coastal Area Facilities Review Act (CAFRA), wetlands are
defined as those lands which are inundated or saturated by water at a magnitude, duration and
frequency sufficient to support the growth of water tolerant plant species classified as
hydrophytes. Wetlands include lands with poorly drained or very poorly drained soils as
designated by the National Cooperative Soils Survey of the Soil Conservation Service of the
United State Department of Agriculture. Wetlands include coastal wetlands, inland wetlands and
submerged lands. See Figure L in the Appendix of this report for the Wetlands Map.
The definition of wetlands is, therefore, twofold, entailing a soils and a vegetation component.
As described previously, however, the degree to which soils, topography, and wetness
correspond to the naturally occurring vegetation type dictates that the two components of the
definition will occur in the same locations or areas most of the time.
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Table 13
Wetlands Type
Egg Harbor Township
Wetlands Type (from NJDEP)
Acres
Agricultural Wetlands (Modified)
75.63
Atlantic White Cedar Wetlands
357.19
Coniferous Scrub/Shrub Wetlands
85.47
Coniferous Wooded Wetlands
1,119.94
Deciduous Scrub/Shrub Wetlands
181.36
Deciduous Wooded Wetlands
765.85
Disturbed Wetlands (Modified)
27.96
Former Agricultural Wetland (Becoming shrubby, not built)
0.99
Herbaceous Wetlands
56.07
Managed Wetland in Built-up Maintained Recreation Area
13.98
Managed Wetland in Maintained Lawn Greenspace
1.60
Mixed Scrub/Shrub Wetlands (Coniferous Dominate)
115.87
Mixed Scrub/Shrub Wetlands (Deciduous Dominate)
188.05
Mixed Wooded Wetlands(Coniferous Dominate)
1,750.22
Mixed Wooded Wetlands (Deciduous Dominate)
1,028.16
Phragmites Dominate Coastal Wetlands
273.64
Phragmites Dominate Interior Wetlands
56.13
Phragmites Dominate Urban Area
4.64
Saline Marsh (High Marsh)
31.48
Saline Marsh (Low Marsh)
7,433.13
Vegetated Dune Communities
31.60
Wetland Rights-of-Way
51.84
Those soils types that occur in Egg Harbor Township and are defined as wetland soils are the
following:
AtsA - Atsion Sand
BerAr - Berryland Sand
HbmB - Hammonton Loamy Sand
HboA - Hammonton Sandy Loam
MakAt - Manahawkin Muck
MumA - Mullica Sandy Loam
TrkAv - Transquaking Mucky Peat
Both soils maps and vegetation maps should be consulted for determining the presence of
wetlands. The wetlands species list adopted by the Pinelands Commission shall be considered
the official list for local planning and regulatory purposes. Those vegetation types which contain
hydrophytes as predominant species are the following:
Cedar Swamp Forest
Hardwood Swamp Forest
Pitch Pine Lowlands
Bogs - Shrub Wetlands, aka Inland Marshes
Tidal Marsh
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Natural Heritage Priority Sites
Through its Natural Heritage Database, the Office of Natural Lands Management (ONLM)
identifies critically important areas to conserve New Jersey’s biological diversity, with particular
emphasis on rare plant species and ecological communities. The database provides detailed
information on rare species and ecological communities to planners, developers, and
conservation agencies for use in resource management, environmental impact assessment, and
both public and private land protection efforts.
Using the database, ONLM has identified 343 Natural Heritage Priority Sites, representing some
of the best remaining habitat for rare species and rare ecological communities in the state.
Although the primary focus of these sites is rare plant species and ecological communities, the
DEP Endangered and Nongame Species Program also provided key information and assisted
with the delineation of a number of the sites that encompass significant habitats for rare animals.
These areas should be considered to be top priorities for the preservation of biological diversity
in New Jersey. If these sites become degraded or destroyed, we may lose some of the unique
components of our natural heritage.
Natural Heritage Priority Site maps are used by individuals and agencies concerned with the
protection and management of land. The maps have been used by municipalities preparing
natural resource inventories; public and private conservation organizations preparing open space
acquisition goals; land developers and consultants identifying environmentally sensitive lands;
and public and private landowners developing land management plans. However, the coverage
was not developed for regulatory purposes, and should not be used as a substitute for the on-site
surveys and Natural Heritage Database searches required by regulatory agencies.
Natural Heritage Priority Sites contain some of the best and most viable occurrences of rare plant
species and ecological communities, but they do not cover all known habitat for these elements
or most rare animal species in New Jersey. Most of the state has not been surveyed for rare
species and ecological communities. If information is needed on whether or not endangered or
threatened species have been documented from a particular area, a Natural Heritage Database
search can be requested by contacting the Office of Natural Lands Management.
The boundaries of each Natural Heritage Priority Site are drawn to encompass critical habitat for
the rare species or ecological communities. In Egg Harbor Township, two sites have been
identified as Natural Heritage Priority Sites, as shown on Figure M in the Appendix of this
report.
Bill Henry Pond is a large, 5 acre coastal plain, intermittent pond surrounded by undeveloped
pine-oak forest. The boundaries include the topographic drainage basin of the pond. This is
located in the western portion of the Township close to the municipal border of Hamilton
Township. The site is located near the Miry Run tributary south of Ocean Heights Avenue.
Good quality globally rare natural community and several globally rare or state significant plant
species.
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The second site identified by the NJDEP is listed as "Longport" in their records. This site is a
tidal salt marsh island near the mouth of the Great Egg Harbor Inlet with some sand beach
habitat along the southern portion of the Island. The boundary was drawn to include summer
nesting habitat for several bird species and also critical migratory bird stopover (feeding and
resting) habitat. This site is among the top-20 migratory bird concentration sites in the nation.
The site contains a globally rare State-endangered bird species and several other State-imperiled
bird species and is among the top-20 migratory bird concentration sites in the nation.
CAFRA Critical Wildlife Habitat Bank
Approved by the NJDEP in November 2016, Magnolia's Critical Wildlife Habitat (CWH)
Mitigation Bank contains approximately 207.32 acres. The Mitigation Site is composed of a
mostly forested wetlands upland mosaic. The mitigation bank links existing conservation areas
in the CAFRA zone and creates forested natural resource corridor between Riverbed Park, an
unnamed state-owned conservation area, and the Egg Harbor Township Nature Reserve. The
conservation site also supports habitat for several state-listed species of concern including wood
thrush, great blue heron, worm-eating warbler, barred owl, and several woodpecker species, per
the New Jersey Landscape Project database. The Project is located at latitude 39.366411 N and
longitude -74.683641 W (approximate center point) in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County,
New Jersey. See Figure N in the Appendix of this report for a location map of the mitigation
site.
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8.0 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Great Egg Harbour got its name from explorer Cornelius Jacobsen Mey. During the Dutch
desires for settlement and expansion in the "New World" in 1614, Mey came upon the inlet to
this river. The meadows were so covered with shorebird and waterfowl eggs that he called it
"Eyren Haven" (Egg Harbor).
Great Egg Harbor was originally part of Gloucester County. In 1694 a law was passed that read
"forasmuch as there are families settled upon the Egg Harbor, and of right ought to be under
some jurisdiction, be it enacted by the authority aforesaid that the inhabitants of the said Egg
Harbor shall and do belong to the jurisdiction of Gloucester." Previously Cape May County
seems to have exercised some control over Egg Harbor for in 1693 John Somers of Great Egg
Harbor was appointed by their Court to "keep a ferry across the Great Egg Harbour for Hors and
Kattle."
In 1710, by an Act of the Legislature, legal boundaries of Gloucester County were set and it
covered the area from the Delaware River, along the Burlington County line to the sea and back
up the Great Egg Harbor River to the Delaware River. At that time Great Egg Harbor
encompassed all that we know as Atlantic County today. In 1837 Atlantic County was set apart
from Gloucester County and the Townships were: Egg Harbor, Weymouth, Hamilton and
Galloway.
Egg Harbor Township, as it remains today, encompasses 41,600 acres. It includes the villages of
Bargaintown (the seat of government), English Creek, Scullville, Steelmanville, McKee City,
Cardiff, Farmington and West Atlantic City.
Some of the earliest families that settled the area were the Scull, Steelman, Blackman, English,
Lake, Ireland, Smith, Somers, Jeffrey, Frambes, and Van Sant's. They were millers, shipbuilders,
farmers, seamen, and tavern keepers.
New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places
The following sites are listed in the NJDEP Historic Preservation Office's list of New Jersey and
National Registers of Historic Places, last updated March 17, 2020:
Camden and Atlantic Railroad Historic District (ID #3862)
Railroad right-of-way from Pennsauken and Camden to Atlantic City
SHPO Opinion: 9/17/2001
COE: 10/25/2012
Cannon Court Roadside Cabins (ID #4331)
6124 Black Horse Pike
SHPO Opinion: 9/28/2004
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Garden State Parkway Historic District (ID #3874)
Entire Garden State Parkway right-of-way
SHPO Opinion: 10/21/2001
Captain John Jeffries Burial Marker (ID #414)
Palestine Bible Church Cemetery, County Route 559
National Register: 6/14/1984 (NR Reference # 84002511)
State Register: 5/1/1984
Lakes Creek Prehistoric Site (28-At-96) (ID #413)
SHPO Opinion: 5/6/1992
Morris Beach Historic District (ID #5624)
Bounded by Great Egg Harbor Bay to the southwest, Block 9306, Lots 8 & 9 to the southeast,
Block 9302, Lot 1 to the northeast and Block 9101, Lot 36, Block 9312, Lots 1 & 2 to the
northwest
SHPO Opinion: 4/9/2018
Andrew B. Scull House (ID #4722)
1647 Mays Landing-Somers Point Road (CR 559)
SHPO Opinion: 5/15/2007
Studebaker Showroom (ID #310)
North West Corner Verona and Toulon Avenues
SHPO Opinion: 12/18/1995
West Jersey and Atlantic Railroad Historic District (ID #2938)
Mays Landing, Hamilton Township to Pleasantville City, Atlantic County
SHPO Opinion: 8/28/1996
The map in the Appendix, Figure O, shows the location of the historic districts within the
Township. Historic Districts possess a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of
buildings, sites, structures, or objects united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical
development. This map layer, created by the NJDEP, represents the polygon boundaries of
historic districts that:
1. Are National Historic Landmarks,
2. Are included in the New Jersey or National Registers of Historic Places,
3. Have been determined Eligible for inclusion in the registers through federal or state
processes administered by the HPO,
4. Have been designated as Local Historic Districts by local government, or
5. Have been identified through cultural resource survey or other documentation on file
at the HPO.
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The majority of features in the dataset represent categories 1, 2, and 3 above. HPO is still in the
process of comprehensive digitizing for categories 4 and 5. Inclusion in this dataset does not
preclude the existence of other historic districts as yet unidentified, unrecorded, or
undocumented.
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9.0 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
The Egg Harbor Township Department of Parks and Recreation sponsors activities such as
soccer, fencing, dance, football, flag football, tennis, karate, basketball, arts and crafts, street
hockey, wrestling, swimming, and aquatics. The Township owns twelve (12) facilities
throughout the Township including Veteran's Memorial Park/Castle Park, Childs-Kirk Memorial
Park, Delilah Oaks Park, M.K. Betterment Park, Oakland/Tremont Park, EHT Nature Preserve &
Arboretum, Tony Canale Park, Shires Park, Ridge Avenue Ready-to-Ride Facility, Tilton Road
Center, Temple Tract. Tony Canale Park, Childs-Kirk Park, M.K. Betterment Park, and Spruce
& Ninth Avenues are being targeted for expansion. The current inventory of parks and facilities
at each park is listed in Table 14.
Table 14
Open Space Facilities Throughout the Township
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey
Location
Amphitheater
Boating
BMX Track
Court (Basketball)
Courts (Pickle ball)
Courts (Tennis)
Court (Volleyball)
Court (Wallball)
Field (Baseball/Softball)
Fields (Soccer/Football)
Fishing
Fields (Unprogrammed)
Parking Spaces
(Dedicated)
Pedestrian Paths
Playground
Refreshment
Restrooms
Seating
Street Hockey Court
Swimming
Walking Trails
Water Sports
Veterans Memorial
Park/Castle Park
1
1
11
5
2
2
3
Childs-Kirk Memorial Park
7
1
1
1
Delilah Oaks Park
1
3
1
1
Oakland/Tremont Park
1
Tony Canale/Pine Oak Park
1
1
4
3
1
4
1
1
Shires Park
1
1
1
1
Bargaintown Park
1
5
1
2
1
Egg Harbor Township
Nature Reserve
1
1
MK Betterment
1
1
Total
1
1
6
3
11
4
21
13
1
6
4
3
1
1
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Egg Harbor Township’s recreation and open space amenities extend beyond what is listed on the
Recreation and Open Space Inventory. Both public and private landowners provide recreation
options and conservation holdings in the Township, and these holdings have grown throughout
the twenty-first century as open space funding became available and residents grew concerned
with the pace of development in the Township. The 2007 Livable Communities Plan identified
6,356 acres of open space in Egg Harbor Township divided amongst the Township, nonprofits,
Atlantic County, and other institutions. These totals were reexamined and updated as part of this
element and are described in Table 15 below:
Table 15
Parks and Open Space Throughout the Township
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey
(2007-2016)
Owner
Name
Acreage
(2007)
Acreage
(2016)
Percent
Change
Egg Harbor Township
ROSI
569
592.7
+ 4.1%
Egg Harbor Township
Non-ROSI Parks/Open Space
---
TBD
Egg Harbor Township Board of Education
Schools Property
263
343.53
+ 30.6%
Atlantic County
1,774
2,221.3
+ 25.2%
Golf Courses (excl. Green Tree)
1,889
1,889
+ 0%
NJDEP
Natural Lands Trust
168
211.96
+ 26.1%
NJDEP
Division of Fish, Game, and
Wildlife
1,486
2,591.37
+ 74.4%
Private Open Space
64
412.3
+ 544%
Total
6,356
8,262.16
+ 30%
A total list of the current Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI) from the NJDEP is
included as Figure P in the Appendix of this document. Figure Q in the Appendix in this report
was created using the New Jersey Open Space dataset containing Green Acres encumbered and
unencumbered protected open space and recreation areas. The Green Acres encumbered lands
are owned in fee simple interest by either the state, county, municipality, or a nonprofit agency
and have either received funding through the Green Acres State or Local Assistance Program or
are listed on a Green Acres approved Recreation and Open Space Inventory (ROSI). The
unencumbered open space lands do not fall under Green Acres rules and regulations and
therefore have a lesser level of protection. Types of open space property in this data layer include
parks, conservation areas, preserves, historic sites, recreational fields, beaches, etc. The data was
derived from a variety of mapped sources which vary in scale and level of accuracy. These
sources are inclusive of but not exclusive of tax maps, surveys, deeds, digital aerial photography,
as well as USGS topographic maps.
Egg Harbor Township Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for operating the
Township’s open spaces. In addition to parks and open space areas, the department also hosts
fitness, youth, and adult activities.
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The following section details and inventories properties operated and maintained by Egg Harbor
Township Parks & Recreation Department:
Egg Harbor Township Community Center
Located at 5045 English Creek Avenue, the Community Center was constructed in 2008. The
center is located on a 17.18-acre site. The Community Center has: basketball courts, classrooms,
conference/meeting rooms, fitness rooms, a gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms, a kitchen, a
pickleball court and a playground area. The multi-purpose room is leased to Atlantic County for
its Senior Nutrition Program. A wing of the building is leased to Cygnus Creative Art Centre,
which serves as the Township’s Local Arts Agency.
Veterans Memorial Park
Veterans Memorial Park is located at 2153 Ocean Heights Avenue on 40 acres. This park is
home to the EHT Youth Organization, EHT Bicycle Moto-Cross Association, the EHT Baseball
Association and the EHT Street Hockey Association. Veterans Memorial Park has the following
facilities:
Four football fields– Three (3) lighted
Practice field – lighted
Tennis courts (closed)
Three street hockey courts– lighted
Eleven baseball fields– Two (2) lighted – Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken Fields
Bicycle moto-cross track – Lighted
Two playground areas – home of “Castle Park”
Two refreshment stands
Two bathrooms
The Egg Harbor Township Community Playground, Inc., was a non-profit group organized in
1992 to develop a community playground. This group designed and constructed a playground -
Castle Park - adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park off of Ocean Heights Avenue. This
playground is unique not only because of its design, but also because of the sense of community
fostered in the volunteers involved in this planning effort.
Childs-Kirk Memorial Park
Located at 31 Idlewood Avenue on 15 acres, the park is home to the EHT Softball Association.
Childs-Kirk Park contains the following facilities:
Soccer field
Seven softball fields– Two (2) lighted
Playground area
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Refreshment stand
Bathrooms
Walking path
Delilah Oaks Park
Located on 5.61 acres on Kent Drive, the park contains the following facilities:
Multi-purpose athletic field
Basketball court
Tennis court
Pickleball courts (3)
Oakland and Tremont Avenues Park
Located at the southeast corner of Oakland and Tremont avenues, the park comprises 0.75 acres
and contains a basketball court.
Tony Canale Park
Located at Sycamore near Dogwood Avenue, this park contains 35 acres and houses the
following facilities:
Baseball/softball field
Four soccer fields– One lighted
Three volleyball courts
Four tennis courts
Four multipurpose fields
Playground area
Amphitheater - home of Rhythm in the Park Concert Series and Under the Stars Outdoor
Movies
Bathrooms
An expansion of Canale Park to add a youth football facility is being planned.
Shires Park
Located south of the Home Depot and west of the English Creek Shopping Center on 6.47 acres,
the park contains the following facilities:
Baseball/softball field
Basketball court
Walking track
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Bargaintown Park
Located at 300 Delaware Avenue on 23.74 acres, it contains the following facilities:
Two soccer fields
Adult Baseball field – lighted
Five tennis courts
Basketball court
Playground area
Egg Harbor Nature Reserve & Arboretum
The Nature Reserve covers approximately 220 acres and is comprised of three components: an
environmental learning center (14 acres) which offers multiple habitats including wooded areas,
wetlands, and meadows; a 45-acre man-made lake with 35 acres of uplands; and 125 acres of
woodlands. The diversity in habitat provides for a bevy of plants and animals. A parking lot is
located at 318 Zion Road and access is also provided via the environmental learning center. The
passive park offers many activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Motorized
vehicles and motorized boats are prohibited. Future plans to the Nature Reserve is to provide an
observation deck, gazebo, and ADA-compliant accessibility. Picnic tables, benches, and
informative signs will be placed throughout the Reserve to make it more user-friendly.
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10.0 LAND USE AND ZONING
As noted, Figure A of this report includes a 2017 aerial photograph of the Township in which the
primary land uses, developed and undeveloped, are depicted. The densely vegetated expanses of
the conservation areas can clearly be seen along with the tidal marshes of Great Egg Harbor Bay,
Patcong Creek, Great Egg Harbor River, and its tributaries.
Large scale, commercial uses are evident as are the linear development patterns along major
roadways in the Township, inclusive of US Route 322/40, Fire Road, Tilton Road, Ocean
Heights Avenue, and English Creek Road. For the most part, single-family, detached residential
uses, at various densities, institutional uses, in the form of elementary schools, several developed
park sites and vacant lands comprise the majority of the remaining "infill" areas within the
Township.
From a broad quantitative perspective, Table 16 details the following categories of land uses
currently comprise the Township's land base, listed by acreage and as a percentage of the overall
community's land area. This data has been compiled utilizing current MOD4 tax assessment data,
and should be seen as a broad measure of current uses across the Township. (See Figure R in the
Appendix at the end of this report for the Land Use Map.)
Table 16
Land Use
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey
Land Use
Acreage in Township
% of Total Area in
Township
Agricultural
6,328.66 acres
13.10%
Commercial
4,106.04 acres
8.49%
Conservation
12,909.18 acres
26.70%
Industrial
5,848.29 acres
12.10%
Park
190.34 acres
0.39%
Residential
18,960.25 acres
39.22%
Egg Harbor Township is situated within the Pinelands Management Areas and the CAFRA
Planning Areas. Any development or activity is regulated by either the Pinelands Commission
or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This includes any construction or
any associated land disturbance
The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is an independent state agency whose stated mission is to
"preserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands National
Reserve, and to encourage compatible economic and other human activities consistent with that
purpose."
To accomplish its mission, the Commission implements a comprehensive plan that guides land
use, development and natural resource protection programs in the 938,000-acre Pinelands Area
of southern New Jersey. The New Jersey Pinelands Commission protects the Pinelands through
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its implementation of the Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). The CMP contains the rules
that guide land-use, development and natural resource protection programs in the state Pinelands
Area.
The Pinelands Protection Act requires that all municipalities and counties with land in the
Pinelands Area revise their master plan and land use ordinances to implement the objectives and
standards of the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). The Township of Egg
Harbor is one of the 53 municipalities and all seven Pinelands counties certified as being in
conformance with the CMP. The Township's conformance process is ongoing, as all
amendments to municipal master plans and land use ordinances affecting the Pinelands Area
must be reviewed and approved by the Commission before they can take effect.
As part of the Pinelands regulations, the Pinelands Development Credit (PDC) Program impacts
the Township's zoning in the Pinelands Area. This program is a regional transfer of development
rights that preserves important agricultural and ecological land. PDCs are allocated by the
Commission to landowners in the Pineland's Preservation Area District, Special Agricultural
Production Area and Agricultural Production Area, which are the sending areas. These credits
can be purchased by property owners and developers who are interested in developing land in
Pinelands Regional Growth Areas, which serve as the receiving areas. Typically, PDCs are used
to increase residential densities in Regional Growth Areas. A portion of the Township is a
designated Regional Growth Area. PDCs may also be used in association with municipal
variances in Regional Growth Areas, as well as for waivers of strict compliance approved by the
Commission in any Pinelands management area. Once PDCs are "severed" from a sending area
property, that property is permanently protected by a conservation or agricultural deed
restriction. The credits associated with that property can then be sold. Credits are bought and
sold in one-quarter credit units called "rights."
The Coastal Area Facility Review Act of 1973 (CAFRA) established the CAFRA zone, as the
bounds of CAFRA regulation. Certain activities undertaken within the CAFRA zone are
regulated by the Division of Land Use Regulation. For a detailed description of activities
requiring a permit within the CAFRA zone, as well as activities that are not regulated within
the CAFRA zone, please refer to the Coastal Zone Management rules at N.J.A.C. 7:7.
Figure S in the Appendix of this report is a map of the Pinelands Management Areas and the
CAFRA Planning Areas.
The Zoning Map (Figure T) shows all of the zoning districts located in Egg Harbor Township.
Descriptions of each zoning district are described in Table 17 below. The geographic description
of each zoning district is listed below the table.
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Table 17
Municipal Zoning
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey
Zone
Description
Use
Min. Lot
Area
Min.
Lot
Area*
Min.
Density
Max.
Density
Total
Acres in
Twp.
CB
Community Business
Commercial
60,000 sf
-
-
-
88.58
CRW
Conservation Recreational Wetlands
Conservation
5 acres
-
-
-
12909.18
GC
General Commercial
Commercial
40,000 sf
-
-
-
854.67
HB
Highway Business
Commercial
80,000 sf
-
-
-
899.37
M-1
Light Industrial
Industrial
2 acres
-
-
-
5736.09
MC
Marine Commercial
Commercial
5 acres
-
-
-
249.67
NB
Neighborhood Business
Commercial
40,000 sf
-
-
-
691.11
PO-1
Professional Offices
Commercial
2.5 acres
-
-
-
375.83
R-1
Residential
Residential
40,000 sf
-
-
-
4011.54
R-2
Low Density Single-Family Residential
Residential
30,000 sf
-
-
-
1297.24
R-3
Residential Single-Family Detached
Residential
15,000 sf
-
-
-
1492.81
R-4
Residential
Residential
10,000 sf
-
-
-
128.04
R-5
Residential
Residential
6,000 sf
-
-
-
147.09
R-5 (APT)
Apt. Residential
Residential
6,000 sf
-
-
-
457.79
R-6
Residential
Residential
5,000 sf
-
-
-
47.19
R-I
Restricted Industrial
Industrial
2 acres
-
-
-
112.21
RA
Rural Agriculture
Agricultural
100,000 sf
-
-
-
6328.66
RCD
Regional Commercial Development District
Commercial
3 acres
-
-
-
892.24
RG-1
Residential Single-Family Detached*
Residential
30,000 sf
17,200 sf
1.00
1.50
4977.31
RG-2
Residential Growth*
Residential
16,000 sf
10,000 sf
2.00
3.00
4322.76
RG-3
Residential Growth*
Residential
10,000 sf
5,500 sf
3.00
4.50
499.25
RG-4
Residential Growth*
Residential
7,000 sf
3,500 sf
4.00
6.00
827.51
RG-5
Residential Growth*
Residential
6,500 sf
2,800 sf
5.00
7.50
751.72
RP
Recreational Park
Park
175 acres
-
-
-
190.34
SHD
Special Highway District
Commercial
80,000 sf
-
-
-
54.57
Sources: Atlantic County Office of GIS
Information was last revised on 2/15/2010
Numbers may not total to 100% due to rounding or assessment discrepancies
*Lot sizes may be reduced with the purchase of Pinelands Development Credits
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 54
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Residential - Non-Pinelands
RA: The Rural Agriculture District is located within the western portion of the
Township, between Somers Point-Mays Landing Road and Ocean Heights
Avenue and the adjacent Hamilton Township municipal boundary.
R-1: This Residential Zone is located to the east of the RA district, between Ocean
Heights Avenue and Mays Landing-Somers Point Road.
R-2: This Residential Zone is located toward the eastern portion of the Township, and
is generally between Robert Best Road and Steelmanville Road, south of Ocean
Heights Avenue.
R-3: This Residential Zone is located along Zion Road and Robert Best Road.
R-4: This Residential Zone is located in the eastern portion of the Township, adjacent
to the City of Northfield.
R-5: This Residential Zone is located in West Atlantic City along the Black Horse
Pike.
R-5 APT: This Residential Zone is located in West Atlantic City among the Bayport
Townhomes.
R-6: This Residential Zone is bordered by environmentally sensitive areas in the CRW
district. The developments known as Anchorage Point and Seaview Harbor are
located within this district.
Residential - Pinelands
The existing Land Use Plan provides for five (5) categories of residential uses within the
Pinelands Regional Growth Area of the Township. These residential zoning districts permit a
range of densities and housing types and encourage clustering as a means of preserving open
space. Access to public sewerage is a necessary prerequisite for cluster development and for
conventional development on lots less than one (1.0) acre in size. No increase in density above
the maximum stated within each respective district is to be permitted.
Establishment of the residential districts is based on both the Township’s desire to locate the
majority of the Pinelands-induced growth in areas where infrastructure and services are either
available or planned, the maintenance of existing neighborhoods and the widely recognized need
to protect sensitive environment areas. Single-family residential development, which is to be
served by conventional septic systems, shall conform to the CMP requirement for minimum lot
area of three and two-tenths (3.2) acres. The densities and minimum lot sizes outlined herein for
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 55
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each respective zone presume public sewerage availability. The Pinelands Development Credit
(PDC) Program impacts permitted densities as indicated in Table 16.
RG-1: This district is the most distant from any existing and /or proposed public
sewerage facilities and is located in the southwest corner of the Regional Growth
Area. The primary intent of this district is to encourage the development of
detached single-family dwelling units at low densities.
RG-2: The intent in designating this district is to maintain the low-density single-family
character of this area and protect environmentally sensitive lands. This district is
generally conterminous with the Garden State Parkway, the Black Horse Pike,
and Mill Road.
RG-3: In keeping with the development type recommended for the RG-1 and RG-2
districts, single-family detached dwellings at a density of 3 DU/Acre on lots of at
least ten thousand square feet (10,000 SF) are required for this district. Purchase
of PDCs enable an increase in densities.
RG-4: The location of the RG-4 district is intended to incorporate similar land uses and
provide a transition between differing densities. This district is recommended for
residential development at 4 Dwelling Units (DU)/Acre and 6 DU/Acre with
PDCs.
RG-5: This district is divided into two areas. The first portion of this district is located
along English Creek Avenue and Delilah Road, and the second section is located
along the Garden State Parkway and Wescoat Road.
AH-RG-4: Permitted principal uses of the Affordable Housing Residential Zone district are
inclusionary housing developments, in conformance with the conditions of the
settlement agreement between English Creek Manor and the Township of Egg
Harbor, consisting of a mix of the following: Single-family detached dwellings,
flats are permitted to be integrated into the buildings containing the single-family
affordable dwelling units. In addition, public parks, playgrounds, and active and
passive recreation, and single-family attached dwellings are permitted uses in this
zoning district.
AHO-A: The Planning Board has adopted a housing element and fair share plan element of
the Master Plan that recommends that this area be utilized for one-hundred-
percent affordable housing. The Purpose of the Affordable Housing Overlay Zone
A (AHO-A) is to establish an option to develop an industrial zoned area into a
one-hundred-percent affordable housing development when said uses can be
adequately serviced by the sanitary sewer system. Permitted principal uses in this
district include one-hundred-percent affordable multifamily attached housing
developments.
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 56
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AHO-B: The Planning Board has adopted a housing element and fair share plan element of
the Master Plan that recommends that this area be utilized for one-hundred-
percent affordable housing. The Purpose of the Affordable Housing Overlay Zone
B (AHO-B) is to establish an option to develop a commercial zoned area into a
one-hundred-percent affordable housing development when said uses can be
adequately serviced by the sanitary sewer system. Permitted principal uses in this
district include one-hundred-percent affordable multifamily attached housing
developments.
Commercial, Business & Recreation Districts
HB: Highway Business. In view of the demand for services anticipated by realization
of the Pineland’s mandated housing, provisions should be made to expand the
Township’s commercial and retail services. One of the primary objectives of the
commercial districts is to provide convenient shopping and service areas for
existing and developing residential areas. The most extensive of these zones is
the Highway Business (HB) district, which roughly parallels both sides of the
Black Horse Pike.
NB & CB: The Neighborhood Business (NB) and Community Business (CB) Zones both
permit essentially the same principal uses; however, the CB district requires a
larger minimum lot size and is intended to service a larger geographic area. The
NB district also permits the use of various commercial recreation facilities,
whereas the CB district does not. These commercial zones are relatively compact
and have become established in certain locations where traffic generation and
development have created a need for the services these zones provide. Expansion
of these commercial nodes is limited to maintain existing neighborhood character,
while simultaneously accommodating the growing need for these services.
RCD: The Regional Commercial Development district is located toward the Eastern
portion of the Township, between Washington Avenue and Mill Road. The
minimum lot size required for development in the RCD district are three (3) acres.
MC: The intent and purpose of the Marine Commercial Zone is to provide and
encourage the development of waterfront facilities for recreational purposes and
thereby provide for public access to the vast Egg Harbor waterfront area. The
district is not to be construed nor is it intended to include year-round occupied
residential facilities as permitted uses. Recommended uses permitted in the
district include new and used boat sales, marinas, buildings for the storage, repair
and construction of boats, but excluding boats designed and/or used as permanent
residential facilities, marine supply shops, and PWTF not to exceed 120 feet in
height.
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 57
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GC: The General Commercial district is located between Delilah Road and the
Atlantic City Expressway.
PO-1: The Professional Office district is generally bisected by English Creek Avenue,
and is intended as a means for providing land for a variety of business and limited
industrial and commercial uses, while not impacting an area with an inappropriate
volume of truck traffic. In order to create a campus-type environment within the
PO-1 district, generous setbacks for both parking areas and buildings, and
preservation of wooded areas are encouraged.
RP: The Recreational Park district is located along Ocean Heights Avenue. The
former Pinelands Park Landfill is located directly across from the existing R-I
district and is now contained in the Recreation Park (RP) zone. The landfill was
closed in August 1990. The landfill closure was certified in 1999 and the site is
currently known as McCullough's Emerald Golf Links, an 18-hole golf course.
Permitted uses in this district include golf courses, commercial recreation,
municipal parks, playgrounds and other such municipal buildings and uses as are
deemed appropriate and necessary by the Township Committee, and PWTF not to
exceed 120 feet in height.
CRW: The Conservation-Recreation-Wetland district is located along the Great Egg
Harbor River and the Southeastern portion of the Township. The CRW district
permits farming and agricultural operations, single-family dwellings, churches
and other similar places of worship, golf courses, stables and horse farms, private
schools, museums, nonprofit clubs, fraternal organizations and volunteer
independent fire companies, rescue squads and first-aid squads, and marinas.
SHD: The Special Highway Development district is located along the Black Horse Pike
in West Atlantic City.
ASO: The Auto Services Overlay district is located along Zion Road within the R-1
district. Permitted uses in this district include auto body and auto repair,
including engine, brake and transmission repairs, which do not sell gasoline,
wholesale and retail sales of automobiles and auto parts displayed out of doors in
accordance with a site plan approved by the Planning Board, and PWTF and
Personal Wireless Telecommunications Equipment Facility (PWTEF).
Industrial
The Township’s zoning ordinance identifies two (2) industrial districts distinguishable by the
relative intensity and class of use permitted. The existing Light Industrial (M-1) district permits
various uses in addition to the uses allowed in the more stringent Restricted Industrial (R-I) zone.
M-1: The M-1 Industrial district is located North of the Atlantic City Expressway and
adjacent to the FAATC facility, and the area east of Fire Road adjacent to
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Northfield are designated as Light Industrial (LI). The M-1 district adjacent to
Washington Avenue and the area south of the Black Horse Pike adjacent to
Pleasantville are also designated Light Industrial (LI).
R-I: The R-I district bisected by Ocean Heights Avenue between Zion Road and
Steelmanville Road contains several industrial uses.
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 59
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11.0 INFRASTRUCTURE
Roadways / Transportation
A number of multi-modal transportation facilities serve the Township of Egg Harbor and include
the following:
Highways:
Garden State Parkway
Atlantic City Expressway
Black Horse Pike (U.S. Route 322/40)
County Routes :
559 - Somers Point-Mays Landing Road
559-Alt - Ocean Heights Avenue
563 - Tilton Road / Northfield-Margate Boulevard
575 / 603 / 604 - English Creek Avenue
608 - Washington Avenue
615 - Zion Road
629 - J.F.K. Memorial Bridge (County Owned Bridge)
646 - Delilah Road
651- Steelmanville Road / Fire Road / Jeffers Landing Road / Bargaintown
Road
661 - Central Avenue
662 - Mill Road
663 - California Avenue
684 - Spruce Avenue
685 - Wescoat Road
687 - Old Egg Harbor Road
Commercial Airline Services:
Atlantic City International Airport
Fixed route transit service provided by New Jersey Transit Corporation
The above noted roadways provide vehicular access to the South Jersey region and surrounding
Atlantic County communities. The noted County roads generally provide circulation needs
throughout the region. Bus facilities also provide these vital services and routes needed by
commuters, which in turn contribute in a positive manner to a higher quality of life. The Atlantic
City International Airport provides air transportation for the area, an alternative to the region's
other international airports, Philadelphia or Newark. Figure U of this report displays the
roadway network including local roads, county routes and major highways which traverse Egg
Harbor Township.
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 60
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Public Transportation / Alternate Modes
The English Creek-Tilton Road Community Shuttle, a deviated fixed-route service, serving the
general public through Egg Harbor Township and the City of Northfield. The English Creek-
Tilton Road Community Shuttle is a partnership between The County of Atlantic, the Pascale
Sykes Foundation, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, Atlantic Cape Family Support
Organization, NJ TRANSIT and Cross County Connection Transportation Management
Association.
The Atlantic County Park System maintains the 7.56 mile bike and pedestrian path running
between Harbor Square (formerly Shore Mall) in Egg Harbor Township and the Atlantic County
Institute of Technology in Hamilton Township. A traffic signal with pedestrian activation for
safe crossings is located at English Creek Avenue.
The bike path has three trail head parking areas, located at the Harbor Square, the Atlantic
County Institute of Technology, and at English Creek Avenue. Location maps are placed at the
three trail heads with approximate distances along the path. Additional signage provides
information on Pinelands plants and animals and the history of the Pennsylvania Reading
Seashore rail line.
Potable Water / Sanitary Sewer System
The availability of potable water and sanitary sewer infrastructure allows land development to
occur at greater intensities than with individual water supply wells and the utilization of on-site
wastewater disposal systems.
A portion of Egg Harbor Township is within the service area of New Jersey American Water
Company, the largest water service provider in the state, serving approximately 2.7 million
people in 192 communities. Areas which do not have public water service utilize individual
water supply wells.
The Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP), and the NJDEP CAFRA regulations,
as well as the Township's current zoning ordinance, allows the extension and use of public water
systems and sanitary sewer infrastructure within the Township's Regional Growth Areas in order
to accommodate both higher housing densities, as well as a variety of commercial and
institutional uses while meeting the stringent groundwater quality standards required by the
CMP.
The Township's current sewer infrastructure system generally serves much of the designated
Regional Growth Area and the areas within the Suburban and Metropolitan CAFRA Planning
Areas. The Egg Harbor Township Municipal Utilities Authority (EHTMUA) serves
approximately 13,600 residential customers and 600 commercial properties in the Township.
The EHTMUA maintains and operates 52 sanitary sewer pump stations and about 22 miles of
sanitary sewer mains in the Township. The sanitary sewer system discharges to the Atlantic
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 61
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County Utilities Authority City Island Plant for treatment.
Areas outside of the NJDEP sewer service area are serviced by onsite individual septic systems
regulated by the Atlantic County Department of Health, with additional regulations by the
Pinelands Commission for any areas within the Pinelands Management Areas.
The provision of sewer infrastructure alleviates concern over groundwater pollution caused by
septic systems which have individually malfunctioned or which are situated too close to a
proximity to function effectively in disposing sanitary wastewater effluent.
Figure V of this report displays the current extent of the sanitary sewer service area within the
Township, and Figure S displays the sewer service area in relation to the Pinelands Management
Areas and the CAFRA Planning Areas.
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 62
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12.0 KNOWN CONTAMINATED SITES
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection maintains a list of Known
Contaminated Sites where contamination has either been identified or is suspected in the soil,
surface water or groundwater. Sites are ranked with a remedial level of increasing severity and
complexity from B, C1, C2, C3 or D. Code D sites are usually designated as a Superfund site by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
As noted on Table 18, there are 29 known contaminated sites in Egg Harbor Township. See
Known Contaminated Sites Map, Appendix W, for locations of contaminated sites and areas of
groundwater contamination. It should be noted that GIS maps of contaminated sites are stored as
points having no area. A particular point may represent a GPS position fix or a more appropriate
estimate of the location based on a GIS interpolation of the site's street address against an
address range for a particular city block (i.e. an address match). Therefore, GIS site locations
may not represent the precise area of the actual contaminated soil, ground water etc., but rather
the approximate location of the property where the contamination occurred.
Table 18
Known Contaminated Sites
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey
Site ID
Name
Address
Lead
Agency*
Status
Remedial
Level
15865
177 Fighter Wing NJANG
400 Langley Road
EPA
Active
C3
647342
179 Steelmanville Road
179 Steelmanville Road
UHOT
Active
C1
122669
2043 Ocean Heights Avenue
2043 Ocean Heights Avenue
LSRP
Active
C2
13088
617 Corporation
2534 Saw Mill Road
LSRP
Active
C2
459713
7016 Black Horse Pike
7016 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
12523
AE Stone Incorporated
1435 Doughty Road
LSRP
Active
B
12684
Airport Circle Sunoco
6501 Delilah Road
LSRP
Active
C2
15571
Atlantic City Gas
8006 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
225300
Atlantic City Naval Air Station
Tilton Road
EPA
Active
D
15742
Atlantic County Utilities
Authority Fuel Island
6700 Delilah Road
LSRP
Active
B
125589
Avalon Carpet Tile & Flooring
3157 Fire Road
LSRP
Active-
RAP
C2
3018
Bennett Chevrolet Inc.
6721 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
64373
Delancy Avenue Ground Water
Contamination
Delancy Avenue
Publicly
Funded
Active
C3
65427
Delilah Oaks Ground Water
Contamination
Delilah Road & Kingsley
Drive
Publicly
Funded
Active-
RAP
C3
56345
Deltona Discount Tires
Incorporated
6700 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
125798
Dino's Deli & Subs
402 Zion Road
LSRP
Active
C2
64181
Egg Harbor Township Ground
Water Contamination
Zion Road & Robert Best
Road
Pub Funded
Active
C3
27953
FAA William J. Hughes
Technical Center
Tilton Road
EPA
Active
D
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 63
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Table 18 (cont.)
Known Contaminated Sites
Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey
Site ID
Name
Address
Lead
Agency*
Status
Remedial
Level
64161
Farmington II Ground Water
Contamination
Doughty Road & Fire Road &
Spruce Avenue
Publicly
Funded
Active
C3
12688
Getty #00673
6710 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
65507
Ivins Ave. & Madison Ave.
Ground Water Contamination
Ivins Avenue & Madison
Avenue
Publicly
Funded
Active
C3
459755
Joseph D'Amore Estate
48 S. Mount Airy Road
LSRP
Active
C1
12718
Lukoil 57201
6752 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
12708
Lukoil 57725
6101 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
12720
Mobil #57290
Black Horse Pike & Tilton
Road
LSRP
Active
C2
12695
Tilton Road Sunoco
6801 Tilton Road
LSRP
Active
C2
52177
Universal Aluminum Extrusion
Corporation
5 Canale Drive
EPA
Active
C2
35497
Weed's Texaco
6223 Black Horse Pike
LSRP
Active
C2
74360
Zion Road Ground Water
Contamination
Various Locations
Publicly
Funded
Active
C3
LSRP - Case under Licensed Site Remediation Professional Program
EPA - Traditional Department oversight is maintained for CERCLA sites where EPA is the lead agency
and at Federal Facilities under Federal agreements. Traditional oversight is also applicable at CERCLA
sites where the Department is the lead agency. All traditional oversight cases are handled by the Bureau of
Case Management (BCM).
PUBLICLY FUNDED - NJDEP Publicly Funded case. Sites where targeted remediation is undertaken by
the Department's Publicly Funded Element for situations where the responsible entity is unknown,
unwilling or unable to perform the necessary remediation to ensure that the health and safety of the public
and/or the environment are not jeopardized
UHOT - Unregulated Heating Oil Tank Program
RAP - Remedial Action Permit - Case falls under auspices of the Bureau of Remedial Action Permits, with
biennial certification required
The Known Contaminated Sites Map, Figure W in the Appendix of this report, shows the
Currently Known Extent of Groundwater Contamination Areas. The NJDEP has listed seven (7)
areas within Egg Harbor Township which contain known areas of groundwater contamination.
CKEs are geographically defined areas within which the local ground water resources are known
to be compromised because the water quality exceeds drinking water and ground water quality
standards for specific contaminants. Historically, a number of the CKEs have also been
identified as Well Restriction Areas (WRAs). The regulatory authority for developing CKEs is in
N.J.A.C. 7:1J, entitled Processing of Damage Claims Pursuant to the Spill Compensation and
Control Act. CKEs are used by NJDEP staff, water purveyors, and local officials to make
decisions concerning appropriate treatment and/or replacement of contaminated drinking water
supplies. The CKE areas, as shown, are intended to provide information to the public about
contaminated ground water areas in the state. Unless precautionary measures are taken to protect
potable users, well installation should be avoided. This information is being made available so
informed decisions can be made on well location, design, or treatment before wells are proposed,
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 64
Polistina & Associates
permitted, and installed. The Department is currently engaged in the reassessment and
investigation of existing CKEs; however, it is important to note that CKEs are approximations of
the actual aerial extent of ground water contamination and the boundaries presented here may
change over time as new information is developed and plume migration occurs.
At this time, the records of the CKEs in this database may include a list of the specific ground
water contaminants where available. Also, it should be noted that CKE areas might overlap with
other CKEs and Classification Exception Areas (CEAs). Revisions and additions will be used to
update the CKE database as new information is received and processed. The CKE area will
usually follow the property boundary lines of all the contiguous properties with contaminated
wells when the wells are within 1,000 feet of each other. However, on properties larger than 3.5
acres the boundary of the CKE may be based on the location of the contaminated well and may
not encompass the entire property. Also, in some areas contaminated wells may have been
detected in proximity to an established CKE but have not been included within the boundary of
the CKE because the well is outside the 1,000 foot radius.
Egg Harbor Township Natural Resources Inventory 65
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13.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. New Jersey GIS, Open Data, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
2. Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil Survey, prepared by the US Department of
Agriculture, Web Soil Survey Service, updated March 31, 2020.
3. Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map, Egg Harbor
Township, Atlantic County.
4. New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places, March 19, 2020, Office of New
Jersey Heritage, Division of Parks and Forestry.
5. Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan, prepared by State of New Jersey Pinelands
Commission, updated November 19, 2018.
6. Vegetation Geography of the Pine Barrens, by Jack McCormick, published by the New
Jersey State Museum, 1973.
7. Zoning Code, Chapter 225,Township of Egg Harbor.