Source: https://ecode360.com/27202306
Timestamp: 2019-05-25 03:09:05
Document Index: 53288700

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131', '§ 131']

Township of Eagleswood, NJ Excavations and Soil Removal
§ 131-1 License required; term of license.
§ 131-2 Annual status report.
§ 131-3 Deviations from license or permit.
§ 131-5 Application requirements.
§ 131-6 Grant of license.
§ 131-7 Denial of license; costs assessable.
§ 131-8 Proof of payment of taxes required.
§ 131-9 Expiration date of license.
§ 131-10 Standards for renewal of license.
§ 131-11 Time for renewal application.
§ 131-12 Bond required.
§ 131-13 Insurance.
§ 131-14 Enforcement and inspection.
§ 131-15 Limited license for grading only.
§ 131-16 Sand and gravel license.
§ 131-17 Topsoil license.
§ 131-18 Conditions for issuance of license for topsoil removal.
§ 131-19 Prohibited activities.
§ 131-20 Duties of licensee; seeding and reforestation.
§ 131-21 Removal of soil near streets restricted.
§ 131-22 Operations to be screened from view near residential dwellings.
§ 131-23 Warning signs and markers.
§ 131-24 Roads to be kept clear.
§ 131-25 Manner of mining or excavation.
§ 131-26 Slope and grade requirements.
§ 131-27 Modification of license.
§ 131-28 Violation and penalties.
§ 131-29 Additional rights of Township.
§ 131-30 Suspension or revocation of license or limited license.
§ 131-31 Procedure for suspension or revocation of license.
§ 131-32 Procedure for suspension in case of emergency.
§ 131-33 Fees and charges.
§ 131-34 Mailing of copies of chapter.
§ 131-35 Nontransferability of license.
Chapter 131 Excavations and Soil Removal
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Eagleswood 5-1-1974 by Ord. No. 5-74 (Ch. 62 of the 1977 Township Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Amended 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-21; 11-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-18]
No business of excavation, removal and sale or other disposition of soil, sand, gravel, stone and natural mineral deposits, or any one or combination of them, shall be started or operated in the Township of Eagleswood, in the County of Ocean and State of New Jersey, unless and until a resource extraction/soil mining license is acquired.
Licenses for resource extractions/soil mining operations shall be renewed every five years.
A license issued pursuant to this section may be transferred, provided that the licensee meets all the requirements of this section, including the payment of all fees and further that the transferee agrees to abide by all conditions of the license when issued to the transferor.
[Added 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-21]
All licensees shall, on nonrenewal years, submit an annual status report by December 31 of each year. The status report shall include the following:
Status and progress of mining operation, including, but not limited to, areas worked, approximate amounts and types of material removed (in cubic yards), and tree clearing;
Any deviations from the issued license.
[Amended 11-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-18]
Any problems encountered in the past year and a summary of the action taken, e.g., well problems, noise abatement, debris cleanup, subsurface problems, acts of God, air quality, soil erosion measures, and drainage.
[Added 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-21; amended 11-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-18]
All deviations from the issued license shall be reported, in writing, to the Township Engineer within 30 days of occurrence. Failure to report said deviations may result in license suspension or revocation.
An application for a license shall be made to the Township Committee by delivering such application and supporting documents to the Township Clerk in triplicate and one complete copy to the Township Engineer and Township Planner.
[Amended 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-21]
No application shall be made for a license hereunder, and no license shall be granted under this chapter, for any operation or site which would be in conflict or noncompliance with any zoning ordinance of the Township. Any mining operation which is currently operated and licensed shall be considered grandfathered and entitled to renewal unless the mining operation is abandoned.
[Amended 11-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-18[1]]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Subsections C and D, which immediately followed.
Application for a license hereunder shall be made on a form furnished by the Township, which form shall be executed by the applicant and submitted in triplicate with the appropriate license fee to the Township Clerk. The application shall be accompanied by the following information and a map or maps which indicate the following:
Exterior lines or limits of the proposed area to be mined, hereinafter called "active cell," showing the location of markers set on the ground to define said limits. The active cell shall not include the area of any processing facility and stockpiling.
The lot and block numbers of all adjoining lands as shown on the Official Tax Map, and an identification of the owners thereof.
The existence of a permanently established bench mark or marks approved by the Township Engineer.
Contour lines showing proposed elevations planned for the excavation, mining and removal of any natural mineral substance.
The active cell shall not in any one license term exceed 50 acres in the case of a license under § 131-16 of this chapter, and in the case of a license under §§ 131-15 and 131-17 of this chapter, 10 acres.
The location and inclination of all slopes created by the mining or excavation, including proposed finished grades of the mined area.
Description and details of proposed rehabilitation, creation of approved lake, stabilization and reforestation of the mined area.
Certificate of insurance to show compliance with § 131-13 of this chapter.
The appropriate fee required by this chapter.
Landowner's consent.
Approximate location of residential dwellings, where existing. If no dwellings and/or wells exist within a one-half-mile radius of the proposed mining area, a note on the map should so state.
If, after examining the application and the accompanying map or maps, as elsewhere herein provided, and after approval of the application and supporting documents by the Township Engineer and the Township Attorney, public hearing and due consideration of such factors as erosion, drainage, soil fertility, grades and elevations of adjoining streets and lands, land value and uses, factors relating to the coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the Township and public health, safety and welfare, the Township Committee shall be of the opinion that the proposed operation will not create conditions inimical to public health, safety and welfare and will not result in the creation of any sharp or dangerous declivities, pits or depressions, soil erosion or fertility problems or depressed land values and will not create any drainage problems or other conditions of danger, a license for the remainder of the then-current year may, at the direction of the Township Committee, be granted under the terms and conditions of this chapter.
In the event that the Township Committee rejects or refuses to grant an application for a license, it shall deduct from the application fee all costs, including but not limited to legal and engineering costs incurred by the Township in review and consideration of the application. All such monies shall be and remain municipal funds for the use and benefit of the Township. Any balance remaining shall be remitted to the applicant.
No application will be considered and no license will be granted until the owner or applicant, if other than the owner, produces satisfactory proof that all taxes have been paid on the lands comprising the site of the proposed operation and for which a license under this chapter is sought.
[Amended 7-13-1981 by Ord. No. 10-81; 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-21; 11-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-18]
All licenses issued under this chapter shall expire on December 31 of the fifth year.
All licensees that fail to comply with the requirements of this chapter which include, but are not limited to, paying taxes, and any and all other requirements of this chapter, shall be subject to the revocation or suspension of that license, provided that the municipality shall provide notice, in writing, of any alleged chapter compliance failure, and the licensee shall have 60 days to remedy any alleged deficiency. If the licensee fails to remedy the alleged noncompliance within 60 days of receipt of the notice of the deficiency, the licensee may have its license suspended or revoked.
A license issued under this chapter may be renewed under the following conditions:
If the appropriate fees for such license are tendered with the application.
If the applicant has not permitted or suffered a condition which would violate this chapter to go uncorrected.
If the applicant submits the information and a map or maps as described in § 131-5 of this chapter. Said maps should reflect the proposed changes in elevation and other topography as a result of the mining or excavation during the renewal period.
If the applicant has complied with the requirements of this chapter relating to grading, seeding and reforestation of that area of the site that has been excavated or mined.
If all current taxes on the site for which license renewal is sought have been paid.
If the applicant is not in violation of any state, county or municipal law, ordinance or health regulation as a result of any activity or operation under this chapter.
If the applicant is in compliance with the requirements for insurance under § 131-13 of this chapter.
If the applicant is in compliance with the requirements for a bond under § 131-12 of this chapter.
If all fees and charges due the Township as a result of operations by the applicant under this chapter have been paid.
All deviations from the license or permit have been reported as required by § 131-3.[1]
Editor’s Note: Former Subsection K, regarding applicants issued two prior renewals, which immediately followed, was repealed 11-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-18.
An applicant for renewal of a license hereunder shall make application for renewal sufficiently prior to expiration of the then-current license, but in no case less than 60 days prior thereto, to permit necessary consideration of the application, supporting documents and necessary inspection to allow issuance of the renewal license on or before the expiration of the then-current license. The Township Engineer shall submit his findings to the Township Committee at least 14 days prior to the renewal date.
Prior to the issuance of any license or renewal of a license under this chapter, the applicant shall submit a bond in an amount approved by the Township Engineer and the Township Committee.
Except as hereinafter provided, the actual amount of the bond of the applicant shall be such amount as is approved by the Township Engineer, but in no case less than $3,000 per acre or fraction thereof multiplied by the total number of acres covered by the original license, plus the number of acres or fraction thereof to be covered by the renewal license, less the number of acres that the Township Engineer has certified have been graded, seeded and reforested, where required, as herein provided. This acreage calculation shall only apply to the acreage within the active cell.
An application for a limited license as hereinafter provided shall be accompanied by a bond in an amount which, in the opinion of the Township Committee and the Township Engineer, will enable the Township to correct any condition that results from the improper use of such limited license, and which amount may be less than the amount specified in Subsection B hereof.
All insurance companies submitting a bond hereunder must be authorized to do business in New Jersey and have an AAA rating. The licensee, as part of its annual status report, during the term of the license, shall submit to the Township an updated certification of insurance demonstrating that the insurance company remains in business. Failure to submit such an updated insurance certificate within 60 days from the date that it is due shall be grounds for revocation or suspension of the licensee's license.
[Added 11-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-18]
An original application for a license under this chapter, other than a limited license as herein provided, shall be accompanied by a certificate of insurance reflecting the issuance of a policy of general liability insurance to the applicant, wherein the Township and its agents and employees are named as coinsured for damages arising under this chapter, in an amount determined and specified by the Township Engineer, but not less than $1,000,000/$2,000,000 for death or bodily injury and for property damage.
An application for limited license as hereinafter provided need not be accompanied by a certificate of public liability insurance, but no limited license shall issue until the applicant or his contractor files with the Township Clerk evidence that such insurance is in effect in an amount determined and specified by the Township Engineer, but in no case less than $1,000,000/$2,000,000 for death or bodily injury and $1,000,000/$2,000,000 for property damage.
No renewal license of any class shall issue unless and until the applicant files with the Township Clerk a certificate reflecting continued or renewed public liability insurance in the amount specified in Subsections A and B hereof.
All insurance companies submitting a bond hereunder must be authorized to do business in New Jersey and have an AAA rating. The licensee, as part of its annual status report, during the term of the license, to submit to the Township an updated certification of insurance demonstrating that the bonding company remains licensed to do business in New Jersey, and the bond remains in effect. Failure to submit such an updated insurance certificate within 60 days from the date that it is due shall be grounds for revocation or suspension of the licensee's license.
For the purpose of enforcing this chapter, the Township Engineer is designated as "enforcing officer." It shall be the duty of the Township Engineer to make physical inspections in connection with any application for a license or renewal license hereunder and, in addition, at least one other physical inspection at an interval of approximately three months.
In any area, location or zone in the Township of Eagleswood where a landowner, tenant or other interested party desires to remove or relocate soil, where the primary purpose of such removal or relocation is to bring the grade of the parcel or parcels of land to the grade desired by the owner, tenant or other interested party, application may be made to the Township Committee for a license to grade the parcel or parcels of land which will be the subject of the application.
The applicant for such license shall file a written application in triplicate therefor with the Township Clerk and one copy to the Township Engineer and Township Planner. The applicant shall submit with the application the following:
Written consent of landowner.
A written statement of how much time will be required to complete the proposed grading of land.
Contour or other map or maps showing the present grade and the proposed grade of the premises in question after the operation shall be completed and adjacent public highways and adjacent properties within 200 feet of the premises in question, using numbers of lots and blocks as shown on the official Tax Assessment Map for all lands referred to thereon. The map or maps shall indicate a satisfactory method for the surface drainage of the premises.
A written statement setting forth what, if anything, is upon the lands, such as buildings, trees, brush or otherwise, and how the applicant proposes to dispose of such things as are on said lands.
Where the completed grade of the premises in question will be above or below the grade of adjacent lands or lands owned by another, the bank or banks of the applicant's lands shall be sloped off and stabilized so as not to endanger or damage the property of any other person or be dangerous to any person or any of said lands.
No person, firm or corporation shall remove any soil from any parcel of land under this section until such license is acquired.
No such license shall be granted if it is apparent to the Township of Eagleswood, its governing body or Engineer that the proposed removal would create a danger or hazard to any public highway or the property of another or cause or be likely to cause an unsolved drainage problem, a health or sanitary hazard or a place where stagnant water may stand.
No person, firm or corporation shall fail to promptly remove the materials from the land for which a license is granted or fail to place the final grade of said premises in such form and manner as is shown in his or its application.
Where the primary purpose of removal of any of the minerals referred to in this section is to grade the land under the provisions of this section, and not to engage in any business requiring a license under this chapter, no application for a special use permit shall be required.
Use this section as a subterfuge to avoid making application for or paying for a license as herein otherwise provided for.
Use this section or attempt to use this section as a means to engage or attempt to engage in any business required to be licensed hereunder which could not be so licensed because it was not located in a zone where such business is permitted under Chapter 295, Zoning.
Waiver of license. The requirements of this chapter are hereby waived on any building lot where the applicant desires to remove soil therefrom primarily to bring the building lot substantially down to street grade and not to sell any natural soil, sand, gravel or mineral therefrom; and where the owner of said premises or some other person has already secured site plan approval from the Township of Eagleswood and has a valid building permit and paid the proper fee therefor, and which building permit is still in full force and effect; and where the removal of soil, sand, gravel or mineral deposits is reasonably necessary to the proper construction or use of the proposed construction on said premises. This section of this chapter shall not be used as a subterfuge to avoid taking out and paying a proper license fee for the license required.
Where the purpose of the applicant for a license under this chapter is the excavation, sale, removal or other commercial disposition of sand, gravel or stone and where the applicant does not contemplate the removal, sale or other disposition of topsoil, such person, firm or corporation shall obtain from the Township, prior to the commencement of operations, a sand and gravel license.
Where the purpose of the applicant for a license under this chapter is the removal and sale or other disposition of topsoil and where the applicant does not contemplate the purpose as set forth in § 131-16 of this chapter, such person, firm or corporation shall obtain from the Township, prior to the commencement of operations, a topsoil license.
A license for the removal of natural arable topsoil from cultivated land in the Township of Eagleswood may be issued at the direction of the Township Committee, subject to the following conditions:
The owner of the land shall make application for such license, which application shall be in verified form and shall contain the following information and statements:
A description of the property for which the license is applied by reference to the Eagleswood Township Tax Map.
The names of all persons having an interest in the lands for which such license is applied.
The names and addresses of all persons having liens on said land and the consent of such lienors to the issuance of the license applied for.
A statement by the applicant that the topsoil to be removed will not be sold or transported out of the municipal limits of the Township of Eagleswood, and that such topsoil shall not, in fact, be so sold or transported.
Inspection of the land and statement of the Township Engineer that the removal of such topsoil shall not be any detrimental effect upon the land and the adjacent properties. In making such inspection and statement, the Township Engineer shall take into consideration the following:
The surface drainage of the site to be mined.
The surface drainage of the adjacent property.
The effect of the mining upon buildings or other improvements located on the property from which the topsoil shall be mined, as well as on buildings located on adjacent land.
Upon receipt of the report of the Township Engineer, as provided for in Subsection B, the Township Committee, prior to the issuance of such license, shall determine that there will be no impairment of convenience, accessibility, health, safety, neighborhood character or the maintenance of property values in the areas adjacent to the proposed site.
No license shall be issued at the direction of the Township Committee until the applicant has posted with the Township a bond, in an amount to be determined by the Township Engineer, as will ensure that there shall be left on the land arable topsoil in an amount sufficient to cover all land mined to a depth of at least four inches and seeded with rye grass or other suitable covering crop after completion of the topsoil mining.
Any misstatement in the application provided for in Subsection A hereof or any violation of the conditions under which such license may be issued or of any of the provisions of the within chapter shall constitute a reason for revocation of the license by the Township Committee of the Township of Eagleswood, upon notice to the applicant or owner of the land and after public hearing before the Township Committee.
No license shall be granted which will permit a licensee to, and no licensee shall:
Engage in the business referred to in §§ 131-16 and 131-17 hereof until and unless the owner of the lands from which the soil, sand, gravel, stone or other natural mineral deposits are proposed to be removed has signed a written consent thereto and has filed the same with the Township Clerk, unless the applicant for license is such landowner, in which event the applicant for a license shall so state. If a consent is required hereunder, it shall accompany the application to be filed with Township Clerk.
Either begin or continue the removal of any of said materials or mineral deposits from any land until the license fee as elsewhere herein provided has been paid to said Township and a license therefor has been issued and is in full force and effect.
Begin to operate and engage in said business until the corners and exterior lines of the licensed premises have been staked and marked so that the licensed area shall be clearly designated and in order that no public highway or private property of another shall be endangered by the proposed business. The licensee shall have a licensed New Jersey land surveyor stake and mark said area. The Township Engineer shall examine said exterior lines and approve the same to the Township Committee.
Prevent or attempt to prevent or hinder the Township Committee or any of its authorized employees or servants in viewing, inspecting and examining the licensed premises at any reasonable time.
Remove or permit to be removed or obliterated any stake or marking or boundary marker. If any of said stakes or markings are removed or destroyed, the same shall be promptly replaced by the licensee. The intent of this provision is that said stakes and markings shall be maintained at all times on the licensed premises by the licensee.
Permit any unattended child or children upon the licensed premises or do anything to permit or cause the licensed premises to be or continue as a source of danger to children or adults.
Construe his, her or its license to cover any area or parcel of land other than the area, lot or parcel described in his, her or its license.
Bury any old lumber, building materials, debris, cut or dead trees, stumps, brush or other similar waste on any premises for which a license hereunder has been issued.
Except for operations conducted under § 131-15 of this chapter, no person shall engage in any operations for the mining or removal of any mineral substance in any area of the Township that is not permitted by Chapter 295, Zoning.
Remove, relocate, sell or otherwise dispose of any soil, sand, gravel, stone or other natural mineral deposit from any land unless and until all taxes on said land shall have been paid.
No license shall be granted to conduct a business hereunder within 400 feet of an existing home, unless the owner and adult occupants of said home are notified as provided by N.J.S.A. 40:55-44.[1]
Editor's Note: See now N.J.S.A. 40:55D-11 through 40:55D-16.
No licensee shall so operate the licensed premises in such a manner that any natural stream of water shall be interfered with or have its course altered to the detriment of any other person or landowner. No licensee shall substantially alter, change or interfere with any natural watershed or natural surface watercourse without the approval of the Township of Eagleswood. No licensee shall detrimentally interfere with or affect the natural drainage of any land other than that being licensed hereunder, nor shall cause serious erosion and sedimentation of any stream. Proper precautions shall be taken to avoid sedimentation of streams or watercourses.
No licensee shall load or permit to be loaded at any licensed premises any vehicle intended to be used to transport any product of the licensee on any public highway, unless such material is covered and said vehicle proposed to be loaded has a tight body. The purpose of this provision of this section is to prevent any sand, gravel or other thing from being spilled or thrown upon any public highway.
Prior to the commencement of mining operations under any license issued under this chapter, the overburden or topsoil, where found, shall be stripped and stockpiled on the premises.
A licensee under § 131-16 or a licensee under § 131-17 hereof shall, within 60 days of the conclusion of the mining operation, or within 60 days of having mined to planned grade as shown on the contour map filed in support of the mining application, whichever shall first occur, regrade, seed and reforest said licensed premises as hereinafter provided. The creation of an approved lake is also an acceptable reclamation method. In the event the licensee has not completed its operation on the licensed premises or mined to planned grade within one year from the issuance of the original license for the premises in question, then, in that event, the licensee shall grade, topsoil, seed and reforest such portion or portions of the licensed area mined, stripped or denuded which no longer will be mined and doesn't interfere with mining the balance of the licensed area. Said work shall be done within 60 days of the expiration date of the aforementioned original or renewed license.
Said licensee shall respread the overburden or topsoil over the mined area, including slopes, to a minimum depth of four inches and capable of supporting a cover crop. This area shall be graded, raked and seeded with weeping love grass or other approved cover crop. Said seeding shall be at the following rates: 10 pounds/acre weeping love grass with 5-10-10 fertilizer 400 pounds per acre.
The land shall be reforested in accordance with the following procedure or such other procedure accepted by the Township Committee as a condition of license approval:
After establishment of the cover (12 months after seeding), the stabilized areas, including slopes, shall be seeded with evergreen plant seeds native to the area at a rate of 20 pounds per acre.
Prior to commencing the reforestation and reseeding, the licensee shall provide notice to the Township Clerk and Township Engineer five days prior to commencement of such work. The above work shall only be accomplished under the supervision of the Township Engineer or other Township representative.
In any area where mining operations were carried on under a license issued under Ordinance No. 2 of 1967,[1] and where a license is presently held under and by virtue of § 131-16 hereof, and where those portions of the mining premises that have been excavated or refilled, or partially refilled, or which are to be reworked, or are being used for stockpiling of materials either for refilling or regrading purposes or for resale by the licensee under § 131-16 of this chapter or pursuant to Ordinance No. 2 of 1967, or which comprise the actual portion of the premises upon which a mining operation is being conducted, or which have been stripped in preparation for actual mining operations, the licensee shall seed and reforest as herein provided.
Editor's Note: Ordinance No. 2-67 was a prior ordinance on this subject which was repealed by Ordinance No. 5-74, the ordinance which comprises this chapter.
Notwithstanding anything herein or elsewhere to the contrary, a maintenance bond shall be maintained in full force and effect for a period of two years beyond the date when the regrading and reseeding has been inspected and approved by the Township Engineer. The Township Engineer shall inspect the regrading and reseeding within 30 days of receipt by him of written notice by the licensee or his agent that the regrading and reseeding has been completed and file his report, indicating the acceptance or rejection of same, with the Township Clerk, and shall send a copy to the licensee or his agent. If said work is not acceptable to the Township Engineer, he shall specify in his report the reason therefor, and the licensee shall proceed forthwith to correct any deficiency. Upon correction of the deficiency or deficiencies, the licensee or his agent shall notify the Township Engineer, who shall inspect the corrections and file his report as herein provided, furnishing a copy to the licensee. The Township Engineer shall file his report and send a copy thereof to the licensee or his agent within 14 days of his inspection or reinspection, as the case may be.
Upon acceptance of the regrading and reseeding by the Township Engineer, the licensee shall furnish a maintenance bond in accordance herewith. The maintenance bond shall not be released until the reforestation has been established to the satisfaction of the Township Committee or said time period on the maintenance bond is extended.
The maintenance bond shall be in the amount of $2,000 per acre of the licensed premises inspected and approved by the Township Engineer, unless that officer determines that a greater amount will be necessary to cover the cost of any necessary reseeding or reforestation, in which case the Township Engineer will specify the amount of the maintenance bond required in his/her report.
No licensee shall remove any sand, gravel, stone or other mineral substance by any means whatsoever below the surface of any street, road, highway or other thoroughfare at any point nearer said street, road, highway or other thoroughfare than 100 feet.
Where residential dwellings are located within 200 feet of the boundary line of the tract to be mined or excavated, or within such greater distance as the Township Committee may determine in a particular case, a screening strip of trees or dense growth, or both, shall be provided to screen the mining or excavating operation from the view from such residential dwellings. The screening strip shall have a minimum width of 50 feet and shall extend longitudinally along said residential lands to screen the mining operation.
All persons engaged in excavating, mining or removal of gravel, stone, sand or other mineral substance, under § 131-17 hereof, shall provide adequate and suitable dust-free access roads and shall install or cause to be installed adequate and suitable signs and other devices within 200 feet in either direction of the point where the access road enters any public road to warn motorists and other persons of the dangers inherent to the excavation and removal of gravel, stone and/or other mineral substance, including the existence of access roads and the use thereof by trucks and other heavy machinery. There shall also be installed white posts with reflectors at driveway entrances. In addition to the signs and markers specified herein, the licensee shall install such additional signs or markers at such places as the Township Engineer shall direct. Signs, fences, barricades or other suitable devices may be required along the exterior lines of the mined areas as a condition of approval and/or subsequent to said approval. The licensed area shall be marked with two-by-two-inch wooden stakes or one-inch-diameter iron pipes painted red and white, firmly implanted in the ground and extending a minimum of two feet above the ground surface.
No person engaged in excavating, mining or removal of gravel, sand or stone shall allow or permit any dangerous condition to result from the excavating, mining, removal or transportation of gravel, sand or stone on any public road or highway. The public roads and highways in close proximity to the excavation shall be kept clear of loose dirt, gravel, sand or stones. In the event any violation of this section exists, the Township of Eagleswood shall be authorized to rectify the situation, and the cost of such work will be borne by the applicant. The same will apply to drift roads passing through or adjoining the mining area. In no event shall said roads be closed, destroyed or made impassable in any way.
Except as provided in § 131-18 hereof, an applicant, after having been issued a license under this chapter, shall not remove the top layer of arable soil to a depth of six inches but shall set this soil aside for retention on the premises and shall respread it over the premises when the gravel, stone or sand has been removed, or sooner, at the direction of the Township Engineer, pursuant to levels and contour lines and grades as approved by the Township Committee.
The excavation, mining or removal of sand, stone and gravel shall be conducted in such a manner that there shall be no sharp declivities, pits or depressions and in such a manner that the area shall be properly leveled off, cleaned of debris and graded to conform to the contour lines and grades as approved by the Township Committee.
The minimum grade of slope shall be not less than four feet horizontal to one foot vertical; provided, however, that the grade of slope shall not commence until the appropriate setback requirements have been met. The top of slope shall be a minimum of 25 feet from the adjoining property lines. The depth of excavation at the toe of slope shall be a maximum of 10 feet below the original surface. The final surface grade of the mined area shall not exceed 10%.
The above slope restrictions are not applicable to dredging operations conducted to create a post-mining lake.
The Township Committee expressly reserves the right to change, alter, modify, revoke or refuse to renew any license issued under this chapter at any time and to regulate the hours of operation after written notice to the applicant of such intention, including the reasons for such action, and after an opportunity to be heard at a public hearing. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed a waiver of any other recourse available to the Township of Eagleswood, including any action at law or equity for damages, fines, penalties or restraints.
The standards to be applied to any action taken or proceedings held by the Township Committee shall be the same as those set forth in § 131-30 hereof.
[Amended 5-4-1979 by Ord. No. 3-79]
No owner of lands in this municipality shall permit and no person shall conduct operations for the removal, relocation, sale or other disposition of any sand, stone, gravel, topsoil or other mineral deposits, or any combination of them, unless and until a license therefor, as herein described, has been procured in accordance with this chapter. For any and every violation of any provision of this chapter, the owner, general agent or contractor of a building or premises where such violation has been committed or shall exist, the lessee, tenant, agent, architect, builder or any other person who causes, suffers or assists in the violation of this chapter, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500 or be imprisoned in the County Jail for a term not exceeding 90 days, or both, upon conviction, at the discretion of the judge before whom such conviction shall be had. Each and every violation of this chapter and each day that any provision of this chapter shall have been violated shall be construed as a separate and distinct violation.
In addition to the foregoing, but not limited thereto, the municipality may institute and maintain a civil action:
For injunction and other equitable relief.
To set aside and invalidate any license made in violation of the provisions of this chapter or nonconformance therewith, which license was procured through misrepresentation or falsification in applying for such license or the failure to file a contour map or report as required by this chapter.
A license or limited license issued under this chapter may be suspended or revoked by the Township Committee:
Where the licensee has not paid to the Township any sum due to the Township under this chapter.
Where the licensee has failed or refused to correct a condition that would constitute a violation of this chapter.
Where the licensee conducts a mining, excavation, removal or relocation of any soil, sand, gravel or stone without having a special use permit covering the land upon which such operation is or has been conducted, except those licenses approved prior to adoption of the Zoning Ordinance.
Where the licensee fails to submit any map required under this chapter.
Where the licensee has failed or refused to comply with the provisions of this chapter relating to grading, seeding or reforestation.
Where the licensee has failed to pay or caused to be paid any taxes upon the lands covered by his or its license.
Where the licensee is in violation of any federal, state, county or municipal law or ordinance or health regulation as a result of any activity or operation under this chapter.
Where the licensee has failed or refused to comply with the requirements of § 131-13 of this chapter relating to insurance.
Where the licensee has failed or refused to comply with the requirements of § 131-12 of this chapter relating to bonding.
Where any operation of the licensee under this chapter endangers the person or property of adjoining landowners or other persons in the Township.
Whenever any of the enforcement officers of the Township of Eagleswood determine that there are reasonable grounds to believe that there has been a violation of any provision of this chapter or of a rule or regulation, if any, adopted pursuant thereto, they shall give notice of such alleged violation to the person or persons responsible therefor as hereinafter provided. Such notice shall be put in writing, include a statement of the reasons why it is being issued, allow a reasonable time for the performance of any act it requires and be served upon the owner or his agent, provided that such notice shall be deemed to be properly served upon such owner or agent if a copy thereof is served upon him personally, if a copy thereof is sent by certified mail to his last known address, if a copy thereof is posted in a conspicuous place in or about the licensed premises affected by the notice or if he is served with such notice by any other method authorized or required under the laws of this state. Such notice may contain an outline of remedial action which, if taken, will effect compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Any person affected by any notice which has been issued in connection with the enforcement of any provisions of this chapter or rule or regulation, if any, adopted pursuant thereto may request and shall be granted a hearing on the matter before the Township Committee, provided that such person shall file in the office of the Township Clerk a written petition requesting such hearing and setting forth a brief statement of the grounds therefor within 10 days after the day the notice was served. Upon receipt of such petition, the Township Clerk shall set a time and place for such hearing and shall give the petitioner written notice thereof. At such hearing the petitioner shall be given an opportunity to be heard and to show why such notice should be modified or withdrawn. The hearing shall be commenced not later than 16 days after the day on which the petition was filed, provided that, upon application of the petitioner, the Township Committee may postpone the date of the hearing for a reasonable time beyond such sixteen-day period if in its judgment the petitioner has submitted a good and sufficient reason for such postponement. After such hearing, the Township Committee shall sustain, modify or withdraw the notice, depending upon its findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter or the rules and regulations, if any, adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with. If the Township Committee sustains or modifies such notice, it shall be deemed to be an order which, at the discretion of the Township Committee, may operate as a revocation of the license. Any notice served pursuant to this chapter shall automatically become an order if a written petition for a hearing is not filed in the office of the Township Clerk within 10 days after such notice is served. The proceedings at such hearing, including the findings and decision of the Township Committee, shall be summarized, reduced to writing and entered as a matter of public record in the office of the Township Clerk. Such record shall also include a copy of every notice or order issued in connection with the matter. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Township Committee may seek relief therefrom in any court of competent jurisdiction as provided by the laws of the state.
Service of written notice of violation shall also be deemed to be properly served by copy thereof being mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the licensee or his agent at the address set forth in the license application.
Where a licensee or his agent requests in writing a hearing on an alleged violation, such hearing shall be held within seven days of the receipt of written request for such hearing by the Clerk.
Whenever the enforcement officers of the Township of Eagleswood find that an emergency exists which requires immediate action to protect the public health or safety, they may, without notice or hearing, issue an order reciting the existence of such an emergency and requiring that such action be taken as they deem necessary to meet the emergency. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this chapter, such order shall be effective immediately. Any person to whom such order is directed shall comply therewith immediately but, upon petition to the Township Committee, shall be afforded a hearing as soon as possible. After such hearing, depending upon its findings as to whether the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations, if any, adopted pursuant thereto have been complied with, the Township Committee shall continue such order in effect, modify it or revoke it.
Where a licensee or owner requests in writing a hearing on an emergency suspension, such hearing shall be held within 72 hours of the receipt of written request for such hearing by the Clerk.
[Amended 3-21-1996 by Ord. No. 98-8]
In those cases where no provision for the amount of the fee to accompany the application for a license or renewal of a license has been made, the following shall apply:
[Amended 10-25-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-21; 7-27-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-11]
For a license under § 131-15 of this chapter, the fee as set forth in Chapter 135, Fees.
For a license under § 131-16 of this chapter, the fee, based on the acreage, as set forth in Chapter 135, Fees. The acreage calculation shall apply only to the acreage within the active cell.
For a license under § 131-17 of this chapter, the sum as set forth in Chapter 135, Fees.
Review fee for municipal consultants.
For a license issued under §§ 131-15 and 131-17 the sum of $750.
For a license issued under § 131-16, the sum of $1,500 up to 10 acres; the sum of $2,500 up to 25 acres and an additional sum of $1,500 for an additional 25 acres or fraction thereof.
Review and inspection fees under § 131-16 shall be as follows:
0 to 10 or part there of
For review of the annual report on nonrenewal years, $500.
Inspections fees, in accordance with the above schedule, shall be posted with the Township Clerk or Chief Financial Officer. No mining operations may begin prior to the posting of inspection fees.
An accounting shall be rendered to the applicant of the deposits and charges to the account, and any excess remaining after payment of all inspection costs shall be returned to the applicant. In the event this escrow amount falls below $100 and additional inspections are deemed to be necessary, as determined by the Township Engineer, the applicant shall be required to redeposit 50% of the original escrow amount.
Said amount shall be deposited into a special escrow account, entitled "Soil Removal Escrow Account", and from which account any bills rendered by the municipal consultants, such as the Township Attorney, the Township Engineer and the Township Planner, for services related to the review of the application, shall be paid.
An accounting shall be rendered to the applicant of deposits and charges to the account, and any excess remaining after payment of the municipal consultants' bills shall be returned to the applicant, and any deficiencies shall be paid by the applicant before approval of this application.
Permit fee. No permit shall be issued until a fee as set forth in Chapter 135, Fees, shall be paid by the applicant to the Township Clerk.
[Amended 7-27-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-11]
For annual reports on nonrenewal years, the fee as set forth in Chapter 135, Fees, shall be paid.
The Township Clerk shall mail a copy of this chapter to each owner of property now being mined and to each operator of said mining operation in the Township of Eagleswood in order that such licensee may know and be advised what he must do before his business license may be taken out pursuant to this chapter.
The license issued under this chapter is not transferable, and the holder of the license shall be solely responsible for the provisions specified in this chapter.