N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7A-11.22

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 7:7A-11.22 - Wetlands Mitigation Council

(a) The Wetlands Mitigation Council's duties and functions include:

1. Reviewing the following:

i. Proposed monetary contributions;

ii. Proposed land donations; and

iii. Proposed county mitigation inventories;

2. Advising the Department on mitigation issues; and

3. Managing the Department's ILF Program in accordance with the ILF Instrument and N.J.A.C. 7:7A-11.23 and 11.24. As the ILF Program Administrator, the Council is responsible for:

i. Accepting approved monetary contributions to the Wetlands Mitigation Fund;

ii. Disbursing funds from the Wetlands Mitigation Fund to finance the following activities:

(1) Buying land in order to conduct mitigation, or to preserve wetlands, transition areas, uplands, and/or State open waters;

(2) Enhancing or restoring wetlands on public lands; and

(3) Conducting research to monitor the success of mitigation as part of a Council-funded and approved creation, restoration, or enhancement project.

iii. Requesting proposals for ILF grant applications;

iv. Reviewing grant applications and managing grant contracts; and

v. Establishing and maintaining Accounting Reports for the ILF Program that meet the requirements set forth in the ILF Instrument and 40 CFR 230.98(i)(3).

(b) If the Council transfers funds or land, the Council shall first execute and record a conservation restriction that meets all applicable requirements at N.J.A.C. 7:7A-12, and that ensures that the funds or land will be used only for mitigation and freshwater wetlands conservation.

(c) The Council may contract with a government agency, nonprofit organization, or other appropriate agency to carry out its responsibilities under this chapter. Any such contract shall be subject to review and approval by the USEPA.

(d) ILF grant funding procedures, including how to apply for a grant, are found at N.J.A.C. 7:7A-11.24.

(e) Council meetings are open to the public. A schedule of Council meetings and other information relating to specific Council meetings can be obtained by contacting Council staff at the address set forth at N.J.A.C. 7:7A-1.4.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7A-11.22

Amended and recodified from 7:7A-15.20 by 49 N.J.R. 3849(a), effective 12/18/2017