Coherent Corp, a subsidiary of Lin Associates, sought approval to add a 6,000-gallon liquid nitrogen tank to their existing facility. The additional tank aims to reduce the frequency of deliveries from Air Products, the supplier, and improve operational efficiency. The proposal required a variance for a 6-foot fence, exceeding the ordinarily permitted 5-foot height. The representative from Coherent, Paul Fold, explained the necessity of the tank and addressed potential visual impacts and safety measures, including pressure relief valves and audible alarms for overpressure situations. The existing tank will be relocated, and the new tank added.

The board and public members pressed for further details regarding equipment noise levels and environmental impacts. Despite the lack of a plans from Air Products at the meeting, the board pursued a review. Concerns about potential noise were addressed through inquiries about decibel measurements from facility equipment.

As per the representative from Coherent, the company, having operated at the East Fck Avenue location for over two decades, ensured that the additional tank and rearrangement of equipment would result in only a minimal increase in impervious coverage, complying with the original site plan. He also assured that any potential nitrogen leak would pose no danger to individuals due to the open nature of the site. The board’s civil engineer testified that the installation would not affect conservation easements or freshwater wetlands and was open to implementing measures to meet the board and ordinance requirements.

Another aspect of the meeting involved the ongoing discussion about a minor subdivision application. The applicant sought to subdivide Lot 12, resulting in a reduced building size and reoriented shipping bays. The board attorney and applicant’s attorney clashed over the interpretation of the changes as substantial, which would necessitate a new application. The board attorney stressed the importance of complete evidence, including the deed for the record, while the applicant expressed frustration with the process.

The board witnessed a debate on the jurisdictional wetlands on a property, with David Kois, the Planning Director, clarifying that a man-made drainage ditch met the criteria for jurisdictional wetlands according to NJDEP, despite not requiring a buffer zone. The discrepancy between the town’s stream corridor protection ordinance and NJDEP regulations was also debated, with the board attorney objecting to Kois’s opinion on this conflict.

Procedural items were addressed, including the certification of absent board member eligibility and the receipt of a civil action consent order. The board ensured the presence of objectors and their representatives was on record. Discussions about the timeline for submission of necessary documents led to Mr. Wagner suggesting a 30-day advance submission of essential items like the standing letter and deed.

The meeting also touched upon an application from Homestead Road LLC, which included proposed construction of two warehouses. Ed Cook, an environmental permitting expert, testified about his role in representing the project to NJDEP for wetland permits. Objections arose regarding the characterization of a man-made ditch as part of the wetland application, with the board requesting further information before the next session.