A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the commission’s stormwater management project, which involves the installation of manufactured treatment devices (MTDs) to improve water quality in Deal Lake. The commissioners expressed their growing frustration over the bureaucratic hurdles encountered in securing necessary permits from the DEP. They described the department’s classification of their project as a development as unwarranted, arguing that it involves enhancing an existing parking lot rather than creating new impervious surfaces. This classification has led to repeated denials of their application, despite the submission of plans similar to those previously approved by the DEP.

The commission’s dialogue with a new DEP commissioner revealed further complexities in the approval process. The DEP’s request for different, more expensive devices that do not suit the specific site conditions added to the commission’s exasperation. The commissioners emphasized the effectiveness of the previously used MTDs in identifying environmental issues, such as oil spills, and questioned the inconsistency in the DEP’s evaluations. The commission considered alternative funding sources and even the possibility of returning grant money if the situation remains unresolved.

The commissioners expressed a strong determination to engage further with DEP leadership, hoping for a resolution that would acknowledge their environmental efforts. They conveyed a sense of urgency, as they awaited a response from the DEP following their detailed submissions. The commission remains hopeful that forthcoming meetings with DEP officials will facilitate the necessary approvals for their stormwater management project.

In addition to the stormwater project, the meeting addressed the management of the goose population around Deal Lake. The presence of geese has been a recurring issue, with one commissioner expressing frustration at its impact on local projects. A meeting scheduled for March 12th with representatives from NJT and a new coastal land use enforcer aims to maintain open communication and address mutual environmental goals. The commission anticipates updates on violations related to Allen Hurst and Interlaken, as well as an oil spill incident from March 27, 2023.

New business discussions also covered a JCP&L diversion project impacting land in Ocean Township. The project involves acquiring a small parcel near Corley’s Avenue Bridge for a utility pole installation. The commission ensured regulatory oversight by requiring planning board involvement, addressing both structural concerns and aesthetic aspects of the project, including tree replacements due to vegetation removal.

The meeting also touched on historical and environmental discoveries, notably the finding of Revolutionary War cannonballs around the lake area, which has halted further dredging projects. This significant historical dig has sparked excitement and potential new funding opportunities. The commission acknowledged the discovery’s importance and its potential impact on future projects.

Community engagement was also a focus, with the introduction of Deal Lake Commission-themed hoodies designed by a resident. The hoodies, priced at about ten dollars, were appreciated for promoting the commission’s work and will be made available on the website once finalized.

Environmental concerns extended to wildlife management, with a commissioner urging residents to report dead birds using the New Jersey wild bird disease reporting form. This led to a debate about the effectiveness of the protocol in determining causes of death.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners reflected on the collaborative efforts made on various projects, despite the frustrations faced with regulatory processes. They emphasized the necessity of using available funds wisely and expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from involved towns in the USDA Deal Lake Commission project. Plans to develop a strategy for identifying pollution hotspots in collaboration with local sewer authorities were also discussed.