Chapter Five

Stormwater Management At Stockton

5.1 Background of Stormwater Regulation
Stockton University is located in New Jersey, composed of the main campus in the Pine
Barrens of Galloway Township, a beach adjacent campus in Atlantic City, a smaller
Manahawkin campus, and several off-site educational labs and offices. New Jersey’s Stormwater
Management rules are implemented by the NJDEP through the review of permits issued by the
DLUR as well as by local authorities through the MLUL and the RSIS, and the University must
abide by these rules (NJDEP, 2020b). Galloway Township is determined to be a Tier A
municipality, making the University considered a public complex as per New Jersey’s
Stormwater Management rules (GTNJ, 2017). ​Table 5.1.1​ displays regulations on public
complexes, and thereby Stockton University, must abide by to meet requirements as per the
rules.

Table 5.1.1

General Overview of Public Complex Stormwater Rules

Name About

Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan
● The Public Complex Permit requires that each Public Complex
develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater program.
● The SPPP describes how your Public Complex will implement
each permit requirement and it provides a place for record
keeping, documenting when you met the permit requirements.
● Forms include but are not limited to; Form 1, Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Team; Form 2, Public Notice; Form 3, Post
Construction Program; Form 4, Local Education Program; Form 5,
Storm Drain Inlet Labeling; and Form 6, MS4 Outfall Pipe
Mapping

Public Notice ● Public Complexes must comply with any applicable State and
local public notice requirements when a public
involvement/participation program is being implemented in regard
to the Public Complex’s stormwater program. The permit requires
the Public Complex to comply with requirements for public notice
that are already in effect under law.

Post-Construction ● To prevent or minimize water quality impacts, the Public Complex

Stormwater shall develop, implement, and enforce a program to address
Management in New stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment
Development and projects at the Public Complex that disturb one acre or more,
Redevelopment including projects less than one acre that are part of a larger
 common plan of development or sale, that discharge into the
Public Complex’s small MS4.
● This includes ensuring adequate long-term operation and
maintenance of BMPs at the Public Complex.

Local Public Education ● The Local Public Education Program component of this SBR
requires certain Public Complexes to educate their users and/or
residents on the impact of their day to day activities on stormwater
quality. Topics include things such as proper use and disposal of
fertilizers and pesticides, using native or well adapted vegetation
that requires little or no fertilization, and properly disposing of pet
wastes, used motor oil and household hazardous wastes.

Improper Disposal of ● Public Complexes shall adopt and enforce an appropriate

Waste regulatory mechanism that requires pet owners or their keepers to
immediately and properly dispose of their pet's solid waste
deposited on property operated by the Public Complex or shall
prohibit pets (other than disability assistance animals) from being
allowed at the Public Complex.

Solids and Floatable ● Public Complexes shall sweep all parking lots and curbed streets
Control (including roads or highways) owned or operated by the Public
Complex with storm drains that have a posted speed limit of 35
mph or less (excluding all entrance and exit ramps) at a minimum
of once per month, weather and street surface conditions
permitting.

Maintenance Yard ● Public Complexes shall certify annually that they have met the
Operations De-icing Material Storage minimum standard.

Employee Training ● Public Complexes shall develop and conduct an annual employee
training program for appropriate employees on appropriate topics.
● Topics include waste disposal, control measures, vegetatitve
waste, and street sweeping

Additional Measures ● Additional Measures (AMs) are measures (non-numeric or

numeric effluent limitations) that are expressly required to be
included in the stormwater program by an area wide or Statewide
Water Quality Management Plan (WQM plan). AMs may modify
or be in addition to SBRs.
● Often they are used to compensate for areas that don’t otherwise
 meet standards

Annual Report ● Public Complexes shall complete an Annual Report (on a form
provided by the Department below) summarizing the status of
compliance with this permit including measurable goals and the
status of the implementation of each SBR contained in Part I,
Section F of the permit.
● This report shall include a certification that the Public Complex is
in compliance with its stormwater program, SPPP and this permit,
except for any incidents of noncompliance.
(NJDEP, 2004)

Beyond what’s required of public complexes, optional measures; which are BMPs that
are not implemented as Statewide Basic Requirements or Additional Measures but that prevent
or reduce the pollution of the waters of the State; can be implemented by public complexes too
(NJDEP, 2004). Optional measures can include a wide array of things, such as green
infrastructure practices, wildlife management, and road de-icing. Overall, Public Complexes
must comply with applicable design and performance standards in N.J.A.C. 7:8 for their own
“new development and redevelopment projects (NJDEP, 2004).”
Nevertheless, the Stormwater Management rules do not supersede the Pinelands CMP
and both sets of requirements must be addressed where applicable. This includes the area of
Stockton University which as seen in ​Figure 5.1.1​ sits within the Pinelands management areas of
Atlantic County. One large difference between other areas of New Jersey and the Pinelands is
that of groundwater, which accounts for more than 90 percent of stream flow in the Pinelands
(​Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 2020). Due to the heavy reliance on groundwater specifically
in Pinelands areas, recharge standards are higher; reducing nutrient loads to surface and
groundwater supplies by 90% for sites with over 2 acres of disturbance in the area, whereas New
Jersey’s general stormwater rules state that that 100% percent of the site’s average annual
pre-developed groundwater recharge volume be maintained after development without restricting
contamination ​(​Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 2020). Additionally, The Pinelands gets about
44 inches of precipitation a year but the amount of runoff is comparatively low because
Pinelands soils are porous. About 17 to 19 inches of the 44 inches works its way into the shallow
aquifer (Pinelands Preservation Alliance, 2020).

Figure 5.1.1
Stockton University Galloway Campus Boundary Shown in Pinelands Management Area

Above all else, the Pinelands CMP states, “Regional Growth Areas are areas of existing
growth or lands immediately adjacent thereto which are capable of accommodating regional
growth influences while protecting the essential character and environment of the Pinelands.
(Pinelands Commission, 1981).” This statement leads to the true differential between New
Jersey’s Stormwater Management Rules and the Pinelands CMP; whereas New Jersey’s rules
serve to best protect the state, the Pinelands CMP serves to best protect a unique ecosystem with
specific threats.
5.2 Initial Steps Taken by Stockton University and Where it is Now
 Pre-Pinelands Commission Background. ​When Stockton University was first
introduced to Galloway Township, New Jersey the surrounding area and school itself were
almost unrecognizable in comparison to their current state. ​Figure 5.2.1​ displays aerial views of
the land Stockton University’s Galloway campus now resides on both in 1930 and 2017 to add
visual aid to this concept, with the 1930 image displaying a barren area and the 2017 area ample
development. For further context, the $202.5 million capital construction bond issue and $15
million earmarked approved in 1968 for a college in southern New Jersey came nearly eleven
years prior to the establishment of The Pinelands Commission, and therefore nearly eleven years
prior to a majority of current regulation (Stockton University, 2020b). Nevertheless, in 1969
when the Pinelands were chosen for what would soon become Richard Stockton State College,
the school began dipping into the concept of creating an environmental legacy (Warner, 1970).
The college was first recognized for this due to the enclosed spaces for the students to walk
throughout with the goal of not disturbing mosquitoes and therefore ecology in the area, as well
as metal panels that can be changed at any time with the intention of having buildings capable of
always meeting human needs (Warner, 1970).

Figure 5.2.1

Aerial View of Stockton University Galloway Campus in 1930 (left) and 2017 (right)

(Google, 2020)

The 1971 Comprehensive Architectural Master Plan emphasized the natural environment
and stated, “the identification of the most desirable natural areas on the campus and
administrative action now, to assure the recognition of their unique values and to insure their
perpetual protection, will demonstrate the vision of the College’s founders (Cromartie, 2011).”
With the intent of causing the least possible damage to the environment, initial construction was
no taller than two stories to prevent it from reaching above treelines (Schwartz, 2011).
Additionally, the metal exterior panels allowed not only for buildings that could change with
human needs, but trees near buildings were able to be spared too (Schwartz, 2011).
However, were the New Jersey Wetlands Commission of this time given the job of
determining whether or not the vision of a natural environment was present, they might say it
was lost in translation. While it’s true that regulating documents like the Pinelands
Comprehensive Management Plan wouldn’t exist until 1981 and the New Jersey Stormwater
Management Rules until 2004, the New Jersey Wetlands Commission’s history also dates back
to 1969 (NJDEP, 2020b). According to Schwartz (2011), their existence was one of the largest
obstacles faced during early Stockton construction as they had ruled a number of acres to be too
close to sea level to support building development. Critical concerns were raised by the
community as well, but these instead stemmed from Stockton’s sewer plan. Consisting of two
175-foot deep wells meant for water supply, some of which included drinkable water to be
sprayed on the land, the issue found was the potential for Moss Mill Stream to be contaminated
(Schwartz, 2011). To console the public, the facility explained that the options were to continue
with the plan or instead attach the facility to Atlantic City treatment facility, which at the time
allowed raw sewerage to flow into the Atlantic Ocean (Schwartz, 2011). Through displaying it as
the lesser of two evils, no agency stopped the on campus plant’s construction.
On top of the sewer plan’s threat to the stream, the ample amount of development
Stockton went through without a regulating force was becoming threatening as well. In 1971,
runoff from the campus was channeled directly into Lake Fred and surrounding wetlands, and
one stream was converted into a drainage ditch. Plus, though the 1971 Comprehensive Master
Plan suggested the implementation of native plants even for lawn, Stockton replaced both natural
forest and field cover with turn and ornamental trees which require irrigation, fertilizing, and
mowing (Cromartie, 2011). One positive aspect of this era was the commitment faculty and
students alike truly did have to sustainability. Various research was conducted on campus,
including some that inspired protest towards proposed plans for development on the Kennedy
farm (Cromartie, 2011). This allowed for the existence of the Stockton Arboretum, which now is
used for research and maintains over 80 specimens of trees and shrubs, and eight raised beds
containing many display and medicinal plants. (Stockton University, 2020b)
Figure 5.2.2

Land Use Within Lake Fred Watershed

​ ake Fred can be identified in the farthest right portion of the map, displayed as water and
Note. L
in between two areas of urban development which include the Galloway campus.

Post Pinelands Commission Background. ​Through the passage of the National Parks
and Recreation Act of 1978 and the New Jersey Pinelands Protection Act in 1979, The New
Jersey Pinelands Commission was given authority to protect the Pinelands through its
implementation of the Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) (Pinelands Commission, 1979).
The CMP contains the rules that guide land-use, development and natural resource protection
programs in the state Pinelands Area and was officially published in 1981 (Pinelands
Commission, 1981). This meant that after already being established for several years, Stockton
would now have to abide by zoning, development, and other like regulations as established by
the plan. Ironically, at the same time, Stockton College exceeded 5,000 students which called for
further development to properly accommodate the students (Stockton University, 2020b).
It didn’t take long for the two entities to clash. With the student population growing and
rent in the area rising as a result, Stockton proposed $9 million dormitories to be built; existing
housing could only accommodate 1,000 of the nearly 5,000 students (Shen, 1980). The dilemma
arose when the Pinelands Commission pointed out that the proximity to Lake Fred was within
300 feet whereas the panels standard permitting construction is no closer than 300 feet of a
wetland area (Shen, 1980.) Stockton fought the commission as to whether or not the school
should be exempt from the rule, with the time spent leading to an extra $500,000 being spent on
the project, but as observed in ​Figure 5.2.2​ it wasn’t all in vain. On the other hand, it also wasn’t
without causing further concern from the public resulting from the constant construction.
Residents who watched Galloway welcome a plethora of new students and construction thought
the pinelands were being destroyed and it was, “those fancy Stockton people that's shown 'em
where to put the bulldozers (Specter, 1981).”

Figure 5.2.2

Stockton University (Galloway Campus) Construction Not Outside of a 300 ft Wetlands Buffer

(Google, 2020)
 An important consideration in regards to the citizen anger felt in the 80s is that it doesn’t
stand as an example of Stockton’s negative impact and instead more so represents the major
alterations that the college brought to the area. In fact, prior to the college even opening
President Richard Bjork accounted for the fact the welcoming of a college in South Jersey would
need what he called an “adjustment period (Posner, 2011).” Until 1978, much of Galloway had
been zoned for agriculture but in the 80s plans for new houses, schools, road, and sewers were
being made almost daily (Specter, 1981). This included what was advertised as the largest
planned-housing development in New Jersey, containing 6,800 homes with 20,000 residents, a
shopping mall, parking lots, recreation areas and a luxury hotel, that were set to be built in
Galloway (Specter, 1981). As mentioned, Stockton students were responsible for rent raising in
the area as well as bringing forward the need for more housing. Further, the college can be
credited for much of Galloway’s early growth, with cited involvement in things such as but not
limited to;
● The $9 billion air-traffic control modernization program at the Federal Aviation
Administration's Technical Center, which resulted in the construction of a $2 million
office building and a 45,000-square-foot office building, included involvement from
Stockton College (Sardella, 1985);
● A 110-bed satellite division of the Atlantic City Medical Center, located on part of the
1,600-acre campus of Stockton State College, was to be the third component of an
educational/health complex which was hoped to lead to the establishment of a medical
school without walls (Sardella, 1975);
● There was a major increase in sewage in the area in the 80's generated mostly as a result
of, “new residential and commercial development, The Richard Stockton College of New
Jersey, and the growth spawned by the casino / hotel industry (ACUA, 2020);”
● Researchers from Stockton and Rutgers University joined forces to establish the Jacques
Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve on the Mullica River. NJDEP and IMCS
were set to jointly manage and operate the reserve. The agreement document reads,
​"Faculty have been active in teaching and conducting research in the Great Bay area
since the founding of the college in 1971. They have considerable data on a variety of
parameters in the area," in reference to Stockton College (McDonnel, 1998);
● Atlantic City has been long-known for its casinos. However, Stockton actually
contributed to the growth of them; The Stockton Institute for Gaming Management
(SIGMA) has now trained over 15,000 casino hotel employees (Posner, 2011); and
● Large influxes of commuters resulted from the college, to the point of which Atlantic
City transit was impacted by route changes that would be necessary to accommodate the
students. Specifically, the Master Plan made note of “Stockton College students, who
were noted to lack adequate transit services to the malls as well as other activity and
employment centers (Atlantic County Department of Regional Planning and Economic
Development, 2000).”
 Much of this growth has had a positive impact on the community following what Bjork
would’ve called the “adjustment period” and formed bonds between the community and college,
just as he had hoped would one day occur (Posner, 2011). Additionally, in 1990 Stockton
released its first master plan that stated, “Wetlands buffers in the central core development area
of the 1990 Master Plan were agreed to be established at 175’. Outside the core areas, many, if
not most, areas are more environmentally sensitive and will require a larger buffer area. With
this consideration, Stockton has agreed to use a 300’ buffer in all areas outside of the core, and
so the various maps show the extent of additional land between 175’ and 300’ protected by this
decision (Stockton University, 2020c).” With the schools relationship with the community
repaired overtime, this statement exhibits how the schools relationship with the Pinelands
Commision was repaired with compromise.
Stockton University Today. ​Today, Stockton University boasts several campus
locations, including the main Galloway campus, the Atlantic City campus, the Manahawkin site,
and multiple research centers (Stockton University, 2020a). Known partly as New Jersey’s Green
University, the school’s founding commitment to the environment is still present throughout
campus. The mission statement includes, “The University seeks to promote an ethic of resource
conservation, sustainability, and social justice on our campuses and throughout the region in its
strategic planning and operations as well as its teaching, research, and service. Stockton
embraces the obligation of stewardship this environment demands (Stockton University,
2020c).”
After the creation of the 1990 Master Plan, stormwater management related plans and
documents followed. In 2004, as mandated by N.J.A.C 7:14A Stockton received authorization of
their Public Complex Stormwater General Permit and SPPP (Stockton University, 2020c). In
2005, the College developed a Facilities Master Plan where proposals included replacement of
the large existing surface parking lots with green space, buildings and parking garages. This plan
was updated in 2010, when Stockton developed and submitted for Pinelands approval a Master
Stormwater Management Plan that supported the development needs at that time (Stockton
University, 2020c). Stockton also maintains storm sewer location plans.
On September 23, 2020, Stockton University released their most updated Facilities
Master Plan. This plan still utilizes the 2010 Stormwater Management Plan that supported the
development needs at that time on the basis of design for the future needs identified in the 2020
Master Plan Update (Stockton University, 2020c). These plans act predominantly under New
Jersey’s Stormwater Management Rules and The Pinelands CMP, with a few exceptions. Firstly,
the Pinelands CMP states, “No development shall be carried out within 300 feet of any wetland,
unless the applicant has demonstrated that the proposed development will not result in a
significant adverse impact on the wetland, as set forth in N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.7 (Pinelands
Commission, 1981).” Due to early construction, Stockton University still maintains buildings
within 300 feet of a wetland without proper demonstration of impact.
5.3 Stormwater Management at Stockton University
Balancing natural and urban systems is a challenging task for all, but especially for a
college in the Pinelands. Stockton University maintains three forms of documentation that
summarize how both NJDEP & Pinelands Commission standards are met. These documents are
the schools SPPP, Stormwater Management Plan, and storm sewer location plans. The steps
taken to achieve proper management are summarized simply as preventing litter, keeping
pollution out of storm drains, keeping pet waste off of campus, not feeding wildlife, and properly
disposing of and using hazardous products (Stockton University, 2018).
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP). ​It’s understood that as a public
complex residing in a Tier A municipality, Stockton University is mandated to maintain a SPPP
as per their public complex stormwater general permit; requirements of the SPPP can be
reviewed in ​Table 5.1.1.​ Stockton University first published theirs in 2004 and most recently
updated it as of April 4, 2019. The first portion of the SPPP includes the team members, who
serve to be guiding forces in the goal of meeting requirements and can be seen in ​Table 5.3.1​.

Table 5.3.1

Stockton University SPPP Team Members

Team Member Position​ (and Title) Name

Stormwater Program Coordinator​ ​AND Employee Training Chris Corea

Coordinator​ ​(Manager E/H/S)

Public Notice Coordinator​ (Direction of News & Media Relations) Diane D’Amico

Post-Construction Stormwater Management Coordinator​ (Direction Charles “Skip” West

Facilities Planning and Construction)

Local Public Education Coordinator ​(Associate Professor of Tait Chirenje

Environmental Science)

Regulatory Mechanism Coordinator ​(Office of General Council) Brian Kowalski

Physical Plant Manager ​(Director Facilities Management and Plant John Fritsch
Operations)

Other ​(Director of Campus Public Safety) Adrian Wiggins

Other ​(Associate Director Facilities Management and Plant Bob Haviland

Operations)
 Other ​(Supervisor of Landscape Maintenance) David Wood

Other ​(Associate Director Facilities Management and Plant Kari Hibbert

Operations)

Form 2 addresses the Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq., and falls under
the responsibility of the teams public notice coordinator. Stockton University provides public
notice in a manner that complies with the act, additionally soliciting input while developing it’s
Stormwater Program from municipalities, interested students, employees, and neighboring
residents (Corea, 2019). Form 3 addresses the new development and redevelopment program as
per N.J.A.C. 7:8. To comply, Stockton intends to consider the applicable design and performance
standards as early as possible in the project planning and design process by working with the
engineer/environmental vendor of record to help determine which of our development projects
are subject to the standard, and to assist in the design and execution of these projects. Further, on
May 8, 2014 On May 8, 2013, the University’s Board of Trustees promulgated Policy No. VI-81
Pollution Prevention which:
● Provides guidance on sound environmental practices to protect public health, safety and
welfare 2;
● Incorporates pollution prevention concerns in decision-making 3;
● Ensures all activities of the University meet or exceed compliance with applicable
environmental standards, regulations and guidelines 4; and
● Promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability opportunities in all areas (Corea,
2019).
Form 4 is that of the Local Public Education Program and is handled by the Local Public
Education Coordinator. Stockton University includes various examples of their educational
outreach programs within this form. Form 5, Storm Drain Inlet Labeling, was taken into account
by the school first in 2005. As part of the stormwater inlet cleaning maintenance, performed by
Plant Management in 2007 all labeling was confirmed to have been completed. Further, proper
storm drain inlet labelling is continually checked by Stockton operations personnel to ensure that
all labels are correctly applied and in good condition. All storm drains at Stockton University
maintain labels that promote sustainable activity. Form 6, MS4 Outfall Pipe mapping, was taken
into account by the school first in 2005 as well but updated later. In 2010 Stockton hired an
outside environmental and engineering company to perform a Stormwater Compliance Report as
well as a Master Plan, which included mapping, and as of 2019 updated mapping is in progress.
Figure 5.3.1

Storm Drain Inlet Label Outside of Stockton University’s Arts & Sciences Building

Form 7 refers to the illicit connection elimination program which the school tracks in two
ways. First, if there are any complaints from students, employees, or the general public of any
illicit connections, the Director of Facilities Management and Operations will be notified,
and they will make an initial investigation of the discharge. Second, Stockton University uses
NJDEP Illicit Connection Inspection Report forms and protocol for determining if a discharge is
an illicit connection. Form 8 is the records of processes completed per Form 7, and Stockton
University reported 0 illicit connection on all recordings.
Form 9 covers the vegetative waste collection and disposal program, but with no homes
where residents are responsible for their own yard waste nor generate any on campus, all
maintenance of common areas is performed by university employees. Form 10 covers regulatory
mechanisms, of which the following apply to the school: pet waste, litter, improper waste
disposal, and wildlife feeding. For these, the type of enforcement action will depend on the
nature of the violator. However any University student who violates a regulation will be subject
to sanctions in accordance with the University’s Student Conduct Code. Any University
employee who violates a regulation will be subject to employee disciplinary action in accordance
with applicable employment statutes and contracts and any visitor who violates a regulation will
be subject to ejection from University property. Additionally, to reduce pet waste, Stockton
University has put waste bag stations along some walking trails on campus.
Form 11 discusses storm drain inlets, but Stockton University's storm drain inlets do not
combine into a common outfall and instead discharge through numerous discrete discharge
points. Form 12 is about maintenance of street sweeping and road erosion control, and the
university complies with a set schedule for street sweeping. To comply with form 13,
Stormwater Facility Maintenance, Stockton University submits an annual report including a
record of inspections, maintenance, and repairs to the NJDEP. Form 14, of the subject of Outfall
Pipe Stream Scouring Remediation, means that if remediation is necessary, Stockton University
will repair in accordance with the Standards for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in NJ. Form
15 is about de-icing material storage. Stockton University currently stores its de-icing materials
in a storage structure located in building 77 on campus. Finally, Form 16 covers standard
operating procedures and Form 17 employee training where Stockton explained their class
schedule. The last classes were in 2005, but on-going training as needed occurs.
Stormwater Management Plan. ​Stockton University’s Stormwater Compliance Report
was created for the 2010 Master Plan by both the university and Marathon Engineering &
Environmental Services (Marathon). The document was created with an intent to convince the
Pinelands Commission that future construction at the college should be approved. Previously,
each project was submitted to the Pinelands as a stand-alone development, which resulted in
increased cost for preparation of applications and design documents, as well as delay due to the
lengthy review time. As a result, Stockton would have to provide the Commision with notice
only to record impervious surface cover and area of disturbance (Stockton & Marathon, 2010).
Now approved by the Commission, this document is being used for the recent 2020 Stockton
University plan as well (Stockton University, 2020b).
To create this plan, there were several areas of research first completed. A stormwater
management investigation occured, noting that Phase 2 Development areas need individual
stormwater management systems that would discharge towards an onsite stream that feeds Lake
Fred. Engineering design plans were created to describe the BMP’s utilized on the project. A
detailed soil investigation evaluated all soil cointions to profile them for six proposed stormwater
management areas. Lastly, Stockton documented their stormwater compliance within the
document, most of which can be reviewed when reading about Stockton University’s SPPP.
Areas of improvements were evaluated for the Stormwater Compliance report as well. It
was mentioned that runoff was entering Lake Fred directly when the school first opened. This
stands true today as the runoff rates that affect Lake Fred have been grandfathered in and remain
the same as 1971 (Cromartie, 2011). In one development area that causes runoff to Lake Fred,
the proposed area would also come with additional open space, leading to less runoff. While
development is planned, the impervious surface cover created is compensated for with the open
space, creating a net impervious surface cover of 0.
Table 5.3.2

Previous Lake Fred Runoff Rates VS Runoff Rates Following Improvement Project

Drain Shed Discharge North Peak Runoff Flow Rate Total Runoff Volume (cf)
to Lake Fred (cfs)

Q2 Q10 Q100 V2 V10 V100

Pre-project 53.70 85.93 161.40 216,843 363,436 677,364

Post-project 51.46 82.86 158.98 208,383 352,583 664,710

(Data from Stockton and Marathon, 2010)
As the development around Lake Fred does, all other development in the plan aims to
maintain existing pervious surface cover as well as create additional pervious surface where
possible. As a result, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.84(a)6ii(1), the post construction runoff
hydrographs for the two, 10, and 100-year storm events don’t exceed the pre-construction runoff
hydrographs for the same storm events. Additionally, infiltration basins were designed to
accommodate the full volume of runoff (Stockton and Marathon, 2010).
In compliance with standards from N.J.A.C. 7:50-6.84(a)6iv, the area of the basins first
underwent a groundwater mounding analysis to assess the hydraulic impacts of mounding of the
water table resulting from infiltration of stormwater runoff from the basins (Stockton &
Marathon, 2010). This factor leads to Stockton University’s compliance with N.J.A.C.
7:50-6.84(a)6v, where required permeability rates were achieved; recall that groundwater
recharge is a major factor of management in the Pinelands. Overall, Stockton University’s 2010
compliance report details not only how the school meets regulatory requirements but how they
will continue to overtime.

5.4 Best Management Practices at Stockton University

Stockton University is located within the Mullica Watershed which is the primary
drainage system for the Pinelands. In a rain event at the University, stormwater drains into Lake
Fred where it leaves through Morses Mill Stream. Morses Mill Stream has “medium” concern
regarding water quality for the stream’s pH. High pH can be caused by natural circumstances or
through human activity. In order to ensure the University is not contributing significantly to
stormwater pollution, they have implemented BMPs as well as simple measures all members of
the community can take (NJDEP, 2014). It’s important to follow BMPs because water from
campus can make its way into the Mullica River or Great Bay. Stockton’s campus is also
buffered by wetlands, which are essential to keep protected due to their natural flood reducing
capacity.
Figure 5.3.1

Morses Mill Stream Quality

(NJDEP, 2014)

Rain Gardens. ​Stockton University maintains several small-scale rain gardens that exist
to minimize impervious surfaces by reducing cartway widths and parking stall dimensions and
by breaking up or disconnecting the flow of runoff from parking areas, drives and roadways.
Designed as per the NJDEP BMP to accept the first flush of runoff and provide pretreatment of
runoff from the parking areas, the rain gardens on Stockton University can be referred to as;
● USC Quad Rain Garden,
● HSC Rain Garden,
● USC2 Rain Garden,
● USC Circle Rain Garden,
● HSC Circle Rain Garden,
● CC Front Rain Garden,
● K Wing Rain Gardens,
● H Wing Rain Gardens,
● J Wing Rain Gardens, and
● A&S Rain Garden.

Figure 5.4.1

J Wing Rain Gardens

(Google Maps, 2020)

 Vegetative Retention Swales. ​In most areas with rain gardens, there’s also vegetative
retention swales. The rain gardens and swales on campus serve only as pretreatment for runoff
on the campus; as in, their only purpose is to remove continents from runoff and not so much to
slow rates. As a result, it is not required to meet the groundwater recharge standard within rain
gardens. The excess parking area stormwater is conveyed, along with runoff from the buildings
and recreation field, and discharged into an open stormwater management basin that is
designed to retain and infiltrate the total runoff volume generated from the net increase
in impervious surfaces by the ten-year storm. The excess parking area stormwater is conveyed,
along with runoff from the buildings and recreation field, and discharged into an open
stormwater management basin that is designed to retain and infiltrate the total runoff volume
generated from the net increase in impervious surfaces by the ten-year storm. (Stockton &
Marathon, 2010).
Infiltration Basins. ​Stockton University maintains ten basin structures. These vary in
structure with the intent to maintain the lowest possible impact to the environment. For example,
some basin areas were not created by clearing and excavating and instead by minimal brush
clearing and berming on the downstream side of the area to allow the natural wooded area to
remain and act as a bioretention facility that will store runoff at shallow depths and allow it to
infiltrate in those natural wooded areas. Other basin areas required clearing due to large
variations in topography, but those basin areas are designed to be partially vegetated with low
maintenance plantings that will be left to revegetate naturally (Stockton & Marathon, 2010).
These are inspected for erosion, trash, and buildup regularly. Overall, the basin required to meet
the engineering standards is large in area, but due to the similarity in topography in most of the
downstream area where the basin is situated, much of the basin area is made up of wooded area
to remain (Stockton & Marathon, 2010).
Of basins on campus, most are designed so that the post-construction peak runoff
discharge rates for the 10 and 100-year storm events do not exceed 75 and 80 percent,
respectively, of the pre-construction peak runoff rates. Review found that the basins absorb the
entire runoff volume from the two-year storm event (Stockton & Marathon, 2010). Many are
placed near or adjacent to parking lots, as runoff is most abundant in those areas.
Figure 5.4.2

Infiltration Basin near Lot 8A

(Google, 2020)

Rainwater Collection. ​Stockton University maintains many outdoor lab areas, but a
notable one is The Stockton Farm. Used as a laboratory in the Sustainability program, it remains
committed to sustainable practices and the advancement of sustainable agriculture in New Jersey
(Stockton University, 2020b). Sustainable agriculture lowers the amount of harmful
contaminants, such as pesticides, in stormwater runoff. However, BMP’s are also present in the
form of rain barrels. The farm uses the rainwater collected from roofs to water the agriculture,
changing it from excess runoff to a valuable asset.

Figure 5.4.3

Rain Barrels Connected to Gutter on the Stockton Farm

 Permeable Parking Lot. ​In 2010, Stockton University began work to convert an athletic
field into a parking lot. Located in front of big blue, the lot is paved with a porous surface of
plastic grids. These grids, which are durable and resilient, are made from recycled polyethylene
(Kelly, 2010). A mixture of topsoil and EcoSoil from the ACUA fills the open spaces in the
grids, which are about two inches thick; EcoSoil is a 100% natural composted blend of yard
waste collected from around Atlantic County that recycles yard waste and keeps it from using up
valuable landfill space. Grass will grow in the soil provided and rainfall will soak through the
parking lot into the ground without the need for storm drains. At 1.86 acres and with room for
205 cars, in 2010 the project was the largest of its type in New Jersey (Kelly, 2010).

Figure 5.4.4

Stockton University’s Permeable Parking Lot

(Google, 2020)

On the more remote parts of campus, gravel roadways are present as well. This includes
the road leading to the Stockton Farm. Also, while a permeable parking lot wasn’t created, in
2017 re-construction of the University Walk and Parking lot 6 was completed. This is notable as
it reduced approximately 10,000sf of impervious surface, which enhances the environment and
provides additional green space.
Figure 5.4.5

Gravel Roadway Leading to Stockton Farm

5.5 Public Education and Outreach at Stockton University

Within the Pine Barrens, Stockton University is able to create a unique environment for
education and conservation. The land surrounding the school is often utilized as an outdoor
classroom, research space, and overall opportunity for learning; NAMS students at Stockton are
privileged to have 400 acres of the 2,000 acres campus set aside for field experience (Stockton
University, 2020b). Learning doesn’t stop with the students though, as Stockton University often
extends resources throughout local highschools, the community, and others interested. The
university’s Local Public Education is in partnership with the Stockton University
Environmental Studies Program, the Stockton Action Volunteers for Environment (SAVE) and
Waterwatch. Annually, SAVE holds an “Earth Day Fair” where the office of E/H/S sets up a
booth to answer questions regarding stormwater as well as to hand out educational pamphlets.
The pamphlets are sent to all employees and students at the university as well. Waterwatch is
involved in many additional activities, which include a campus cleanup (Corea, 2010). In
addition to these things though, Stockton University brings education and awareness about
stormwater to the public often.
The Annual Pinelands Short Course, a collaborative event between Stockton University
Continuing Studies and the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, is a day-long annual event
featuring educational presentations that explore the unique history, ecology, and culture of the
Pinelands. Past presentations have included “Climate Change and the Pinelands Water Cycle,”
which covered the topic of climate change bringing more precipitation and stormwater as well
as possible solutions that people can do on a daily basis. In 2019, the short course included a rain
barrel workshop in which participants had the opportunity to build their own rain barrel
(Pinelands Commission, 2019). A presentation called “Combating Climate Change with a
Jersey-Friendly Yard” offered ways to migrate downpours by teaching participants how to select
appropriate plants for sandy soil, turn their yard into a sponge, and provide habitat to support
native wildlife (Pinelands Commission, 2020). As a result of these examples and others not
mentioned, more than 10,000 people in the area have benefited and gained more knowledge
(Courier-post, 2015).

Figure 5.5.1

A presentation on native plants during the 2018 short course.

Note.​ Marilyn Sobel, a research scientist with the Pinelands Commission, was the presenter and
promoted native plant use. Native plants can filter stormwater and prevent erosion (Pinelands
Commission, 2018)
 The Atlantic Estuarine Research Society (AERS) brings together students, scientists,
managers, and educators discuss estuarine and coastal environmental issues and policies, with
the intent to foster broader interest in the environment by increasing public awareness of current
issues (AERS, 2018). Stockton University has hosted AERS several times, including Fall 2014's
meeting, “Sandy and Superlative Storms; Resilience, Recovery, Restoration." The meeting ran
from October 3 to November 1 and included precentors, posters, vendors, field trips, and more
(Fertig, 2014). ​Presentations at the 2014 meeting included,
● "Effects of Superstorm Sandy on Coastal New Jersey" by keynote speaker Mike Kennish;
● "Impacts of Hurricane Sandy on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Barnegat Bay, New
Jersey" by Paul Bologna;
● "Naturalization of salt marsh restoration sites in the Elizabeth River, Virginia, assessed
by feeding activity and trophic level of mummichogs" by Moriah Good; and
● "Storms and landscape change: assessing impacts to human infrastructure and natural
habitat using numerical models" by keynote speaker Neju Ganju (Fertig, 2014).
Stockton University also hosted AERS in 2018, in which student made posters were also
involved. One was titled, “Nutrient bioassay experiments in Deal Lake find nitrogen limiting to
harmful algal bloom growth in the summer season” and was created by Monmouth University
and Rutgers University undergraduate students. This poster discussed how five nutrient bioassay
experiments were conducted in this fresh-to-brackish water coastal lake to determine nutrient
limitation on algal growth (AERS, 2018).
In July 2016, Stockton University gave students the opportunity to get hands on
experience in stormwater management. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Institute for Water
Resources was awarded a Federal Highway Administration grant to analyze how green
infrastructure, or nature-based infrastructure, can help protect Great Bay Boulevard in Ocean
County, New Jersey from flooding due to severe storms and sea-level rise.​ This project was led
by a multidisciplinary team from the USACE Institute for Water Resources, USACE
Philadelphia District, Stockton University Coastal Research Center (CRC), and Barnegat Bay
Partnership (BBP), with the support of several other partners. Results from the study include an
empirical understanding of what causes Great Bay Boulevard to flood, a survey of the
surrounding salt marsh ecosystem, and two conceptual designs that intend to simultaneously
reduce flood risks and improve ecosystem functions (US Army Corps of Engineers, 2018).
Figure 5.5.2

CRC researchers extracting a marsh core, and a water level logger installation

Note.​ Marsh edge site was accessible only by the R/V Osprey, Stockton University’s research
boat. This image shows the vessel moored to the marsh edge (US Army Corps of Engineers,
2018)

5.6 Future Plans at Stockton University & Recommendations

As of September 23, Stockton University released their 2020 Master Plan. This Master
Plan includes a myriad of new developments the university has planned, including but not
limited to;
● Sports Center Expansion (Phase 1),
● Sports Center Expansion (Phase 2),
● 1,200 vehicle parking structure,
● 4th Academic Quad Building,
● Campus Center Expansion,
● Welcome Center,
● Field House & Pavilion, and
● Stockton Residential Phase 1 – Improvements.
To elaborate, Phase 1 of the Sports Center Expansion involves constructing an 18,000 SF
addition to the Sports Center on the USC side to build a new common fitness/wellness facility.
The second phase of this would be constructing a 48,000 SF addition to the Sports Center that
connects to the upgraded outdoor track to accommodate additional classrooms and program
space (Stockton University, 2020b). Continuing, a parking garage structure that can
accommodate up to 1,200 vehicles is planned as well and the unpaved portion of surface Lot 5
has emerged as the preferred location. Housing 1, which represents the oldest residential
apartments on the Galloway Campus, is on track to soon lose that title. A proposed project in the
masterplan is demolishing the sixteen two-story structures to make way for the construction of
eight new individual five-story structures (Stockton, 2020b). However, much of this proposed
development lacks explanation as to how environmental impact will be minimized.
The 2020 Master Plan states that the 2010 Stormwater Management Plan released by the
school will still be applicable. However, a general assessment brings forward doubt regarding the
University’s ability to properly manage stormwater. Construction of the parking garage on lot
five means that the current porous paving will instead be replaced with impervious cover if the
garage location is finalized as that area. The expansion of the sports center as well as other
expansion is going to create less greenspace on campus at large rates. Changing the sixteen two
story structures that make up housing 1 into five story structures will create buildings that exceed
the tree canopy, something the founders of Stockton University tried to prevent.
In ​Section 5.2​, it was established that the 1971 Comprehensive Architectural Master Plan
emphasized the natural environment and stated, “the identification of the most desirable natural
areas on the campus and administrative action now, to assure the recognition of their unique
values and to insure their perpetual protection, will demonstrate the vision of the College’s
founders (Cromartie, 2011).” It was also said that were the New Jersey Wetlands Commission of
this time given the job of determining whether or not the vision of a natural environment was
present, they might say it was lost in translation. However, as time went on Stockton University
did repair this rocky relationship and became New Jersey’s Green University.
Nevertheless, with the amount of negative impact to the environment Stockton University
brings as well as the implications of the planned development, this vision may be fading away
permanently. While the schools environmental/sustainable education can’t be discredited,
outside of this there’s little to truly earn the school the title of a “Green University” when it
comes to stormwater. Throughout this document, examples of the school's impact have been put
throughout. This includes runoff entering Lake Fred directly; an especially harmful practice to
Atlantic White Cedars which are present on campus with a declining population as a result of
runoff related pollution; and lack of natural biodiversity; which was instead replaced with
ornamental trees and grass cover in spite of 1971 recommendations. According to the Federal
Interagency Stream Restoration Working Group (2001), biodiversity is also negatively affected
by stream channelization, which results in ecological decline. This too is present on Stockton’s
Campus.
Figure 5.6.1

An Example of Excessive Grass Cover at Stockton’s Galloway Campus

Figure 5.6.2

Stream Channelization Outside of Arts & Sciences at Stockton University

​ or stream corridors that have naturally evolved in an environment of spring floods and
Note. F
low winter and summer flows, the diminution of such patterns can result in the creation of a new
succession of plants and animals and the decline of native species.

Prior to new construction, it would be in Stockton University’s best interest to first

account for the areas that could use improvement rather than to expand. According to the CMP
7:50-5.13 g, “Regional Growth Areas are areas of existing growth or lands immediately adjacent
thereto which are capable of accommodating regional growth influences while protecting the
essential character and environment of the Pinelands.” In many ways, Stockton University has
protected the essential characteristics of the Pinelands; the forest management plan includes
controlled burns that allow for regeneration, many areas of the campus are set aside for
preservation, and a variety of other examples exist. The same cannot be said for Stockton
University’s stormwater management and some essential characteristics of the Pinelands are
being lost as a result of it. 
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