Mendham Twp. Faces $444K In Wastewater Fines, Eyes Settlement

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ — Mendham Township officials will consider a settlement involving more than $444,000 in environmental fines tied to wastewater treatment violations when the Township Committee meets on Thursday.

The committee will also consider acquiring an additional stake in a local nature preserve for just $1 and discuss garbage and recycling rates for 2027.

The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Mendham Township Town Hall, 2 West Main Street in Brookside, with remote participation available via Zoom.

Here's a look at some of the major items on the agenda:

$444K In Wastewater Violations

The committee will consider approving settlement agreements with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) over wastewater discharge violations at two township treatment facilities.

According to a proposed resolution, the township's wastewater treatment facilities at 6 Devonshire Lane and 331 Pleasant Valley Road began exceeding permitted discharge limits around 2020.

The township alleges that Veolia Water North America-Northeast LLC, which operated both facilities under contract, failed to notify municipal officials about the violations.

The NJDEP subsequently imposed fines totaling $444,016, including $210,180 for the Mendham East facility and $233,836 for Mendham West.

However, township officials say Veolia has agreed to cover the penalties.

Under the proposed resolution, the mayor and township clerk would be authorized to execute settlement agreements with the NJDEP, along with an indemnity agreement requiring Veolia to pay the fines.

Township Could Acquire More Land For $1

Officials will also consider introducing an ordinance allowing the township to acquire an additional 16 percent ownership interest in the Mosele Preserve from the Schiff Natural Lands Trust for $1.

The property, identified as Block 100, Lot 17.02 on the municipal tax map, is currently jointly owned by the township, the Schiff Natural Lands Trust and the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.

The proposed acquisition would consolidate the trust's ownership interest with the township's existing stake in the property.

According to the ordinance, the land would continue serving public purposes, including parkland and open space preservation.

A presentation from the Schiff Natural Lands Trust is also scheduled during Thursday's meeting.

If introduced, the ordinance would be subject to a public hearing on Oct. 26.

Garbage Rates, Tree Ordinance Up For Discussion

The committee is also expected to discuss garbage and recycling rates for 2027, potentially affecting what residents pay for municipal waste collection services next year.

The agenda does not specify any proposed rate increases or decreases.

Other discussion items include a tree ordinance and information from Blue Diamond regarding brush pickup.

No specific changes to those services are outlined in the agenda.

The Mendham Township Committee will meet Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 2 West Main Street, Brookside. A closed executive session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., during which officials are expected to discuss police sergeant interviews.

Residents can attend the public meeting in person or join via Zoom.

Webinar ID: 822 5073 6753

Passcode: 476125

The meeting will include opportunities for public comment.