New Jersey's Resilient Environment and Landscapes Regulations
Presented by:
Carolyn Paone & Jordan Shuster
AKRF
ABSTRACT:
Join us for an engaging session where we’ll dive into some of the exciting features of New Jersey’s Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) regulations, as proposed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This presentation will give you a clearer understanding of how these proposed reforms will impact both current infrastructure and future development across the state. By the end of this session, you’ll gain insight into:
Climate Adjusted Flood Elevations (CAFE) - Explore how the updated Coastal Flood Hazard Area (CFHA) regulations now include the latest sea-level rise projections. The CFHA has expanded, affecting residential and commercial structures. Learn how the new CAFE standards will require higher first-floor elevations and recognize when floodproofing is a viable alternative. We’ll also cover the requirements to elevate access roads and pedestrian pathways to keep up with the changing climate.
Inundation Risk Zone (IRZ) - Get introduced to the newly defined Inundation Risk Zone, which highlights areas at risk of permanent flooding due to sea-level rise. We’ll discuss the new guidelines and available mapping for development in these zones.
Updated Stormwater Management Regulations - We’ll explore the updated stormwater management rules, including expanded water quality standards and the push for green infrastructure solutions.
Administrative Changes - The regulations also include important administrative updates such as the new process for obtaining hardship exceptions. We’ll also highlight changes in the permitting process, including quicker approvals for nature-based solutions and overall considerations for current project timelines.
Real-World Case Studies - Get a firsthand look at how these changes will impact different types of projects:
This session will provide you with essential knowledge to navigate the proposed NJDEP REAL regulations, preparing you for the future of development in New Jersey’s coastal areas. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
SPEAKER BIOS:
Carolyn Paone is a water resources engineer at AKRF specializing in climate hazard identification, resiliency planning and design, and green stormwater infrastructure strategies. She has designed, modeled and permitted creative stormwater management systems for challenging sites with numerous site constraints and tenant requirements under tight timelines. She also provides sustainability consulting and resiliency planning for clients to support their net-zero and climate positive goals, in addition to her internal role as co-director of AKRF’s Sustainability Working Group.
She contributes extensively to industry programs and events, presenting for the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership, Rutgers University Office of Continuing Professional Education, SAME Philadelphia Post, and Green Building United. Carolyn is also a member of the Urban Land Institute’s Philadelphia Resilience Committee, and she earned a Sustainable Enterprise Executive Education and Development certification from Villanova University for the design of robust sustainability programs.
Jordan Shuster is a water resources engineer at AKRF focused on green stormwater infrastructure design and implementation, flood and climate resiliency research and planning, and regulatory review and guidance. Her background in municipal engineering earned her an appreciation for the role of community coordination and environmental consideration in effective planning. Jordan is a current graduate student at Villanova University, working towards a master’s degree in civil engineering with an emphasis on water resources.
Engineers:
This seminar does qualify for 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH). A Certificate of Attendance will be available for AWRA-PMAS members only. The meeting price for non-members who wish to receive a Certificate of Attendance for the PDH is $10.00 ($3.00 for meeting + $7.00 for certificate).
Please note:
Thank you!