Stephen Gates

The meeting addressed the impact of very dry conditions, which necessitated significant releases from the Raritan and Manasquan systems. Key operational updates included a reduction in the Manasquan Reservoir System's minimum passing flow due to a drought watch declaration, and confirmation that PFAS compliance sampling for finished water was well below limits. In the Raritan Basin System report, it was noted that the drought watch remains in effect, and NJDEP is holding a public hearing regarding a potential drought warning. Staff reported converting elevation data from NGVD29 to NAVD88 for reservoir instruments. Capital project updates included progress on the Spruce Run Administration Building Water Tank Replacement and emergency removal of a partially collapsed railroad bridge section at Station 523+80 in the D&R Canal. Watershed staff reported on meetings with municipalities regarding the Spruce Run/Mulhockaway Creek Watershed Restoration and Protection Plan, and noted the acceptance for publication of a peer-reviewed article on cyanobacteria transport in the Raritan Basin. New business involved the authorization of a construction contract for electrical testing and maintenance at the South Branch Pumping Station, awarding a four-year lease agreement for multi-functional copy devices, authorizing the contract for the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Audit, and accepting the clean, unmodified Audit Report for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2025. Additionally, the Authority adopted the 2026 Meeting Schedule and elected the Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary for 2026, along with appointing committee members.

The meeting addressed several operational and financial matters under drought conditions, following the NJDEP's declaration of a drought watch. Key discussions included the ongoing significant water releases from the Raritan and Manasquan systems due to dry conditions, with precipitation deficits noted in the Clinton area. Updates were provided on Manasquan Reservoir operations, showing a storage level below the historic average, and capital projects at the Water Treatment Plant, including GAC reactivation and piping replacements. For the Raritan Basin System, releases were balanced between Spruce Run and Round Valley Reservoirs. Capital project updates included progress on the Spruce Run Administration Building Water Tank Replacement and scheduling documentation for the Mercer County Workhouse Quarry Railroad Bridge. The Watershed Protection Program reported on a chelated copper algaecide treatment conducted on the Manasquan Reservoir following a cyanobacteria bloom. New Business involved the authorization to secure insurance coverage for the period of March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, and the approval to publish proposed rate changes for both the Manasquan Reservoir System and the Raritan Basin System, both of which are projected to remain flat for FY2027. Additionally, the Board authorized the execution of a contract to acquire a fee simple interest in a portion of a lot in Lambertville for D&R Canal Operations, and approved Contract Modification No. 26 for the Round Valley Reservoir Structures Rehabilitation Project.

The report discusses proposed amendments to the Schedule of Rates, Charges, and Debt Service Assessments for the Sale of Water from the Manasquan Reservoir Water Supply System for Fiscal Year 2021. These adjustments include changes to the Operations and Maintenance Expense Component, Source Water Protection Fund Component, Debt Service Cost Component, NJEIFP Debt Component, and the addition of a Capital Fund Component Rate for initial and delayed water purchase contract customers. The total rate for Initial Water Purchase Contracts is proposed at $1,010.75/mg and $1,124.67/mg for Delayed Water Purchase Contracts.

The meeting included reports on the Manasquan Reservoir System, the Raritan Basin System, the Canal Dredging Project, and the Round Valley Reservoir Dams Rehabilitation Project. The Authority discussed financial performance for the six months ending December 31, 2019, and approved resolutions regarding appointments to the Insurance Committee, ratification of the Executive Director's placement of the Authority's Insurance Program, acceptance of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the IBEW, authorization of an agreement and easement granting JCP&L rights to extend electrical service, authorization of a contract to sell a fee simple interest, and authorization of an amendment to a contract with Princeton Hydro for additional engineering services. Public comments were heard regarding insurance coverage and Harmful Algal Bloom warnings.

The meeting with Franklin Township officials provided an update on the Canal Dredging project, including a review of design documents, proposed access, and staging areas. Discussions covered the project's scope, duration, and potential for reduced timelines with extended work hours, pending Township approval. The public engagement was reviewed, with a request for all known impacts to public use of the Canal to be provided to the Township. The dredging method, sediment dewatering process, and the logistics of sediment transport were explained. The coordination with NJDEP and other agencies, including a one-stop coordination meeting, was discussed, along with upcoming shoreline and debris surveys.